Welcome 2024 Summer Camp Interns

Molly, Kass, Angelica

We are delighted to introduce our three Summer Camp Interns, Molly, Kass, and Angelica. They will be assisting throughout the 11 weeks of fun, learning, and excitement. One is a returning Summer Camp Volunteer who has embraced the challenge of becoming an intern. Another volunteered for a short time in 2022, and the third is a local equestrian, who is thrilled to join the team. These three individuals looking forward to sharing their expertise, perspectives, and horse knowledge with our campers. With their enthusiasm and extensive horse experience, we are confident they will motivate our campers to improve their riding skills, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile.

Please join us in giving them a warm welcome!

Molly McDonald

Molly is currently a senior at the University of Rhode Island majoring in Criminology and minoring in Psychology. Molly is excited to be graduating this coming fall! A very caring, loving, and adventurous person, she absolutely loves animals and wants to pursue a career involving and helping animals.

A fun fact about Molly is that she lives with her family and has 3 goats, 4 chickens, 2 cats, a dog, a bunny, hermit crabs, and koi fish! Molly is also a very creative person and has taken a variety of art classes like jewelry making, painting, and drawing throughout college.

Molly also has 9 years of horse experience riding at a stable in Basking Ridge. She’s competed in 2 shows and even learned how to play polo for a year which was an amazing and fun experience. Even though Molly is a full-time student, she also has a job working at a doggy daycare and boarding school.

Molly has also volunteered at multiple places with different animals including Mane Stream! Not only that but she enjoys working with children and adults. She has a lot of summer camp experience and went to summer camps and sleep-away camps all my childhood. Molly says, “I believe interning with Mane Stream this summer will be very beneficial and I am eager to learn more about animal-assisted programs utilizing horses.”

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Kassandra Guerard

We know  Kassandra as Kass! She is currently a Junior at Centenary University majoring in equine assisted services and minoring in psychology. After she completes her undergraduate studies, Kass plans to get her masters in speech-language pathology! She is a people person and truly enjoys being around individuals who share her love for horses. In her free time Kass can be found volunteering for TRAC, the therapeutic riding program at Centenary, and helping out with adaptive riding at Mane Stream where she has accumulated almost 200 service hours in the past year! Kass also loves to ride when she can. When she isn’t at a barn, she can be found at home spending time with family and 4 cats. 

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Angelica Fata

Angelica is a rising junior at Lafayette College majoring in psychology with a minor in art. She has a passion for working with children and animals and aims to combine these passions this summer to help make horseback riding more accessible to all. Her future goal is to become a clinical psychologist, and being a camp intern at Mane Stream this summer will contribute to her personal and professional growth. Additionally, Angelica has experience tutoring children in libraries and schools, as well as caring for dogs in animal shelters.

Angelica has been riding horses since she was four years old and has ridden at many local barns. She has also helped with groundwork, barn chores, and leased/owned horses. Currently, she is riding at A. Hope Equestrian in Readington, NJ. In her free time, Angelica enjoys being with her horse, Wesley, and her dog, Frankie. She is looking forward to collaborating with her fellow interns and having a blast with the campers this summer!

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Last Year’s Interns Become Camp Staff in 2024!

Ella Wagner: co-Camp Activity Specialist

In her own words: “I am thrilled to be back at Mane Stream again! After an amazing experience interning here last summer, I was honored when Mane Stream offered me this position. I’m excited for the new challenges and experiences this new position brings as well as getting to know all our campers. The new interns, Anna Squindo, and I, have been hard at work trying to make this the best camp yet, and I can’t believe it’s finally right around the corner!” Find out more about Ella.

Kathryn Blount: Camp Riding Instructor

Will Kathryn make a comeback with her dazzling fringe jacket? The anticipation is high! Last year, Kathryn seamlessly integrated with the Mane Stream team and even rivaled Miss Kelly in terms of camp spirit. This year, we will be counting on Kathryn's equestrian skills as she transitions into an instructor role. Find out more about Kathryn.

