Our Board of Directors
JEAN CALZAVARA-UHLMANN
President, Happy Hooves Board of Directors
I was introduced to Happy Hooves several years ago by one of its prominent supporters and fellow yogi, Lesa Corontzes of Helen's Hugs. Helen's Hugs is an organization dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals enrolled in therapeutic equestrian programs.
As someone who has been involved with horses my entire life, I have experienced English, Western, speed, Thoroughbred racing, and even trick riding at both local and national levels. In the summer of 2023, I felt it was time to give back to these incredible four-legged creatures and their innate ability to bring joy.
Currently, I volunteer at Eden Farms, assisting with any tasks that need to be done, whether it's working in the barn, with the horses, or with the riders.
In the past, I’ve been actively involved with United Way, overseeing corporate campaigns, and supporting multiple non-profit organizations.
I have two adult children, along with their spouses and families, “back home” in Wisconsin. When I'm not at the barn, you can find me utilizing aloe vera products to heal skin, teaching yoga, hiking, biking, camping, or simply enjoying outdoor activities.
My therapists happen to have diets consisting of hay.
President, Happy Hooves Board of Directors
I was introduced to Happy Hooves several years ago by one of its prominent supporters and fellow yogi, Lesa Corontzes of Helen's Hugs. Helen's Hugs is an organization dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals enrolled in therapeutic equestrian programs.
As someone who has been involved with horses my entire life, I have experienced English, Western, speed, Thoroughbred racing, and even trick riding at both local and national levels. In the summer of 2023, I felt it was time to give back to these incredible four-legged creatures and their innate ability to bring joy.
Currently, I volunteer at Eden Farms, assisting with any tasks that need to be done, whether it's working in the barn, with the horses, or with the riders.
In the past, I’ve been actively involved with United Way, overseeing corporate campaigns, and supporting multiple non-profit organizations.
I have two adult children, along with their spouses and families, “back home” in Wisconsin. When I'm not at the barn, you can find me utilizing aloe vera products to heal skin, teaching yoga, hiking, biking, camping, or simply enjoying outdoor activities.
My therapists happen to have diets consisting of hay.
EARLENE WRICE
Treasurer, Happy Hooves Board of Directors
I first learned about Eden Farms through my grandson, Braylen, who is on the autism spectrum. While attending La France Elementary, his class participated in therapeutic riding sessions at Eden Farms. I had the opportunity to observe several of these sessions, and I witnessed firsthand the joy and sense of accomplishment the experience brought to Braylen and his classmates.
As I approached retirement from a thirty-eight-year career in banking in early 2019, many of my customers asked about my future plans. I shared with them my intention to volunteer at Eden Farms, where my grandson had benefited from therapeutic riding. I have always had a deep appreciation for horses, and I wanted to give back to an organization that had provided so much to my grandson and countless others. Volunteering also offered me the chance to work closely with horses without the responsibilities and expenses of ownership.
I also have a longstanding personal connection with the Corontzes family, founders of Helen’s Hugs—a Clemson-based nonprofit organization established in memory of Helen Corontzes, who tragically passed away in 2006. Since its inception, Helen’s Hugs has been a generous and consistent supporter of Happy Hooves.
Years ago, Lesa Corontzes and I worked together in banking, and we happened to be pregnant with our daughters at the same time—Helen and Brittany, who later became Braylen’s mother. Reflecting on this connection still gives me chills. One of my most cherished memories is having the opportunity to spend time with Tonka, Helen’s horse, before his passing.
Treasurer, Happy Hooves Board of Directors
I first learned about Eden Farms through my grandson, Braylen, who is on the autism spectrum. While attending La France Elementary, his class participated in therapeutic riding sessions at Eden Farms. I had the opportunity to observe several of these sessions, and I witnessed firsthand the joy and sense of accomplishment the experience brought to Braylen and his classmates.
As I approached retirement from a thirty-eight-year career in banking in early 2019, many of my customers asked about my future plans. I shared with them my intention to volunteer at Eden Farms, where my grandson had benefited from therapeutic riding. I have always had a deep appreciation for horses, and I wanted to give back to an organization that had provided so much to my grandson and countless others. Volunteering also offered me the chance to work closely with horses without the responsibilities and expenses of ownership.
