Our Team
Meet Our Staff
HorseAbility offers a variety of Equine Assisted Services for therapy, recreation, sport, education and/or wellness. Qualified instructors develop lesson plans that may involve riding, driving, or ground-based activities (e.g., grooming, handling, leading, observing). Through these activities participants can attain individualized horsemanship skills, and allow for the natural benefits of working with horses. No formal diagnosis is required for participation in our riding programs. HorseAbility’s lessons are open to all riders of any ability aged 3-adult.
Katie McGowan, Founder/Executive Director
Katie McGowan is a Certified Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor & Mentor by PATH, Intl., as well as an accredited Instructor from the renowned Cheff Center for the Handicapped in Augusta, Michigan. In 1993, she combined her love of people and animals but also her passion for education and founding HorseAbility, Center for Equine Facilitated Programs. Katie holds a B.A. in Philosophy from Molloy College with an M.A. in Elementary Education from LIU CW Post. Katie is an adjunct professor at Molloy College, SUNY Old Westbury, and LIU CW Post. Katie is an active mother of two teenagers. Sports and competition are a part of their family. She coaches both softball and basketball for her children and in the community. Katie remains an avid Equestrian. She and her horse Archon train and compete in local Dressage shows.
Awards & Recognitions:
“Fortune 52” distinguished women from the LI Press - 2008
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award Molloy College - 2008.
NYS “Woman of Distinction” - 2010
Brava “SmartCEO” Award - 2016
Women’s President Organization inductee - 2018
Margi Croutier, Bookkeeper
Margi comes to HorseAbility with extensive experience and knowledge in Bookkeeping after decades of working for local small businesses. A Long Island native, Margi grew up in Rockville Centre and attended Nassau Community College and CW Post. She has a lifetime love of horses spending her childhood riding at Hempstead Lake. Margi was elated to join our team in September 2017 bringing her back to the farm. Margi is a proud mother of three and grandmother.
Alicia Levy, Program Director
Alicia graduated from Roger Williams University with a BS in Psychology. She was a member of the school’s equestrian team for four years. Alicia joined the HorseAbility team in the summer of 2012 as the Director of Volunteers where she revamped and overhauled the entire department. In 2016, Alicia took another step in her career and obtained certification as a PATH Therapeutic Registered Instructor. In 2020, Alicia moved into another essential role as the Program Director. Alicia is involved in many aspects of the organization including internship coordinating, event and fundraising support, mentoring, and program development. She is passionate about educating and sharing the HorseAbility mission with everyone in the community.
Alexis DeMartino, Barn Manager
Katelyn Morrie, GOALS Program Manager & HorseAbility Show Team Manager
Katelyn has a BS in Athletic Training from Stony Brook University and is a Certified Athletic Trainer. Katelyn has been a member of the HorseAbility community since 2006 when she became a volunteer. She quickly fell in love with the magic she saw between horses and humans. After many years of volunteering, she joined the Barn Intern program which cultivated her skills and knowledge as a horsewoman. In 2016, she became a certified therapeutic riding instructor through PATH, Intl. Katelyn wears many hats here at the farm; in addition to being an instructor, she is the prevocational program manager, and manager of our competitive show team. Katelyn can always be found helping at Camp HorseAbility and assisting at our special events and fundraisers.
Awards & Recognitions:
Lifetime Achievement Presidential Service Award - 2017
LIHSSRD Ed Wrigley Memorial Sportsmanship Trophy - 2018
Kerry Chester, Administrative Assistant
Meet our Instructors
HorseAbility offers a variety of Equine Assisted Services for therapy, recreation, sport, education and/or wellness. Qualified instructors develop lesson plans that may involve riding, driving, or ground-based activities (e.g., grooming, handling, leading, observing). Through these activities participants can attain individualized horsemanship skills, and allow for the natural benefits of working with horses. No formal diagnosis is required for participation in our riding programs. HorseAbility’s lessons are open to all riders of any ability aged 3-adult.
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Sam Gallo, PATH Certified Instructor
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Margot Horn, PATH Certified Instructor
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Pam Holbrook, LMSW
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Olivia Tesoriero, PATH Certified Instructor
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Courtney Czubakowski, PATH Certified Instructor
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Antoinette DeGruccio, LCSW, PATH Certified Instructor
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Candace Kearney
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Jennifer Cerazy, PATH Certified Instructor
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Robbie Siegelman
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Anne Tepper, PATH Certified Instructor
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Ann, PATH Certified Instructor
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Collyn, PATH Certified Instructor
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Mary Jo Mallon, PATH Certified Instructor
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Lindsey Bailey, Path Certified Instructor
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Kerri Peregine, PATH Certified Instructor
Meet Our Therapists
Incorporating hippotherapy into a physical, occupational, or speech language pathology session can serve as a powerful tool for the facilitation of key neuromotor systems that support function. Our licensed Physical therapists, Occupational therapists, and Speech Language Pathologists use the skillfully applied movement of the horse to improve gross and fine motor function and communicative skills. We currently have two Occupational Therapists, three Physical Therapists, and two Speech Language Pathologists working with our program. Our therapists
All therapists licensed in their respective fields and take the Hippotherapy Treatment Principles workshop by the American Hippotherapy Association. They are sole proprietors and independent contractors.
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PAULA McGUFFY, PT, MA, HPCS, PATH Certified Instructor
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EILEEN BOOTH, MS, OTR/L, HPCS, PATH Certified Instructor
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REM NARAIN, OTD, OTR/L
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SARAH LYNAS-KOENIG, MS, PT
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ANGELIQUE LICARI, MS, CCC-LSLP
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SUZY ANNESE, MS, OTR/L
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PATRICK MARTINUCCI, MS, OTR/L
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TRISH VOLZ, MS, PT
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Samantha Collery, MS, OTR/L
HorseAbility offers an Instructor Training Program for individuals that are interested in pursuing the PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification process. Our Intro to Instruction Course is the first step in becoming a knowledgeable asset in the field of equine-assisted activities and programs. The course includes both a lecture and hands-on portion that covers topics from disability education to daily routine horse care while learning within the parameters of PATH standards. If you are interested in learning more about our Intro to Instruction Course and the Instructor Training Program, please reach out to Katelyn at katelyn@horseability.org.