Debbie has served in the animal assisted therapy industry for over 40 years. She has held every position including lead stall cleaner, program director, board member, fundraiser, founder, executive director and has always been a great instructor. In addition, Debbie has volunteered her time and energy to PATH International for the last twenty years serving on committees and on the PATH Board of Directors for ten years including four years on the Executive Board.

Debbie co-founded Strides to Success with a vision of meeting community needs through EAL and Therapy programs. Debbie is a PATH certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor since 1996 and is also certified as an Equine Specialist is Mental Health & Learning. Additional certifications include Certified Equine
Interaction Professional in Education, E3A certified corporate trainer, and EAGALA trained and a HorseWork Master trainer.

Email: debbie@stridestosuccess.org

Blair McKissock has been in the field of human-animal interaction and experiential education for over 20 years. She earned her BS in Recreation Therapy and her MS in Education and has a PhD in EcoPsychology. She is a PATH registered instructor, certified equine specialist, EAGALA Level 1 and certified WellCoach.  She is the chair of the equine facilitated learning (EAL) community for PATH and works nationally to establish standards in EAL.  Blair is honored to be a part of the Strides staff as an instructor and workshop facilitator.

Savannah Smith started at Strides to Success as a volunteer after hearing about the program in high school. After graduating, Savannah took the position as barn manager at Strides.  The more she learned from her wonderful mentors, Debbie and Blair, the more she fell in love with the work.  After a few years of living in North Carolina, Savannah is excited to be back at Strides in training as PATH certified equine specialist and Therapeutic Riding instructor.

Email: Savannah@stridestosuccess.org