Additional Riding Instructors:

Kathy Dermody, Camp Director & PATH Intl. Instructor
Anna Squindo, Co-Camp Activity Specialist
Jen Dermody, PATH Intl. Advanced Instructor
Kelly Champion, PATH Intl. Instructor
Holland Kochanski, PATH Intl. Instructor
Kayla Thau, PATH Intl. Instructor
Alex Willard, Riding Instructor

What went on last summer?

Take a peek! 2023 Camp Wrapup Article

National Safety Month

We wanted to share a few safety tips for participants and volunteers alike. At Mane Stream, safety is always our top priority!

Tip #1: Helmet Safety

Mane Stream's top safety advice is to replace your helmet if it meets any of the following conditions:
1. More than 5 years old (check the date inside the helmet).
2. It has been in a fall and hit the ground.
3. There is noticeable damage.
4. The helmet no longer fits your head properly.

Tip #2: Heat Survival Tips

We’ve got some sizzling advice for our awesome volunteers & participants. As the sun cranks up the heat, remember to slather on sunscreen, keep hydrated with a trusty water bottle, fuel up before heading to Mane Stream (with a snack not gas!), and please, no crocs or sandals. Feeling the heat a bit too much? Don't hesitate to give us a shout for a breather! Your safety and happiness are our top priorities!

Tip #3: Cell Phone USage

We've got a BIG favor to ask all our fantastic volunteers. Please stash your cell phone in the tack room or your car while you're in the participating in a lesson or a therapy session. Let's keep those eyes on the horse and the participant to ensure safety reigns supreme. A chirping phone might spook a horse or throw off a participant's groove. You are the safety superheroes, looking out for our riders, instructors, and yourself.

Tip #4: Emergency dismounts & more

You are encouraged to watch our training videos. The fifth video demonstrates the Emergency Dismount, explaining its execution and purpose. Additionally, there are several other video clips offering essential tips & tricks to ensure the safety of our volunteers, participants, and horses. These are valuable resources for current volunteers to refresh their knowledge of Mane Stream policies and procedures.

Summer Spirit Wear Store - Only 1 Week!!

Shop NOW for our exclusive SUMMER APPAREL

Don’t forget to review the size charts!!!

This online store will only be available for just 1 week! So explore a variety of new colors for this season. We have even brought back “performance” material for those of you who really appreciate the wicking fabric.

Don't miss out on sporting our latest Mane Stream summer collection. Time is limited, so make sure to place your order as soon as possible!

Store closes June 2nd at midnight!

Party in the Paddock: A Triumph Despite the Drizzle

Spirits soared, despite the nip in the air

Despite the slightly chilly, breezy, and drizzly weather, dedicated partygoers gathered for Mane Stream's 2nd Annual Party in the Paddock Derby party. The fundraising event was a heartwarming display of community spirit and commitment to Mane Stream's mission. The atmosphere was alive with enthusiasm as guests embraced the Derby theme, immersing themselves in an evening of celebration and support for Mane Stream's programs. Against the backdrop of rolling pastures, attendees were treated to demonstrations by participants from Mane Stream's adaptive riding and therapy programs, showcasing the profound impact of equine-assisted activities.

thank you event sponsors!

WIN - $3,250

The Greifeld Family
Kathy & Hal Kamine
Red Tail Farm

PLACE - $1,750

Amy Gimbel & John Sepede
Sell with LAVELLE
Keller Williams LUXURY International
Jeanne & Roger Rogalin

SHOW - $850

The Durden Family
Karen and Steve Kaufhold
The Saladino Family
Sudler Family Foundation

Derby Jockey Sponsors

Advantage Pools
The Bezer Family
The Cavalero Family
The Coloff-Verge Family
Pine Woods Farm
Melissa and Mike Renfer
Jeanne and Roger Rogalin

The Food Architects delighted taste buds with a delectable array of warm dishes, perfectly complemented by handcrafted cocktails from Tito's Handmade Vodka, including the refreshing Oaks Lily and Strawberry Lemonade.

The evening was filled with Kentucky Derby-themed excitement, culminating in the exhilarating LIVE Kentucky Derby Race streaming, accompanied by spirited "betting" festivities.

