Our Staff
Teresa Doherty
Executive Director & Program Director
Leading our Pegasus TRA program is Teresa Doherty. Teresa holds dual degrees in equine science and psychology from Rocky Mountain College. Innovative with our programs and passionate about our riders, Teresa has expanded and implemented many new programs and initiatives for Pegasus TRA. She works tirelessly to ensure our horses are healthy and happy in our lesson program. In addition to teaching, leading community programs and overseeing a growing horse show team, Teresa has co-authored the Pegasus Equine Strategic Plan at Pegasus that she will be presenting at the 2019 PATH International Conference in November. Teresa holds a PATH therapeutic riding instructor certification, a PATH certification for Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and is a PATH International Mentor. She is also an adjunct professor at Delaware Valley University. To contact Teresa please email her: Teresa@PegasusPhilly.org
Emily Wilmot
Equine Director & Instructor
Emily has been riding and showing in Massachusetts where she gained valuable experience working as a barn manager and instructor for several boarding, lesson, and therapeutic riding programs. While attending Delaware Valley University, she competed on both the hunt seat and western IHSA teams earning National and Regional Championships. Emily has a broad range of riding experience and a strong caliber of competition background. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Business and Management and is currently pursuing her Masters in Education. She is also a Coaching Assistant, responsible for recruiting and helping with IHSA teams at Delaware Valley University. While at Pegasus, Emily enjoys riding Sergio and spending time with barn family! Emily is a PATH certified instructor. To contact Emily please email her: Emily@PegasusPhilly.org
Ryan Frech
Barn Manager, Summer Program Director, and Instructor
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 to pursue an equine management degree where he also competes on the dressage team. Ryan knows the inner workings of our facility, programs, and horses. He also helps 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. To contact Ryan please email him: Ryan@PegasusPhilly.org
Kevin Lewis
Operations Director
Kevin was first introduced to Pegasus TRA through the Philadelphia Youth Network (PYN) as a freshman in high school. His devotion to our riders and staff was cultivated across multiple positions within the organization, eventually leading to his current role as Operations Director nearly a decade later. Kevin graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, with a minor in Health Policy. Throughout his time at Temple, he held numerous leadership positions that strengthened his passion for serving his community and improving the lives of others. In addition to his administrative role, he is pursuing his PATH CTRI and looks forward to continuously building upon the restructuring of Pegasus. To contact Kevin please email him: Kevin@pegasusphilly.org
Katherine Brinegar
Assistant Instructor
Katherine is currently enrolled at Delaware Valley University, where she is studying equine business management. She is a member of the Delval Huntseat Team, placing as Regional Champion during her freshman year. She has spent many summers as a camp counselor, riding assistant and riding instructor, among other miscellaneous barn jobs. This experience makes her a knowledgeable addition to the Pegasus TRA team. Katerine is working towards her PATH CTRI and is excited to continue to grow in the field.
Kylie Bonelli
Assistant Instructor
Julia Snyder
Volunteer Coordinator
Julia began her time at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy as a high school student and quickly became a dedicated volunteer. After years of volunteering as frequently as possible and working with the summer program as a camp counselor, Julia took a brief hiatus to attend college at Millersville University of Pennsylvania. Post-graduation, Julia returned to Philadelphia to earn a master’s degree at Saint Joseph’s University and eventually to Pegasus as a volunteer. Her experience as an Operations Supervisor at The Met Philadelphia scheduling a staff of 250 individuals and her familiarity with the routine of the Pegasus volunteer program makes Julia a unique fit for her role as Volunteer Coordinator. To contact Julia please email her: Volunteercoordinator@pegasusphilly.org
Taylor Adams
Equine Trainer, Instructor
Taylor Adams is a graduate of Delaware Valley University with a Bachelors of Science degree in Equine Instruction and Training as well as a Masters of Education degree in Teaching and Learning . Taylor has completed the British Horse Society certifications through Stage 3. Taylor works in the Equine Department as an Administrative Assistant as well as adjunct faculty for DVU. Taylor is the co-author of the Pegasus TRA Equine Succession Plan that she will be presenting at the PATH International Conference in November 2019. While at Pegasus, Taylor enjoys catching up on all of the horses latest accomplishments both individually and with their riders! Her work as our Equine Trainer ensures that Pegasus TRA has happy and safe horses. Taylor is a PATH Certified Instructor.
Sara Hertzel
Instructor
Sara is a graduate of Temple University, where she served as Social Chair and Vice President of Temple University’s Equestrian Club (TUEC). She is currently working towards her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at Widener University; she expects to graduate in the Spring of 2022. Sara brings a wealth of resources to Pegasus with her background in mental health, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and interdisciplinary care. She has clinical experience with evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders, anxiety, depression and trauma. Sara’s training in neuropsychological assessment among those with brain injury, ADHD, learning disorders, and Autism ensure that Pegasus is current with psychological theory and practice. Sara is an experienced equestrian with a lifetime of riding and competing in the hunter/jumper ring. Sara is a PATH certified instructor.
Masha Feldman
Barn Assistant
Masha Feldman is one of our devoted barn assistants. Masha is no stranger to the barn and our programs, as she got her introduction to Pegasus as a high school volunteer. Masha has worked in numerous reputable barns in the area and we are grateful that she has found her way back to Pegasus TRA! Masha is currently studying Equine Science online and aspires to become a PATH certified instructor in the future. She enjoys being apart of the Pegasus TRA family and loves spending extra time with all the horses. While not at Pegasus, Masha enjoys practicing yoga.
Tammy McDonnell
Barn Assistant
Tammy McDonnell describes Pegasus as a place of unconditional love. As a barn assistant, she takes excellent care of our Pegasus TRA horses as they hold a special place in her heart for the important work they do for the riders and volunteers. In addition to attending Community College of Philadelphia, Tammy is an Outreach Worker for Covenant House of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, where she works to prevent homelessness in the local youth population. As a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation,Tammy is committed to raising public awareness on human trafficking and serving as an image and example of hope. Her advocacy was critical in the passage of Act 130 of 2018, Safe Harbor for Sexually Exploited Children. Tammy can be found hanging out with Oro and the horses in the mornings at Pegasus and when she is not working, she loves doing CrossFit, running marathons and cheering on the Eagles.
Jemma Teesdale
Barn Assistant
Barbara Wertheimer
Executive Director, Emeritis
Effective June 30, 2019 Barbara Wertheimer has retired from Pegasus TRA. She will be continuing her support of Pegasus overseeing grant writing and serving on various advisory committees. Barbara 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: Barbara@PegasusPhilly.org