Meet The Team
Founder & Executive Director
Denise LaRoche
Professionally, she is a scheduler for Alene Candles in Milford, NH. In the community, Denise serves the Town of Surry as a Supervisor of the Checklist and Town Auditor. Denise has been a CASA for over 7 years. She also has 20+ years of riding and working with horses. Denise is currently in the process of obtaining her PATH Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification. Denise has three adult children, three horses and a dog, Annie.
President
Peter Powers
Professionally, Peter is the Controller for G. S. Precision, Inc. in Brattleboro VT. Peter has extensive background experience with non-profits working at World Learning in Brattleboro VT, The Student Conservation Association in Charlestown NH as well as 18 years with the Boy Scouts. Peter loves woodworking and camping and he is a horse dad.
Vice President
Jean Picard​
​Jean grew up in New England but has resided in NH majority of her life. She is married with two grown children. She has been in sales in various industries for the past 30 years. Over the years she has coached youth soccer and basketball. She now volunteers for a cat rescue and in her spare time can be found on the lake with her husband boating.
Secretary
Sarah Vitello
Sarah Vitello lives in Jaffrey, New Hampshire with her husband and four children. She and her husband have been foster parents for several years and Sarah has also volunteered as a court appointed special advocate (CASA). Sarah has a business background in online retail operations as well as planning and buying in manufacturing.
Program Manager
Becky Marrero
Becki became involved with therapeutic riding when her son started attending lessons at Miracles in Motion in 2016. Since then, Becki has worked with other therapeutic programs in many different roles. She became a therapeutic riding instructor last year, and with a background as an emergency dispatcher and special education advocate, Becki enjoys watching participants grow. When she is not at the barn with Belle, she can be found snuggling with her boxer Nala, advocating for families in special education, or whipping up some yummy treats in her kitchen.
Board Member
Karen Ruiter
Karen comes from Hudson, NH. She has 20 + years of Supervision experience. Karen has over five years' experience coordinating fund-raisers for 3 Moms-Onne Misson for the Hudson area. She loves snowmobiling and the outdoors.
Board Member
Makenzie Curtis
​Makenzie is from the local area and works as a retail Manager. Makenzie has years of experience as A veterinary technician and can be found around the barn when Denise is not around. Makenzie has a bird named Malibu and two cats named Peaches and Lucifurr.
Barn Manager
Time LaRoche
Tim spends most of his free time dreaming of playing golf, while he is maintaining the barn, and the property and making sure the horses each get some snuggles as they attempt to help him.
Donation Coordinator
Kora Michaud
Kora's journey from a student of Health Occupations to an ordained minister and owner of Cardinal Care Community is a testament to her deep commitment to serving others, particularly in their times of need. Starting her career in the medical field as a Nursing Assistant and Medical Assistant, she discovered her calling in hospice care, where she dedicated seven years to supporting families through the bereavement process. This profound experience in hospice care, coupled with her work with the Department of Developmental Disabilities in Massachusetts, showcases her compassionate nature and her ability to provide comfort and support to those undergoing significant life transitions.
Transitioning to the funeral service industry was a natural progression for Kora, driven by her desire to help families navigate their grief. Her academic achievements, including graduating from Mount Wachusett Community College and later from FINE Mortuary College, equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a significant impact in this field. By founding Cardinal Care Community, she has created a vital resource for grief support and funeral service support, further extending her commitment to care and service within her community.
In addition to her myriad responsibilities and passions, Kora has recently embarked on an exciting new endeavor as the co-host of The Jeff and Kora Show. This new venture represents a significant expansion of her talents into the realm of media and communication, where she continues to share her insights, experiences, and passion for helping others.
Her active involvement with Freedom Reins Therapeutic Riding Center, and her support for initiatives aimed at children in need of therapy and constructive outlets, underline her dedication to fostering empowerment and community betterment. Kora embodies the mission of Freedom Reins, believing deeply in the transformative power of therapeutic activities and creative outlets for children facing emotional, physical, and psychological challenges. Her personal and professional experiences vividly demonstrate how individual resilience can drive collective action to provide critical support and opportunities for children in need.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kora's enthusiasm for her children, travel, reading, public speaking, and engaging in outdoor activities showcases her well-rounded character and her dedication to seeking joy and fulfillment in every aspect of life.
Instructor
Alissa Picard
Alissa Picard graduated from St. Andrews University with a Bachelors in Therapeutic Horsemanship and a Minor in Psychology. While at St. Andrews she rode on the Huntseat Equestrian Team and taught lessons to clients varying in age and disabilities. She currently works as a full time Behavioral Technician providing ABA Therapy for children with Autism. Alissa enjoys seeing the progress of all of her riders and clients and making fun games to play during lessons.