I also have a longstanding personal connection with the Corontzes family, founders of Helen’s Hugs—a Clemson-based nonprofit organization established in memory of Helen Corontzes, who tragically passed away in 2006. Since its inception, Helen’s Hugs has been a generous and consistent supporter of Happy Hooves.
Years ago, Lesa Corontzes and I worked together in banking, and we happened to be pregnant with our daughters at the same time—Helen and Brittany, who later became Braylen’s mother. Reflecting on this connection still gives me chills. One of my most cherished memories is having the opportunity to spend time with Tonka, Helen’s horse, before his passing.
DAN GILLEN
Member, 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.
Member, 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.
NANCY SUTTERFIELD
Member, 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.
Member, 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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
PATTI JO (PJ) BACH
Member, Happy Hooves Board of Directors
I am a retired RN with most of my career in pediatrics. I have a deep concern for children and adults with special needs and desire to see them receive all possible means to achieve their greatest potential. I believe God is working His mercy and grace through the Happy Hooves Therapeutic Riding program.
My nursing career before retiring to Travelers Rest included Pediatric Physicians Inc, St Joseph Hospital, Passport Health, Doctors Hospital and Centennial High School (all in Atlanta). I have served in leadership roles and as a speaker for Christian retreats in several states and countries. I founded and am Chairman of Blagrove Special Needs Services, Inc. that supports a mission school in Jamaica for children/teens with Autism and their parents, where I also volunteer. I have been blessed to serve on missions such as Honduras Outreach, Inc; El Shaddai Children’s Home and Heart for Africa (Eswatini); Good Samaritan Clinic (Georgia); Remote Area Medical (Tennessee); Appalachian Service Project (West Virginia); and Habitat For Humanity (Guatemala), Atlanta Women’s Shelter. As a family we spent vacations at dude ranches in Colorado.
My love of horses and concern for those with special needs come together as I am honored to serve on this board.
Member, Happy Hooves Board of Directors
I am a retired RN with most of my career in pediatrics. I have a deep concern for children and adults with special needs and desire to see them receive all possible means to achieve their greatest potential. I believe God is working His mercy and grace through the Happy Hooves Therapeutic Riding program.
My nursing career before retiring to Travelers Rest included Pediatric Physicians Inc, St Joseph Hospital, Passport Health, Doctors Hospital and Centennial High School (all in Atlanta). I have served in leadership roles and as a speaker for Christian retreats in several states and countries. I founded and am Chairman of Blagrove Special Needs Services, Inc. that supports a mission school in Jamaica for children/teens with Autism and their parents, where I also volunteer. I have been blessed to serve on missions such as Honduras Outreach, Inc; El Shaddai Children’s Home and Heart for Africa (Eswatini); Good Samaritan Clinic (Georgia); Remote Area Medical (Tennessee); Appalachian Service Project (West Virginia); and Habitat For Humanity (Guatemala), Atlanta Women’s Shelter. As a family we spent vacations at dude ranches in Colorado.
My love of horses and concern for those with special needs come together as I am honored to serve on this board.
NICOLE McWHORTER
Member, Happy Hooves Board of Directors
I have been at Eden Farms since 2014. I started bringing my girls out for arena rides in 2013, shortly after we moved to the area, in hopes that they would fall in love with horses just like I did! Not long after, I started volunteering and very soon after that I was asked to fill a spot on the Eden Farms staff.
I am married and have two wonderful children. I have lived in the Upstate most of my life. I started riding as a young girl, and one of the horses we had was an Arabian named Niko. He was my first horse love and will forever hold a special place in my heart!
I enjoy teaching lessons every week and meeting new students. I look forward to seeing my regular students weekly, and I hope to continue to instruct here at Eden Farms and Happy Hooves for a long time!
Member, Happy Hooves Board of Directors
I have been at Eden Farms since 2014. I started bringing my girls out for arena rides in 2013, shortly after we moved to the area, in hopes that they would fall in love with horses just like I did! Not long after, I started volunteering and very soon after that I was asked to fill a spot on the Eden Farms staff.
