MISSION

The mission of Stride Ahead is to use horses to empower people in need in DeKalb County and Georgia to achieve their highest potential. We use proven methods to provide transformative learning experiences in personal, social, educational, and physical development.

NON-PROFIT STATUS

Stride Ahead, Inc.  is designated a 501(c)(3) by the IRS, effective August 27, 2008.  Donations to Stride Ahead are fully tax deductible.

LISTED AT GUIDESTAR.ORG

You can see more information about the mission, activities, and finances of Stride Ahead at the definitive reference for nonprofit organizational information.   www.GuideStar.org

FUNDING

Stride Ahead is funded through three sources. 

1. 1.•Grants from charitable foundations
   
   

2. 2.•Donations from private citizens
   
   

3. 3.•Fees from ongoing programs
   
   

SUPPORTERS

Dekalb County Parks and Recreation Dept.

Little Creek Farm Conservancy

BOARD of DIRECTORS.

Stride Ahead’s board brings a broad array of talents and experience including equine assisted therapy professionals with certifications from two internationally respected organizations:

• NARHA - North American Riding for the Handicapped Association

1. 1.•EAGALA - Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association
   
   

2. 2.•as well as training by the Strides to Success character building equine program for at-risk school children. 
   
   

Chris Lobkowicz

Board of Directors/ President

Chris was a retail manager and then the Assistant to the General Manager of  retail sales with Sporting Dog Specialties, which, at the time, was the world’s largest mail order supplier of pet products.   Her roles with the company included sales, managing all functions of the retail floor, personnel,  training of managers and employees, marketing,  merchandising,  as well as regional logistics.

Chris holds a BS in Environmental Science- emphasizing animal behavior and human psychology. She has been around horses most of her life. Presently, she is a GA state licensed massage therapist.

Anne Preston

Chair of the Board of Directors

Anne is certified Level I EAGALA and is certified by NARHA as a therapeutic riding instructor.  She has also been trained in the methodology of the Strides to Success character building program. 

She has served on the boards of other 501c3 non-profits and one not-for-profit organization. 

She has ten years experience in early childhood education as a Montessori teacher.

James Marosek

Board of Directors / Treasurer

A partner with Verner, Bromberg & Cohen, CPAs, James Marosek provides tax and consulting services to individuals and businesses. He is an active member in the Georgia Society of CPAs and a past participant in the organization's Leadership Academy.

James believes financial awareness should begin at an early age, and he volunteers through Junior Achievement, school and church programs to speak to children, young adults and families about finances and the importance of financial planning. He also participates in the Financial Literacy Program through his association with the Georgia Society of CPAs.

 

Originally from Ohio, James spent six years as a Military Police Sergeant with the United States Army/National Guard in Brookpark, Ohio, to which he credits his discipline and concern for the well-being of others.

 

He earned his BS in Accounting from Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. 

In his spare time, James enjoys mountain bike riding, a hobby to which he is introducing his children. They also have inherited his appreciation for music, and all three play classical piano and play in a youth orchestra.

 

James and his wife, Van, live in Lawrenceville with their three daughters.

Christy Rosenblatt

Board of Directors/Secretary

She is a member of the Bar of Georgia. She has worked with therapeutic horseback riding programs in Tennessee and in Atlanta. 

Christopher Hunnicutt

Board of Directors

Chris has worked and served in the non profit sector for the last twelve years.  He has served on the non-profit boards of The Arc of Georgia, and Aldersgate Homes.   As a parent, he has extensive personal experience on behalf of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities (Pw I/DD).  This includes; early childhood intervention, Individualized Education Plan input (IEP), futures planning and transition into adulthood, community building, and work and life planning through information and advocacy.  In his professional endeavors, he has assessed and evaluated for service quality assurance, and prompted quality improvement.  He has also built and managed residential supports that focused upon person centered thinking concerning residential,  recreational, and creating personally meaningful days. He holds a BS in Environmental Health. 

Amy White

Board of Directors

Until July 2009 she is was the Marketing Manager at CBS Atlanta.  She served as Regional Director of the American Heart Association from 2004-2006.  She served on a High Museum of Art fundraising committee in 2008.  She volunteered in therapeutic riding programs in Georgia and Connecticut from 2005 through 2008. 

Dr Karen Tedeschi

Board of Directors

Dr. Tedeschi has been US National Board Certified doctor of chiropractic and in private practice since 1994.  She is also a member of the Georgia Chiropractic Association and served on the Advisory Board of the Atlanta School of Massage from 1999-2006.  In 2007 Dr. Tedeschi became certified in Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation through the International Association of Veterinary Chiropractitioners.