Our History
RED Arena was founded 2008 in Dripping Springs, Texas as a 501c3 non-profit and operates as a PATH Premier Accredited Therapeutic Riding Center with a Platinum Status on Guildestar. RED started with just six children in physical therapy on the horse and has grown to serve over 200 children and adults of all ability levels per week in the various unique programs offered. In 2018 the second location in San Marcos was opened and in 2020 the expansion was started in Dripping Springs.
The mission is to EMPOWER individuals with disabilities through horses. The word "disability" is used, but the program never limits by person, by a diagnosis or preconceived limitation. Our goal is to help every participant develop skills and confidence that can be carried into every aspect of their life.
Through the years we have found the importance of family and community involvement to create more inclusive opportunities for every ability level. We have expanded to serve more of the community through our job training, educational programs and family support services. We also partner with other nonprofits to provide safe and empowering horse experiences that benefit their programs and participants.
The mission is to EMPOWER individuals with disabilities through horses. The word "disability" is used, but the program never limits by person, by a diagnosis or preconceived limitation. Our goal is to help every participant develop skills and confidence that can be carried into every aspect of their life.
Through the years we have found the importance of family and community involvement to create more inclusive opportunities for every ability level. We have expanded to serve more of the community through our job training, educational programs and family support services. We also partner with other nonprofits to provide safe and empowering horse experiences that benefit their programs and participants.
Our Staff
Jennifer Young, PT, CEO, Founder
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Physical Therapist, Founder & CEO
Started RED in 2008 Jen is a Physical Therapist licensed in the state of Texas since 1997. She is a PATH Registered Therapist and Level II Therapist with American Hippotherapy Association. She has been incorporating equine into her physical therapy treatments since 2004. Jen was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, and attended Texas State University to receive a Bachelors in Applied Sociology, Cum Laude, in 1995 and a Masters of Science in Physical Therapy, 1997. She is the Founder and Owner of Children’s Therapy Services, a private pediatric therapy group serving Greater Austin. Jennifer is the proud mom of two sons and Raider. |
Favorite thing about working at RED:
"I founded RED out of my deep passion for believing that a diagnosis does not limit a person. My approach is to build upon each individual's strengths wherever and whatever that are at this particular moment in time. What could be more fun that doing that while on a horse?!"
"I founded RED out of my deep passion for believing that a diagnosis does not limit a person. My approach is to build upon each individual's strengths wherever and whatever that are at this particular moment in time. What could be more fun that doing that while on a horse?!"
Kate Smith Crowe, CTRI, EQuine Director
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Director of Equine Care
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Started at RED in 2016 She's from CA but don't hold that against her. Kate grew up riding and competing in dressage. Kate graduated from Cal Poly in ?? wonder what her GPA was? She ran the Kellogg breeding program there blah, blah, blah ... When she started volunteering at RED she couldn't believe how well run it was by Jen so she decided to get PATH certified and take over the equine care. |
Favorite thing about working at RED:
"My favorite thing is working with Jen - she's the best!!"
"My favorite thing is working with Jen - she's the best!!"
Kendall Randow, CTRI, Barn Manager
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Barn Manager
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor Started at RED in 2018 Kendall grew up riding horses trail riding and competing in rodeo events. She spent several years guiding trail rides in Wyoming. Received her degree in early education from Texas State University. She is able to combine her love for horses and teaching all on one! Kendall loves the outdoors and traveling. If it involves hiking, camping, being on the river, or on the trail with her two horses Rev and Maggie she's all in. |
Favorite thing about working at RED:
"I love seeing the change that happens between a rider and the horse as they gain trust and confidence in each other through our sessions and the partnership that ensues."
"I love seeing the change that happens between a rider and the horse as they gain trust and confidence in each other through our sessions and the partnership that ensues."
