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: Teresa@PegasusPhilly.org
Alexandra Manwarren
Instructor, Operations Director
Alexandra Manwarren or “Alex,” is the Operations Director for Pegasus. 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 program management, fundraising, staff development, camps, and counseling. Alex assists Barbara Wertheimer, Executive Director, with the daily operations of our facilities and programs as well as managing our website and 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. To contact Alex, please email her: Alexandra@PegasusPhilly.org
Elysia Rodriguez
Volunteer Coordinator and Assistant Instructor
Ryan Frech
Instructor, Barn Manager, and Summer Program Director
Katherine Haber
Instructor, Social Media Manager
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 the 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 teaches our Senior Saddles program and works hard to tell our Pegasus story (connect with us @pegasusphilly) as the Marketing and Special Events Director. Interested in hearing more about Katherine’s special co-workers? Our miniature therapy horses, Big Mac and Bleu have excellent manners and are frequently invited to various events around town.To contact Katherine, please email her: Katherine@PegasusPhilly.org
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.
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.
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.
Olivia Slocum
Assistant Instructor
Olivia grew up riding in Cape May County, NJ and has shown horses competitively from a young age. She has competed in the prestigious Marshall & Sterling league, qualified for the Ariat adult medal finals and competed in horse shows across the country. Olivia graduated from Sweet Briar College with a degree in Psychology where she was a member of the ANRC and ODAC teams. In 2014 she helped pilot SBC’s ANRC team to a national title, capturing the ANRC Novice Champtionship. When not teaching at Pegasus, Olivia rides professionally and can be found on her days off hanging out with her retired show gelding, Picasso. Pegasus is honored to have such an accomplished equestrian join our instructional team.
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.
Emily Wilmot
Assistant Instructor
Emily grew up 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. We are excited to have Emily teaching at Pegasus with her broad range of riding experience and caliber of competition. 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.
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.