Spirits soared, despite the nip in the air, buoyed by the warmth of camaraderie and a shared purpose: to raise funds for much-needed farm equipment. With our rusty 20+ year old equipment on its last legs, the sight of guest-turned-auctioneer, Mike Exton, perched in the tractor's bucket, rallying support for a paddle raise, underscored the urgency of the cause. Thanks to the generosity of attendees, Mane Stream will soon boast a gleaming new Kubota Tractor and Utility Vehicle, a testament to the power of community support.

The highlight, however, was the 2nd annual Mane Stream Stick Pony Derby. This year we opened it up to “jockeys” from the community as well as staff. “Jockeys” that raced included Riding Instructor Elke Phillips, Barn Manager Alex Willard, Occupational Therapist Emily Istvan, Board Member Madison Rezaei, event attendee Jennifer Chin, and a last-minute entry, Hadleigh Hendrickson, vied for victory in a thrilling display of equestrian skill 😉and determination. Quick out of the gate and fleet-footed over the jumps, Alex Willard blazed toward the finish line several lengths ahead of Elke making her the winner of the gorgeous sash of red roses.

The Hat contest added a dash of flair to the proceedings, with Laura Edelson's whimsical creation earning honors for its Mane Stream-inspired design, while Jill Dolan claimed the title for Best Overall and Kristin Halvey dazzled with her Most Creative entry.

The success of the 50/50 Raffle added to the jubilant atmosphere, with the lucky winner taking home an impressive $2,048. The grand prize winner for the Kentucky Derby was Michele Lawse, who went home with a bottle of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Derby 150th Edition Bourbon.

We hope everyone enjoyed the evening! All proceeds from the event go directly to support the children and adults with special needs who participate in Mane Stream’s adaptive riding, therapy services, summer camp, field trips, and Horses for Healing programs.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone again next year! Please mark your calendars for May 3, 2025...to celebrate Mane Stream and the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby!

Click here for all the Gif and Giggle pics! Party in the Paddock

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DEMONSTRATIONS: Viviana Henry-Wilson, David Santos, George Hoehn, Gemma Lawse, Daisy DeSimone, Madison Flanagan

EVENT VOLUNTEERS: Terri Andrechick, Avery Boarts, Tina Corcoran, Tess Coffey, Lola Dermody, Laura Edelson, Nancy Grossweiler, Grace Harvey, Leroy Hunninghake, Emma Iglesias, Elaine Milano, Janie Murphy, Kerry Scholz, Mary Ellen Yen

EVENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Tina Corcoran, Laura Edelson, Nancy Grossweiler, KJ Jiritano, Karen Kaufhold, Jesse and Kara McMahon, Kerry Scholz, Michele Stevens, Stacy Timko, Laurie Willard, Mary Ellen Yen

Special thanks to Wolfy Nicolaides who volunteered his photography services providing these great shots for your enjoyment.

Thanks a BUZZ-ilion!

Celebrating National Volunteer Appreciation Week

Remember Patty Illuzzi who worked in the office a few years ago? Well, when Patty retired from Mane Stream she put all her free time into her Bees. Now, her business Long Meadow Bee Works supplies several local businesses with honey, candles, hand soap, and beeswax holiday ornaments. Thanks Patty!!

Mane Stream celebrated National Volunteer Week from April 22-27, with 48 of our dedicated volunteers who filled 78 volunteer spots putting in 175 hrs over the course of the week! This is a 25% increase over last year, so no wonder we feel like 2024 is just BUZZing right along.

By now you’ve probably noticed the theme…BEEs! Volunteer Coordinator, Emily De Jong, and trusty Assistant, Renae Flanagan, pushed the Bee theme even further by connecting with local honey farmer and artist, Patty Illuzzi, for a sweet treat giveaway. The volunteers had the option of choosing the cute jar of honey and dipper or a small bottle of essential oils. Each day of the week the volunteer teams enjoyed an abundance of snacks both savory and sweet in between the riding lessons, therapy sessions, and field trip visits.

Working together, we have fostered a supportive and empowering atmosphere where individuals flourish. The hard work and generosity of our volunteers has been instrumental in Mane Stream's success, and we eagerly anticipate continuing this journey together for the rest of the year.

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHTS

This year we turned the spotlight on 6 more volunteers with varying degrees of experience with Mane Stream’s programs. Please take a moment to read what they had to share.