Lorri French, PT, MS
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Physical Therapist
Started at RED in 2008 Lori is a mom of two beautiful kids as well as horses and dogs. Lorri has been a Physical therapist since 1993 working in a variety of settings including head injury, acute, orthopedic, and home health with children and adults. She loves the outdoors, hiking, water skiing, sunset and sunrise at the beach and riding horses. Her life mottos are: "The question isn't who is going to let me; it's who is going to stop me." "If it doesn't challenge you it won't change you." |
Favorite thing about working at RED:
"One thing I love most about RED Arena is that we are our mission statement, we empower individuals with disabilities, we do not limit anyone. RED forces on the strengths, abilities and POSSIBILITIES! RED Arena is truly unique in its approach to enabling kids with disabilities and empowering those kids and families. Plus is there any better way to spend your day, outside with friends and horses!"
"One thing I love most about RED Arena is that we are our mission statement, we empower individuals with disabilities, we do not limit anyone. RED forces on the strengths, abilities and POSSIBILITIES! RED Arena is truly unique in its approach to enabling kids with disabilities and empowering those kids and families. Plus is there any better way to spend your day, outside with friends and horses!"
Suzanne Braden, CTRI
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PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
PATH Certified ESMHL Started at RED in 2016 Suzanne worked in Texas public schools for many years, mainly as a Special Education teacher. She was also an elementary school counselor for several years and taught deaf and hard of hearing students for the last ten years of her teaching career. Suzanne was working with emotionally disturbed teenagers when she started taking riding lessons. Her new found love of horses quickly spilled over into her work and she became certified through PATH as a therapeutic riding instructor in 1996 and earned her ESMHL certification in 2018. Suzanne started at RED Arena during Round-Up weekend of 2016. She hit the ground running and has loved it ever since. Suzanne loves to spend time with her family (including 2 wonderful grandsons!), ride her horses, swim, read, and make quilts. |
Favorite thing about working at RED:
"I love the opportunities that RED Arena gives me to share the world of horses with children and adults of all abilities and communication modalities."
"I love the opportunities that RED Arena gives me to share the world of horses with children and adults of all abilities and communication modalities."
DAve Young, Facilities Director
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Facilities Director, Founding Donor
Started RED in 2008 Dave is Jen's biggest fan, he had no choice but to physically, emotionally and financially support RED since it's inception. Dave earned a degree in business from United States International University, in San Diego, CA where he also played baseball. Dave worked in primarily in Tech Ops in Austin and has extensive experience in starts ups , M&A and Integration. Dave GC'ed the San Marcos remodel in 2018 and continues to work on the new projects and build outs at our facilities. If you are lucky, you'll see Dave building fence, driving equipment or directing parking at Round-Up. He loves the outdoors and traveling. |
Favorite thing about being at RED:
"I love seeing and visiting with the families on Round-Up weekend and I enjoy working with HR director. "
"I love seeing and visiting with the families on Round-Up weekend and I enjoy working with HR director. "
AnneMarie Falcon, Office Manager
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Office Manager
Started at RED in 2008 aka info@REDarena.org |
Favorite thing about being at RED:
"I love seeing and visiting with the families on Round-Up weekend and I enjoy working with HR director. "
"I love seeing and visiting with the families on Round-Up weekend and I enjoy working with HR director. "
Raider, Human Resourses Director
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Human Resources Director
Started at RED in 2018 Raider checks in daily with participants and their families. Any concers or complaints can be filed with him. You can typically find him sleeping under Jen's desk.
