Our Staff

Barbara Wertheimer

Executive Director

Barbara Wertheimer is a retired attorney who first came to Pegasus in 1991 when her daughter began riding in the program. Over the years she became an active volunteer in many facets of the organization, ultimately becoming President of the Board of Directors in 1997. She continued in that role until April 2007, when she assumed the position of Executive Director following the passing of the founder and former Executive Director of the program, Carol Tatum. Barbara and her family have embraced Pegasus and all that the program has done for countless individuals. She is thoroughly committed to its continued existence as the premier therapeutic riding program in Philadelphia.  

To contact Barbara, please email her: Pegasus5@Comcast.net

Teresa Doherty

Program Director

Leading our Pegasus program is Teresa Doherty. After volunteering at Pegasus in high school, she became passionate about therapeutic instruction and the course was set for her undergraduate studies. She graduated and obtained dual degrees in equine science and psychology at Rocky Mountain College. Innovative with our programs and passionate about our riders, Teresa has expanded and implemented many new programs, initiatives and works tirelessly to ensure our horses are healthy and happy. There aren’t many roles at Pegasus that Teresa hasn’t done as a volunteer or rising through her ranks as a staff member at Pegasus. In addition to teaching, leading community programs and overseeing a growing horse show team, Teresa is also the Director of our summer program. She also holds a PATH therapeutic riding instructor certification as well as PATH certification for Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. 

To contact Teresa please email her:  PegasusTeresa@comcast.net

Alexandra Manwarren

Instructor, Social Media Director

Alexandra Manwarren, or “Alex,” grew up riding and competing in horse shows across the U.S. She has vast experience teaching in both therapeutic as well as traditional riding programs.  A former director for the YMCA, Alex has experience with non-profit programs, camps, and counseling. Alex assists Pegasus with our website and managing our social media profiles. She is present at most community outreach events and classroom engagements on behalf of Pegasus. She holds a B.S. in Psychology from Sweet Briar College, is an ANRC rated rider and is a PATH certified instructor.

Sonia Turnamian

Instructor

Sonia joins Pegasus with an equine studies degree from Centenary University where she received her PATH Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification from one of top therapeutic riding programs in the country.  She has worked and volunteered at several therapeutic riding programs across the east coast and in the south. A talented rider, who competed in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, she will be able to assist in many ways with our Pegasus programs.  We are also excited to partner with Ivy Hill Therapeutic Equestrian Center in a unique program where Sonia will be working as an instructor for both therapeutic riding programs while residing at Pegasus.

Ryan Frech

Instructor, Summer Program Director

Ryan joined Pegasus as a volunteer and quickly developed a passion for horses and our Pegasus community. He is a former Pegasus volunteer of the year, a graduate of Archbishop Ryan, and is currently attending Delaware Valley University. Ryan knows the inner workings of our facility, programs, and horses making him an excellent choice to represent our program during outings, volunteer work days, and community events. His easy-going manner during lessons allows for riders to quickly develop a trusting relationship and a lasting friendship. Ryan is the summer program director and is a PATH Certified Instructor.

Elysia Rodriguez

Volunteer Coordinator and Barn Assistant

Elysia is our Volunteer Coordinator for Pegasus. You’ll know her as she is in every daily picture of the Pegasus volunteer appreciation week! She knows our programs, riders and the best way to integrate our volunteers into the Pegasus way of life. Elysia is also vital to our program as she is also a barn assistant helping to take care of our horses. Elysia got her start at Pegasus with a high school internship, was the 2017 Jr. Volunteer of the Year at Pegasus and she continues to be an integral part of our Pegasus team.  A graduate of El Centro High School, Elysia is currently attending Community College of Philadelphia and will be pursuing a career in nursing. You can email Elysia at PegasusVolunteerCoordinator@comcast.net

Casondra Kennedy

Instructor

Sondra attends Delaware Valley University where she is pursuing her degree in counseling psychology with a minor in equine instruction and training. She has ridden since the age of 8 and is an accomplished rider. With experience volunteering, as well as shadowing at several other east coast therapeutic riding programs, she brings wonderful new ideas to contribute to our program.  Sondra is a PATH certified instructor.

Haley Flagg

Instructor

Haley joins our Pegasus staff with a diverse equestrian background. She has grown up riding and showing in the New York state show circuit and spent time as a Vet Assistant. She has gained expertise working with horses in all capacities as an Equine Assistant at a top ranked show barn for over 6 years. A graduate of Drew University she was captain of her Inter-Collegiate Equestrian team and holds her degree in Environmental Science. Haley’s enthusiasm for horses and the interest she takes in her riders is evident to all that meet her.  Haley is a certified PATH instructor.

To contact Haley, please email her: PegasusHaley@Comcast.net

Katherine Haber

Instructor, Fundraising Coordinator

Katherine has been riding for over 20 years and has an impressive equestrian background traversing the U.S showing and instructing from Connecticut to Florida for various private barns and top trainers. A graduate of University of Massachusetts Amherst, Katherine works in social media and marketing for several companies.  She is passionate about volunteering and currently serves on the board for Crohn’s & Colitis Philadelphia. Katherine will be teaching our Senior Saddles program, as well as doing fundraising and development for Pegasus.

Sara Hertzel

Assistant Instructor

Sara is a graduate of Temple University and currently working towards a Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology at Widener University. She brings her background of cognitive behavioral therapy alongside a lifetime of riding, competing and teaching in the equestrian community. Sara’s hobbies include painting and hot yoga when she’s not in classes or teaching at Pegasus.

Taylor Adams

Equine Trainer, Instructor

Taylor Adams is an accomplished horsewoman who has been riding most of her life. She is a graduate of Delaware Valley University where she completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Equine Instruction and Training as well as the British Horse Society certifications through Stage 3. She is currently working through her Masters of Education degree in Teaching and Learning. Taylor also works at DelVal where she is the Equine Administrative Assistant and serves as adjunct faculty. Her work as our Equine Trainer ensures that we have happy and safe horses. Taylor is a PATH Certified Instructor.

Sarah Emery

Barn Assistant

With an amazing smile, a ‘can do’ attitude and a love for our Pegasus horses, Sarah has been a Pegasus volunteer for years and helps take amazing care of our ‘herd’. She is in school pursuing her education in veterinary studies and can be counted on to lend a hand whenever she is needed.

Corey Woldenberg, DPT

Physical Therapist

Corey Woldenberg is a licensed physical therapist. Her experience volunteering with therapeutic riding programs first inspired her to enter the profession of physical therapy. She has served as a volunteer with therapeutic riding programs for 15 years across several states, and she is thrilled to share her skills with Pegasus. Looking ahead, she plans on pursuing her hippotherapy certification.

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