Joanne Brown, MS, OTR/L, CHT, CTRI
executive co-director
Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
MA licensed riding instructor
Joanne is a native of Greenfield and grew up horseback riding at Stoney B' Acres. After a long and successful career as an Occupational Therapist, Certified Hand Therapist and instructor of human anatomy, Joanne returned to her roots at Stoney B' Acres and started riding again. She studied Hippotherapy and pursued coursework at Greenlock Therapeutic Riding (Rehoboth, MA) UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center (Goffstown, NH) and at High Hopes (Old Lyme, CT). She has volunteered at Touchstone Farm (Temple, NH). In pursuing her certification as a PATH certified riding instructor, she completed internships at High Horses (Sharon, VT) and the Therapeutic Equestrian Center (Holyoke, MA). Joanne received her credential as a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) in 2019. She enjoys working with all riders to help them meet their horsemanship and riding goals and is especially excited when she can add her unique expertise of human anatomy and therapeutic perspective to her lessons.
When Joanne is not at the farm, she works as Director of content for Knowfully Learning Group. She enjoys hiking with her Bernese Mountain Dog, biking, trail riding and spending time on Cape Cod. Her special equine assisted activities interests include Dressage, Drawing with Horses, Reading with Horses and working with clients on Trust Techniques.
Sandy sayers
Co-Founder
PATH Certified therapeutic riding instructor
Sandy began Courageous Strides Therapeutic Riding Program with extensive experience, managing non-profits and in professional fundraising. She recently retired from the United Way of Franklin County where she served as the Executive Director for three years.
Sandy fell in love with horses late in life, she never rode as a child, and began riding at Stoney B' Acres in 2008. Since starting lessons at Stoney B' Acres she now owns her own horse, Sam, a 15 year old Quarter Horse, whom she purchased from Val Deane.
Her love for horses and riding continues to grow. Her love for horses and riding helped her understand the beauty in these majestic creatures and have helped her to create and develop a sense of peace of contentment in her own life. It is her "therapy" and special way of dealing with stress. It has been important to Sandy to share this experience with others and teach people about the therapeutic nature of horses.
Sandy is a licensed Massachusetts riding instructor and is a certified riding instructor with PATH.