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Favorite thing about being at RED:
"I love seeing who will bring me a treat. "
"I love seeing who will bring me a treat. "
Support staff
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RED Arena Staff
Our support staff are highly trained equine professionals who work hard to keep our barn clean, groom & prep our horses, lead them in sessions and assist our participants with untacking the horses. Whatever RED needs they gladly take care of ... other than full attention at a lunchtime staff meeting. |
Ellie Hynum, CTRI
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PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Started at RED in 2022 Ellie grew up riding horses at a barn in Hutto and always had a love for animals. She graduated from Texas Tech University in 2019 with a Bachelors in Equine Science. While working on her Bachelors she also participated in the TTU Equestrian Team and volunteered at a therapeutic riding facility in Lubbock for 2 years. After graduating, having nothing better to do during the pandemic, she continued her education through Midway University and graduated with an MBA in Equine Management in 2022. She's been teaching lessons since 2020 and joined RED in November of 2022. Shortly after joining the team she began working on her certification and completed it in June of 2023. Some of her favorite hobbies include reading, playing video games, and spending time with her husband and dogs. Favorite thing about working at RED: "I love seeing the impact riding and working with horses has on the riders. I also love the work environment and how the staff and volunteers are always wanting to work together and help each other out." |
"Crafty" Karen Bailey, Gift Shop & Vocational Instructor
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Gift Shop & Vocational Instructor
Started at RED in 2010 Karen’s love of horses led her to RED Arena in 2010. She started as a Volunteer, was hired as a Horse Handler and eventually became the Barn Manager. Her love for people, and children grew even more as she learned to work with those having disabilities. Her past careers includes sales and crafting, which made her a great fit to lead our vocational program working with our "RED Pros". |
Favorite thing about working at RED:
"I love that we can help improve the daily quality of life, not only for our participants but also for their families and caregivers."
"I love that we can help improve the daily quality of life, not only for our participants but also for their families and caregivers."
Elaina Erickson, Social Media & Event Manager
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Social Media & Event Manager
Elaina started volunteering at RED her freshmen year of high school. She helps in sessions and has volunteered at every Round-Up since 2010. She has also been the Fine Motor Coordinator for summer camp crafts for many years. Even though she works full time as a BSN in the PICU she continues to help RED with social media and events. Favorite thing about working at RED: "Working with Raider, he always has great suggestions for new social media content!" |
Our Board of Directors
President Caroline Juszczak
Caroline has been a RED Arena weekly volunteer since 2009. Caroline has served as a Chair of Round-Up for the past 4 years and Scholarship Committee Chair past 2 years. Caroline has always had a heart for helping kids, and before moving to Austin, volunteered as a court-appointed advocate/guardian ad litem for children in the care of Child Protective Services in Harris County. To pay the bills, Caroline works as an information development manager at a company Forbes called one of the top 10 fastest growing technology companies, but volunteering at RED Arena and seeing the positive change it makes is where her passion is.
Vice President Marie lowman
SAS, Principal Consultant Government
As a parent of a rider, Marie has been involved with Red Arena since its inception in 2008. Marie is employed by SAS, the world’s largest privately held business intelligence vendor, as an international marketing manager for the government practice. Marie is responsible for leading a marketing team that brings the power of SAS analytics to more than 80 countries’ public sector organizations. With more than 20 years of international public sector experience under her belt, Lowman is known for her hands-on selling, marketing, and management approach. She is currently serving her second term as an elected council member for the City of Bee Cave, Texas.
As a parent of a rider, Marie has been involved with Red Arena since its inception in 2008. Marie is employed by SAS, the world’s largest privately held business intelligence vendor, as an international marketing manager for the government practice. Marie is responsible for leading a marketing team that brings the power of SAS analytics to more than 80 countries’ public sector organizations. With more than 20 years of international public sector experience under her belt, Lowman is known for her hands-on selling, marketing, and management approach. She is currently serving her second term as an elected council member for the City of Bee Cave, Texas.
Secretary Pamela Fricke
Apple Inc.
Pamela Fricke has worked for Apple Inc., in Austin, for over 22 years primarily with the Americas Operations team. She is currently a member of the Watch team and in this role she manages new product launches and is responsible for supporting all sales channels, including online, Apple Retail and resellers like Best Buy. One of her proudest moments at Apple was being awarded the Award of Excellence MVP of the Year related to her Supply/Demand management of Apple’s Latin American countries.
Pamela holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management. She speaks Spanish fluently and is conversant in Portuguese.
She has had a lifetime commitment to horses and has bred, raised, trained and shown Arabians most of her life. She’s an accomplished equestrian who has competed internationally and holds National titles on a gelding she raised and trained. She is very passionate about the development of young horses and horses with a difficult demeanor. She loves trail riding and travels yearly with friends to New Mexico, Oklahoma or Arkansas. When she’s not in the saddle, she enjoys saltwater fishing, cooking, traveling and raising goats and chickens at her home in Dripping Springs.