I am married and have two wonderful children. I have lived in the Upstate most of my life. I started riding as a young girl, and one of the horses we had was an Arabian named Niko. He was my first horse love and will forever hold a special place in my heart!
I enjoy teaching lessons every week and meeting new students. I look forward to seeing my regular students weekly, and I hope to continue to instruct here at Eden Farms and Happy Hooves for a long time!
ALLAN STROMLUND
Member, Happy Hooves Board of Directors
My wife, Susan and I retired to SC in 2021 to be close to family after living in Oklahoma for over 40 years. While there, we owned a small farm and had a number of horses. When we moved, we brought my wife’s “heart horse” Peaches, with us, and Eden Farms became her home. It wasn’t long before I was volunteering on a regular basis. I love working with my hands, and I missed the farm!
I have a gift for creatively solving problems and can repair most anything. My abilities to keep equipment in good repair, and to many times fix something that would otherwise just get thrown away are helpful in keeping things running smoothly around the farm. Safety for riders and horses is vital, and my years of owning horses and maintaining barns is an asset. Those skills and my ability to see the big picture of how the farm is run are what I bring to the board to aid in making good decisions for the future of Eden Farms.
My business background is working for Isco industries, which is a global customized piping solutions provider based in Louisville, KY. I worked out of Oklahoma in the pipe industry for over 25 years as a salesman for the gas and oil fields.
It is an honor to serve on the board, and I look forward to it.
Member, Happy Hooves Board of Directors
My wife, Susan and I retired to SC in 2021 to be close to family after living in Oklahoma for over 40 years. While there, we owned a small farm and had a number of horses. When we moved, we brought my wife’s “heart horse” Peaches, with us, and Eden Farms became her home. It wasn’t long before I was volunteering on a regular basis. I love working with my hands, and I missed the farm!
I have a gift for creatively solving problems and can repair most anything. My abilities to keep equipment in good repair, and to many times fix something that would otherwise just get thrown away are helpful in keeping things running smoothly around the farm. Safety for riders and horses is vital, and my years of owning horses and maintaining barns is an asset. Those skills and my ability to see the big picture of how the farm is run are what I bring to the board to aid in making good decisions for the future of Eden Farms.
My business background is working for Isco industries, which is a global customized piping solutions provider based in Louisville, KY. I worked out of Oklahoma in the pipe industry for over 25 years as a salesman for the gas and oil fields.
It is an honor to serve on the board, and I look forward to it.
SARAH JOHANNES
Member, Happy Hooves Board of Directors
I have loved horses ever since I was a little girl and first became involved in horse ranching as a late teen. Being a military kid most of my life, I joined Upstate Warrior Solutions as a volunteer and began exploring opportunities for a military equine therapy program. Eden Farms came up as the top location! Several of us from UWS and Eden Farms joined forces to launch the program in September 2024. I also became an Eden Farms volunteer in the summer of 2024 and have enjoyed learning under their professional tutelage about horsemanship and therapy.
When not volunteering with UWS and Eden Farms, I work as the business owner and fashion designer behind the women's clothing brand Kait & Crowne Collections, along with seam stressing for Wheaton Whaley Home and teaching at Highlands Latin School. Life is rich indeed!
Member, Happy Hooves Board of Directors
I have loved horses ever since I was a little girl and first became involved in horse ranching as a late teen. Being a military kid most of my life, I joined Upstate Warrior Solutions as a volunteer and began exploring opportunities for a military equine therapy program. Eden Farms came up as the top location! Several of us from UWS and Eden Farms joined forces to launch the program in September 2024. I also became an Eden Farms volunteer in the summer of 2024 and have enjoyed learning under their professional tutelage about horsemanship and therapy.
When not volunteering with UWS and Eden Farms, I work as the business owner and fashion designer behind the women's clothing brand Kait & Crowne Collections, along with seam stressing for Wheaton Whaley Home and teaching at Highlands Latin School. Life is rich indeed!