Dana Roundsaville - My only regret is that I didn’t start sooner!
Debra & Bessie Huggins - We’re happy, chatty, and relaxed on the drive home!
Laura Edelson & Karen Ricciardi - Sister Duo says, “It’s an extra special experience!”
Wolfy Nicolaides - Interesting Backgrounds Make for Versatile Volunteers
Shannon Santoro - I Can See That I Make a Difference!
Avery Boarts - Allowing This Experience to Strengthen Myself!

Looking back on the whirlwind of the past year and celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Week, we can't help but beam with gratitude for the incredible contributions of each and every volunteer. Their unwavering commitment to Mane Stream and all our participants is the secret sauce that keeps our community buzzing with energy!

Thank you for bee-ing such fabulous volunteers!

Welcome Sunny!

We’re excited to introduce Sunny as the newest member of the herd! After a month on trial, we knew Sunny would be a great addition to the team. Director of Program Services, Jen Dermody was quick to say, “Sunny is the perfect height for leaders and sidewalkers alike. Sunny is also great for our independent riders and the Girl Scouts love his name!” Thank you Someday Stables for donating this super chill and versatile guy.

Birthday: 7/1/06
Breed: Quarter Horse
Color: Chestnut
Height: 14.3 hands

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK

WE ARE CELEBRATING YOU from April 22-27!

Another buzzing year at Mane Stream has passed by.

As we reflect on the past year and celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Week, we are reminded of the incredible impact all our volunteers have had on our community. It is not without their dedication to us and our participants that makes this hive thrive!

Together, we have created a supportive and empowering environment where individuals can blossom and grow. Your hard work and generosity have helped us achieve great things and we look forward to continuing this journey together in the year ahead.

Thank you for bee-ing such fabulous volunteers!
Grab some snacks and a sweet gift during your shift!
If you’re not on the schedule, come by anytime! We’d love to see you!

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We’re Shining the Spotlight on Our Volunteers
Please get to know just a few of our fabulous and dedicated team of volunteers by reading their Volunteer Spotlight stories located on our Current Happenings section of the website!

Allowing This Experience to Strengthen Myself!

Volunteer spotlight: Avery Boarts

Since November 2023 Avery has accumulated more than 46 hours of service because of her flexible home school schedule. This allows her to help with the Pillar School on Tuesday mornings, which we greatly appreciate. She’s also part of the Wednesday Dream Team assisting Instructors, Jen & Kathy Dermody.

What does this tall teen with five years of riding experience think of her time spent at Mane Stream?

“I chose to volunteer at Mane Stream because I wanted to expand my knowledge in the therapeutic equestrian field and connect with others. I love being involved in a program that's rewarding and helping people accomplish their goals during their time at Mane Stream. It is a great place to not only lend a helping hand to those who walk through the door but also a place where you can become a difference maker. I have had the chance to learn, help others, and allow this experience to strengthen myself.”

“One of the most rewarding stories I have had since volunteering was the time I helped a teenage girl gain confidence as a rider. I met her the first day she had gotten back in the saddle after taking a break from riding. She was afraid of how the horse would react. Would she be a good enough rider? And she was afraid of the idea of trotting again. As I continued to work with her and her instructor, she became more confident in herself and improved her riding skills. Afterward, every time she got on a horse, she would smile. She even conquered one of her fears, which was trotting on a horse! I was so proud of her and the time I spent with her made me smile, too.”

“I could also relate to what this rider was going through because I had a very similar experience. At one point in my life, I lost confidence in horseback riding, too. I thought I would never be able to overcome it, however I did. It was nice to work through something I had also experienced with this individual because it made both of us stronger.”

And finally, Avery wants everyone to know, “Mane Stream is a safe place; a place that makes everyone happy! I love this program and can't wait to see what comes next here at Mane Stream!”

Big thanks to Trainer, Jess Wentworth from White Pole Stables for suggesting that Avery should volunteer at Mane Stream!

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Consider Joining the Volunteer Team!
https://www.manestreamnj.org/volunteeropportunities

I Can See that I Make a Difference!