Pamela Fricke has worked for Apple Inc., in Austin, for over 22 years primarily with the Americas Operations team. She is currently a member of the Watch team and in this role she manages new product launches and is responsible for supporting all sales channels, including online, Apple Retail and resellers like Best Buy. One of her proudest moments at Apple was being awarded the Award of Excellence MVP of the Year related to her Supply/Demand management of Apple’s Latin American countries.
Pamela holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honors from The University of Texas at Austin and a Master of International Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management. She speaks Spanish fluently and is conversant in Portuguese.
She has had a lifetime commitment to horses and has bred, raised, trained and shown Arabians most of her life. She’s an accomplished equestrian who has competed internationally and holds National titles on a gelding she raised and trained. She is very passionate about the development of young horses and horses with a difficult demeanor. She loves trail riding and travels yearly with friends to New Mexico, Oklahoma or Arkansas. When she’s not in the saddle, she enjoys saltwater fishing, cooking, traveling and raising goats and chickens at her home in Dripping Springs.
Treasurer briain Strickland
Brian and his wife, Teresa, of 35 years along with their three sons have all volunteered at Red Arena since 2013. They are horse owners and are supporters of several horse centric nonprofit organizations. Brian is currently a private equity investor focusing on real estate and related opportunities. He has over 25 years of real estate finance experience, including mergers, acquisitions, dispositions, joint ventures, private placements, and public equity offering. Brian has completed more than $14 billion of real estate transactions. Mr. Strickland graduated with a BBA in Accounting from Texas Tech University in 1985. He started his career at Ernst & Young in 1986 and was certified as a CPA in 1988. Brian served as Vice President of Tax at Wyndham International, Executive Vice President and CFO of CNL Hotels & Resorts Inc., CFO of JMI Realty LLC and Managing Director of S-Five Investors. Brian also served as an independent member of the board of directors for Felcor Lodging Trust Inc., a publicly traded Real Estate Investment Trust.
Member Jolynn joyce, DVM, Ms, DACVS
Austin Equine Associates
Dr. JoLynn Joyce is a native of Huntsville, Texas. She attended Texas A&M University where she earned both her Bachelor and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Following veterinary school, Dr. Joyce completed an equine internship at Waller Equine Hospital and then went on to Colorado State University to complete a surgical residency. She became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2009. She was happy to return to the great state of Texas and make Austin Equine her home. Her areas of interest include lameness and surgery. She and her husband live in the area and enjoy live music, outdoors and spending time with family.
Dr. JoLynn Joyce is a native of Huntsville, Texas. She attended Texas A&M University where she earned both her Bachelor and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees. Following veterinary school, Dr. Joyce completed an equine internship at Waller Equine Hospital and then went on to Colorado State University to complete a surgical residency. She became board certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2009. She was happy to return to the great state of Texas and make Austin Equine her home. Her areas of interest include lameness and surgery. She and her husband live in the area and enjoy live music, outdoors and spending time with family.
Member Joe Allison
Retired Business Owner/Operator
Joe Allison is a retired business owner who now focuses on seeding and advising startup companies in the 3D printing, software and medical industries.
Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California in 1983. He then worked for Memorex, UNISYS, Hewlett Packard and 3D Systems before founding Solid Concepts in 1991. Under his direction as CEO, Solid Concepts lead the 3D printing industry for many years as the premier parts manufacturer and software provider. After selling his company, Joe subsequently served for 4 years as CEO of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, a wholly owned subsidiary of a public company. In this capacity he managed up to 600 employees and directed all aspects of operations. He has also been instrumental as an investor and advisor in the formation, development and operation of many other companies including ALM; Structural Polymers, 3DSIM; MECHnano; ZVerse; EasyRX; Precision ADM; CollPlant; 3DM; Shattuck Labs; Gentle Giant Studios, and others. Joe currently serves as chairman of the board for Gentle Giant Studios, and as an advisor to the board for Precision ADM.
