OUR STAFF
NIKKI AVERA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & INSTRUCTOR |
Nikki is a fifth generation Nevadan who grew up on family ranches falling in love with horses from an early age. Throughout her younger years Nikki and her horses participated at local shows. In high school, she discovered her life’s biggest pleasure through an internship; equine assisted therapy. In 2014 she graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelors in Social Work. After years of volunteering at local therapeutic riding centers, Nikki completed the Instructor in Training Course at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Inc. in the fall of 2017; where she completed a life goal and became a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. When she is not riding horses, Nikki also enjoys hiking with her dog, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. |
OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
JENNIFER NICHOLS pRESIDENT Loan Officer at Movement Mortgage |
Jennifer is passionate about the city she lives in and as a Native Nevadan. She grew up in this region and has a deep understanding of what Reno offers to its community members. Throughout her life Jennifer has been active in showing horses and participating in 4-H and the Future Farmers of America where she developed a strong respect for the bond that being around horses can offer to the soul. In her middle & high school years she was given the opportunity to work with individuals with disabilities around horses and other farm responsibilities; it was then she realized how much those services called to her heart. As she grew her career as a Loan Officer with Movement Mortgage she made it a priority to continue to give back to the community and joined the Center for Adaptive Riding where she volunteers and holds a Board Position.
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Romeka is a Special Education Teacher for Washoe County School District, working specifically with students with Autism. She received her Masters of Teaching from the University of Virginia in 2012 and has worked in a variety of special education settings since. She will obtain her Autism endorsement in spring of 2019 from the University of Nevada, Reno. As a child, Romeka always found her time spent with horses to be rewarding. Volunteering for an adaptive riding center in Virginia was an ideal setting where Romeka could combine her passion for teaching students with special needs and spending time with horses. Romeka became a volunteer and a board member for CAR in 2017 and is currently pursuing her PATH Instructor Certification with the help of the amazing instructors at CAR. In her spare time, Romeka enjoys spending time wither husband and two-year old son. |
ROMEKA KARAM SECRETARY WCSD Special Education Teacher |
LORA TEDESCO TREASURER Owner of Tedesco Pacific Construction, Inc. |
Lora and her husband Greg have owned and operated their Construction Company in Reno Tahoe since 1984. She grew up in Rural N Cal riding mostly neighbor’s horses before school. Her Sister Linda, recently passed, was mentally and physically disabled, so she understand how a program outside of the home interacting with animals can enhance the lives of these students and veterans. She joined the board to help maintain this important program and give support to an organization facing many challenges. She enjoy gardening, hiking with her dogs, reading and exploring our country with her husband. |
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Shelly has worked as a Food and Beverage Development Manager for the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa for nine years. She serves as a member of their volunteer committee where she coordinates and leads such projects as preparing monthly dinner for the families at the Reno Ronald McDonald House. She holds a B.A. degree in Linguistics from UNR and spent 10 years working as a Communication Therapy Aide in the Physical Rehab Unit at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, working primarily with stroke and head injury patients. A lifelong horse lover, Shelly volunteers as one of CAR’s trained horse handlers in addition to her duties as Board Member at Large. |
SHELLY CURT MEMBER AT LARGE Food & Beverage Development Manager at the Atlantis |
MONIQUE STANFIELD MEMBER AT LARGE Licensed Psychologist at Nevada Pain and Spine Specialists |
Monique is a Licensed Psychologist employed full-time with Nevada Pain and Spine Specialists in Reno, NV. She is also a Professor at Alliant International University, a reviewer/consultant with the College Board, and the Parent/Child advocate for Duke University Pediatric Trials Network. She is also a member of both the Nevada Psychological Association and American Psychological Association. |
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Stefanie is a 6th generation Nevadan, who grew up with horses. After completing law school and practicing law in the Bay area for 10 years, she returned to Reno. She currently practices law at Robison, Sharp, Sullivan, & Brust firm. |
STEFANIE SHARP MEMBER AT LARGE Attorney at Law at Robison, Sharp, Sullivan, & Brust firm. |
LESLIE COLBRESE MEMBER AT LARGE |
THE HORSES
Tang is a Belgian Quarter horse cross. Belgian Draft horses are the most popular draft horse breed in the United States - they outnumber the rest of the draft breeds combined! This isn't surprising, given their calm, even temperament, and versatility. Tang joined us in March of 2016, and is about as sweet as they come! She lights up any time someone comes to visit her, and always has a smile on her face, no matter what she's doing.
Sully is the newest member of our herd. He is a nine year old Quarter Horse who competed in barrel racing and team roping in his earlier years. He is one of the sweetest souls who loves to be around humans and horses. He is sure to take care of anyone he meets.
Kit is a quarter horse born and raised here in Northern Nevada. He is a gentle giant who has traveled many miles in the mountains as a saddle horse and pack horse. He has seen a lot and takes everything he encounters in stride. He loves to cuddle and will happily follow anyone near by.
Ali is a quarter horse mare and is our Executive Director's horse. Ali loves to be around other herd members and to go on trail rides. She is always up for an adventure and is sure to take care of her rider.
Macho joined our group in November of 2016. He is a miniature horse, measuring in at only 32" tall! Miniature horses are known for being friendly and interactive, and are commonly used to pull carts. Macho is loves people, is very well trained in driving, and has a slew of fun tricks up his sleeve! He has a lot to teach his students.