Volunteer spotlight: Shannon Santoro

Shannon Santoro moved to New Jersey in 2022, just a few minutes away from Mane Stream. Every day on her way home, she noticed the “stunning” horses by the roadside and became captivated. Shannon imagined what it would be like to work at such a place. One day, she noticed a sign that read “Volunteers Needed” and decided to sign up since she met the age criteria.

In the past year, Shannon has learned much about our participants having volunteered with adaptive riding, Girl Scouts, camp, and therapy for a total of 74 hours so far. “Differences are a thing that should be celebrated, not singled out, and every human being deserves to be treated with the utmost respect, dignity, and kindness when you meet them, no matter what assumptions you may have made about that person.”

PATH Certified Instructor, Kelly Champion, has enjoyed seeing Shannon come out of her shell these past few months. “Shannon is now part of the team! And it really shows that she cares about the participants, horses, and volunteers alike.” 

Shannon shared, “My favorite program is summer camp. I love getting to be a part of camp because of how many different kinds of people I get to interact with each week. There is also a fun variety of activities during camp. I also love watching the kids apply all of the different skills they learn throughout the week during the Friday horse show for the parents. I love seeing the proud smiles on all the kids’ faces at the end when they hold up their well-deserved certificates.”

When we asked Shannon who her favorite horse was she smiled and said, “Don (Donald), because he is such a gentle giant. He may look intimidating from afar due to his massive build and midnight brown coat but he is such a sweet and silly goofball once you get to know him.”

We asked Shannon what her most rewarding moment was she shared, “During the winter riding session at Woodpond Manor, I was granted the opportunity to work with a little ball of sunshine named Penelope. I still remember the session in which she not only remembered my name for the first time but pronounced it loudly and clearly. During a session that took place right around Valentine’s Day, Kelly placed paper hearts on the floor of the arena with questions on the other side. The rider was supposed to guide the horse over to a heart of their choosing and have the nearest volunteer pick it up for them and show them the question. One of the questions Penelope got was “Who is your favorite Mane Stream volunteer?” she said that I was, and that was just the most rewarding thing for me. It really helped me see that I do make a difference for people and everything I do is paying off.”

Thanks for being an important part of the team, Shannon!

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Consider Joining the Volunteer Team!
https://www.manestreamnj.org/volunteeropportunities

Interesting Backgrounds Make for Versatile Volunteers

Volunteer spotlight: Wolfy Nicolaides

Just about 1 year ago Michael Nicolaides (a.k.a. Wolfy) joined the Mane Stream team. He lives close by AND has a flexible schedule, which makes him a perfect candidate for filling those last-minute spots.

When he moved to the area, he knew he wanted to give back to the community just like many of our volunteers. Wolfy shared, “I have always loved and wanted to work with horses, and when I learned of the amazing work that Mane Stream does, it sealed the deal! To be able to work with horses and help out with kids and adults who can really benefit from the programs offered, it was the perfect opportunity for me.”

When we asked Wolfy about the people he has met this past year he said, “I love working with everyone on the staff. They are so nice, knowledgeable, and patient and I've learned so much from all of them. The whole staff is also incredibly kind, and seeing them interact with the participants has really made every day I spend volunteering a great day.”

Wolfy’s favorite part of volunteering however is getting to know the participants. “They've taught me so much while working with them. It’s given me the chance to see how the kids handle and face different challenges. It’s difficult not to be inspired and proud of their ability to learn and thrive as they become more confident with each session or lesson. It’s tremendously rewarding to see as they progress from the first time sitting and walking on their horse to learning to post when they are trotting. They’ve shown me that no challenge is out of reach when you apply yourself.”  And while the participants are remarkable, Wolfy also mentioned, “Working with horses is incredible. It changes your spirit! Being outside, and working in the stable, all of it adds so much to my week. Being able to do both is so rewarding.”

Not only is Wolfy a dedicated program volunteer, we also found out that in a previous life, he was a fashion photographer, and is now helping out to capture all the magic that happens at Mane Stream. His next assignment is ensuring all the fun at Party in the Paddock on May 4th is documented! And if this volunteer isn’t diverse enough, Wolfy is also part owner of Molly’s Cupcakes and kindly provides delicious treats occasionally.

Thank you for choosing Mane Stream Wolfy!

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Consider Joining the Volunteer Team!
https://www.manestreamnj.org/volunteeropportunities