Joe Allison has also been involved in a number of non-profit organizations. Notably, Joe contributed to the formation of the 3D printing industry’s largest user group/conference by writing the bylaws and serving for 4 years on the board and the following officers positions: Chairperson; Vice-Chairperson; Past-Chairperson and Treasurer. Today this user group has over 3,000 members. Joe currently serves on the board of Madrone Ranch Property Owners Association as Treasurer and previously as President. Joe enjoys playing golf, guitar and scuba diving. He and his wife Kathy have a horse and live in an equestrian community just outside Dripping Springs.
Joe Allison is a retired business owner who now focuses on seeding and advising startup companies in the 3D printing, software and medical industries.
Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Southern California in 1983. He then worked for Memorex, UNISYS, Hewlett Packard and 3D Systems before founding Solid Concepts in 1991. Under his direction as CEO, Solid Concepts lead the 3D printing industry for many years as the premier parts manufacturer and software provider. After selling his company, Joe subsequently served for 4 years as CEO of Stratasys Direct Manufacturing, a wholly owned subsidiary of a public company. In this capacity he managed up to 600 employees and directed all aspects of operations. He has also been instrumental as an investor and advisor in the formation, development and operation of many other companies including ALM; Structural Polymers, 3DSIM; MECHnano; ZVerse; EasyRX; Precision ADM; CollPlant; 3DM; Shattuck Labs; Gentle Giant Studios, and others. Joe currently serves as chairman of the board for Gentle Giant Studios, and as an advisor to the board for Precision ADM.
Joe Allison has also been involved in a number of non-profit organizations. Notably, Joe contributed to the formation of the 3D printing industry’s largest user group/conference by writing the bylaws and serving for 4 years on the board and the following officers positions: Chairperson; Vice-Chairperson; Past-Chairperson and Treasurer. Today this user group has over 3,000 members. Joe currently serves on the board of Madrone Ranch Property Owners Association as Treasurer and previously as President. Joe enjoys playing golf, guitar and scuba diving. He and his wife Kathy have a horse and live in an equestrian community just outside Dripping Springs.
Member Monica cosby
Founder One Good Turn / RED Arena Volunteer, Round-Up Committee Chair
Monica, a UT business school graduate, gained fifteen years of experience in business operational consulting. She then used this knowledge to provide financial management services to public schools and non-profit organizations for over ten years.
Monica began her career at Arthur Andersen Consulting, specializing in enterprise-wide system implementations. She left Andersen to build a software company, Razza Solutions, alongside her husband, where she managed the financial and legal aspects of the business. After successfully selling the company, Monica shifted her focus to non-profit work. Her most notable accomplishments include Round Rock ISD, where she implemented accounting systems and web services for the ISD and their related PTAs, provided accounting services, including 990 tax reporting for the larger schools in the district, and served as treasurer for six years.
In 2016, Monica co-founded One Good Turn (OGT), a non-profit organization that provides medical education and services to neglected communities internationally. At OGT, Monica served on the board and managed financial operations for three years.
At RED Arena, Monica has been serving as a volunteer and a Round-Up Chair for the carnival since 2014. This particular work has been the most rewarding as it involves directly working with the community and the spirit of RED Arena.
Monica, a UT business school graduate, gained fifteen years of experience in business operational consulting. She then used this knowledge to provide financial management services to public schools and non-profit organizations for over ten years.
Monica began her career at Arthur Andersen Consulting, specializing in enterprise-wide system implementations. She left Andersen to build a software company, Razza Solutions, alongside her husband, where she managed the financial and legal aspects of the business. After successfully selling the company, Monica shifted her focus to non-profit work. Her most notable accomplishments include Round Rock ISD, where she implemented accounting systems and web services for the ISD and their related PTAs, provided accounting services, including 990 tax reporting for the larger schools in the district, and served as treasurer for six years.
In 2016, Monica co-founded One Good Turn (OGT), a non-profit organization that provides medical education and services to neglected communities internationally. At OGT, Monica served on the board and managed financial operations for three years.
At RED Arena, Monica has been serving as a volunteer and a Round-Up Chair for the carnival since 2014. This particular work has been the most rewarding as it involves directly working with the community and the spirit of RED Arena.
