Our Board of Directors
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DAN GILLEN
President, Happy Hooves Board of Directors My wife and I recently retired to South Carolina from the Chicago-land area. I was searching for something to occupy my time and mind that would involve my love of horses and giving back to my new community. I discovered Happy Hooves by reading a wonderful article in the Greenville Journal that highlighted the incredibly valuable contribution the program makes to children within the community. I began to volunteer in the School at the Barn Program and have not looked back. I bring an extensive business background to the Board from my 40+ years of working at a senior level position for a Fortune 100 company in a variety of roles and functions. My area of expertise is in Human Resources and HR technologies. Prior to my retirement I was an avid horseman, a youth sports volunteer, and a licensed soccer coach. Historically, our family volunteered through our church and our local Ronald McDonald House. As a family we would visit Dude Ranches in Colorado, and I would often escape to the mountains to horse pack across the West. |
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NANCY SUTTERFIELD
Vice President, Happy Hooves Board of Directors I discovered Happy Hooves shortly after moving to South Carolina in 2014. It's always been important to me to give back to my community, and I was in search of something that would have a positive impact on the children in our area. The fact that this opportunity includes working with horses is an added bonus! I began volunteering with Happy Hooves School at the Barn, a full day program for special needs classes, which includes therapeutic riding. Working with the instructor, I would side walk with the horse and rider in the arena and on the trails. Nothing was as rewarding as the confidence and self-esteem I witnessed children gain as they interacted with these big, beautiful, gentle horses. I was instantly hooked on the amazing farm setting, the horses, the people and their mission. With over thirty-five years of professional experience in the advertising and marketing field, I knew I could do more to help spread awareness of all the great things that are happening at Happy Hooves. Now, along with my board duties, I chair the Communications Committee, responsible for helping to share the wonderful story of Happy Hooves. Aside from my board duties, I volunteer with the communications team for Living Hope International, a youth home and ministry in Mexico. |
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KAREN ELLER
Secretary, Happy Hooves Board of Directors Not long after moving back to SC, I saw a feature story about Happy Hooves on a local news station and asked a friend of mine if it was the place where she had been volunteering and the program she had been talking about so much. It was! She invited me to come along with her to tour the barn and learn more about the wonderful difference Happy Hooves makes in the lives of so many. I have been volunteering and taking riding lessons myself ever since. Prior to my retirement, I was a pastor and chaplain. While in Louisville, KY, I served as a hospital chaplain at Norton Healthcare System and as a palliative care chaplain at Hosparus Health. I was formerly the associate pastor at Triune Mercy Center in Greenville, SC, where I was responsible for Christian education and pastoral care. During my time at Triune, I also oversaw the Support Circles ministry and was the staff liaison for bilingual services. I have taught Spanish for ministry work, ESOL, biblical storytelling, and discipleship for oral learners. My other ministry efforts have included Hispanic and intercultural outreach, crisis ministries, support structures for individuals and families emerging from poverty and homelessness, and adult literacy. I have undergraduate degrees in business management and Spanish from NC State University and an MAR and M.Div. from Liberty University School of Divinity. Prior to entering ministry full-time, I also worked in the fields of international business, finance, and education. My husband, Tom, and I live in Travelers Rest and are grateful to be blessed with three adult children, three grandchildren, and three Brittany spaniels. |
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KAY MASON
Member, Happy Hooves Board of Directors I had always enjoyed helping out at the barn. My daughter, Anne, boarded a horse at Eden Farms and took lessons there for years. Anne loved to help with the therapy lessons and camps, and I began helping with concessions at the horse shows at Eden Farms, as well as Christmas at the Barn and Wines & Equines events. After my son finished elementary school and I was no longer PTO treasurer, I was able to devote more time to volunteering with Happy Hooves. The barn has a wonderful and caring staff who have become like family to us over the last 14 years. In fact, Amy Goudelock (Happy Hooves' founder) was my daughter Anne's mentor when she went through Confirmation at Easley First United Methodist Church. I joined the Happy Hooves board of directors in May, 2014, and I primarily help with fundraising and planning events, but really a little bit of everything, wherever I am needed! I am a licensed architect in South Carolina, though I stopped working full-time to spend more time with my children as they were growing up. I am also Scholarship Treasurer for the non-profit Crescent Music Club in Greenville. |
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KYM KLAPPERICH
Member, Happy Hooves Board of Directors I first came to Eden Farms for my daughter to attend a birthday party in 2004. We fell in love with the barn, horses and staff and my daughter has been taking riding lessons at Eden Farms since that time. She currently works at the barn as a camp counselor, as a horse caretaker, and as a Therapeutic Riding volunteer with Happy Hooves. I began teaching riding lessons and summer camp lessons at Eden Farms in 2007. And, I joined the Happy Hooves Board in 2013. I primarily work on grant writing, fund-raising, and try to offer my perspective as a parent and riding instructor as a board member. I love being a part of Happy Hooves because I have the opportunity to help so many children with special needs in our local community. It's a gift to see these riders smile, have fun and gain confidence through our programs and the miraculous power of the horse. My family and I also have our Quarter Horse, Flashy, at Eden Farms. It's so special to watch her along with the other incredible horses work with riders in the Happy Hooves programs! |
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KIM GRANT
Member, Happy Hooves Board of Directors I became aware of this wonderful organization through a neighbor and Happy Hooves team member. During a conversation, I mentioned that I owned and showed horses in my younger years. I was invited to attend an orientation for volunteers which provided me a tremendous perspective of the work and efforts being made to help special needs children. I immediately felt the desire to become involved. I have previously worked for a Fortune 500 company as an Art Director and also, ran my own business for many years. Art has always been a creative outlet for me. However, I had been looking for an opportunity to volunteer in a way to help others and Happy Hooves appeared to be a perfect fit for me, with their focus on kids and horses. My initial experience as a volunteer working with the children filled my soul and I am honored to be on the Board of Directors. I hope my creative experience can provide additional value to future events along with my continued time as a volunteer. I am proud to be involved with such a great group of people who are dedicated to improving lives of others. DEB ROGERS
Member, Happy Hooves Board of Directors After spending thirty years as an operating room nurse, upon retirement to South Carolina, a new hobby crossed my path…donkey rescue. These wise souls with gentle eyes and soft noses give unexpected peace and joy while connecting us to our world in a unique way. My farrier suggested I visit Eden Farms and Happy Hooves Therapeutic Equestrian Center, where he has been caring for their animals for years. It was love at first sight! Observing the interaction between rider, instructors and staff, I knew this was the organization to combine my love of people and animals while helping with a much-needed endeavor. Like watching a butterfly emerge, seeing the connection the riders form with their horses is a beautiful experience. Self -confidence, pride in their achievements, and coping skills are enhanced which can be life changing. As a summer camp and special event volunteer, I am humbled and honored to be on the board of Happy Hooves. We strive to be a family working to bring light and joy to our riders and community. Along with my pup Penny, I am a certified pet therapist through Pet Partners International, and we enjoy visiting hospice, nursing homes and veteran organizations. Happy Hooves truly lives the mission to “Love One Another.” |