Member Robert Dubois, MD, PhD
Dripping Springs, Texas
Robert W. Dubois, MD, PhD, is a physician, scientist, and health policy researcher, studying and working to improve the health care system. Prior to his recent retirement, he was Executive Vice-President and Chief Science Office of the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC), a Washington DC based think tank. Bobby’s research contributed to the scientific foundation for informed discussions about health care access, coverage, appropriate use and value.
Dr. Dubois, who is board certified in internal medicine, co-founded and led various health care research organizations in developing quality research with practical application. He was previously the Chief Medical Officer of Cerner Life Sciences, and co-founded Protocare Sciences and was its executive vice president, chief medical officer, and later its CEO.
Throughout his career, Dr. Dubois’ primary interest has centered on defining “what works” in health care and finding ways for that evidence to inform health care decision-making. He is a recognized expert in the areas of defining best practice, disease management and appropriateness of care. He has authored more than 180 peer-reviewed articles on comparative effectiveness, evidence-based medicine, the development of practice guidelines and determining the optimal use of high-cost medical services.
Dr. Dubois received his AB from Harvard College, his MD from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and his PhD in health policy from the RAND Graduate School. He is the associate editor of the Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research and is on the editorial board for Health Affairs and The American Journal of Managed Care.
Robert W. Dubois, MD, PhD, is a physician, scientist, and health policy researcher, studying and working to improve the health care system. Prior to his recent retirement, he was Executive Vice-President and Chief Science Office of the National Pharmaceutical Council (NPC), a Washington DC based think tank. Bobby’s research contributed to the scientific foundation for informed discussions about health care access, coverage, appropriate use and value.
Dr. Dubois, who is board certified in internal medicine, co-founded and led various health care research organizations in developing quality research with practical application. He was previously the Chief Medical Officer of Cerner Life Sciences, and co-founded Protocare Sciences and was its executive vice president, chief medical officer, and later its CEO.
Throughout his career, Dr. Dubois’ primary interest has centered on defining “what works” in health care and finding ways for that evidence to inform health care decision-making. He is a recognized expert in the areas of defining best practice, disease management and appropriateness of care. He has authored more than 180 peer-reviewed articles on comparative effectiveness, evidence-based medicine, the development of practice guidelines and determining the optimal use of high-cost medical services.
Dr. Dubois received his AB from Harvard College, his MD from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and his PhD in health policy from the RAND Graduate School. He is the associate editor of the Journal of Comparative Effectiveness Research and is on the editorial board for Health Affairs and The American Journal of Managed Care.
MEMBER catherine schnurr
Legal Counsel, Spiceworks
Catherine has been a practicing lawyer for over 20 years and has focused on advising technology companies and their boards of directors. Catherine is currently Chief Legal Officer of Spiceworks, Inc. and was previously with Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, PC. She has focused on corporate governance, venture capital and private equity financings, mergers & acquisitions as well as cybersecurity and data privacy issues. Although not a native Texan, Catherine has lived happily in Austin since May of 1999 – despite the cedar fever. Catherine has two very talkative pre-teen daughters, enjoys tennis and her Peloton.
Catherine has been a practicing lawyer for over 20 years and has focused on advising technology companies and their boards of directors. Catherine is currently Chief Legal Officer of Spiceworks, Inc. and was previously with Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, PC. She has focused on corporate governance, venture capital and private equity financings, mergers & acquisitions as well as cybersecurity and data privacy issues. Although not a native Texan, Catherine has lived happily in Austin since May of 1999 – despite the cedar fever. Catherine has two very talkative pre-teen daughters, enjoys tennis and her Peloton.
as seen on TV
In the News
Here's some of the buzz. Please CONTACT us for press kits and interview contacts.
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KVUE Anchor, Brian Mayes, visits RED Arena!
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Dustin Morton wins Volunteer Award!
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Annual Reports
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Check out how we've grown!
We work to keep our administration expenses as low as possible to maximize funds for direct programming. |
Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities through horses.