Pegasus family,

In 2005, I was asked to take the reins of Pegasus and continue the legacy of the dear friend, mentor and teacher that Carol Tatum was to all of us. At that time I was serving as the President of the Board of Directors. Little did I realize that this decision would be life-changing. I first came to Pegasus over twenty seven years ago as the parent of a child with cerebral palsy.  We were so impressed with the benefits of her therapeutic riding, we were hooked. I volunteered in lessons, served as legal counsel to the organization, and served as President of the Board of Directors for ten years before accepting the Executive Director position.  I have watched our program grow from a small nonprofit to one that embraces organizational excellence on many levels.

Today, I want to share with you my plans to retire in late 2019. As I begin to prepare to step down as Executive Director, I have been reflecting on the accomplishments of our wonderful program. I wanted to personally thank you for your partnership and your support. During my career at Pegasus we have had many achievements.  Pegasus became a PATH Int’l (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Int’l) Premier Accredited Center – a designation of excellence in the industry.  We now conduct PATH workshop and instructor certification programs. Our staff members have presented at PATH regional conferences to share our innovative programs.   We have been a three-time recipient of the Inglis Award for Continuing Excellence, as well as the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations Non-Profit Organization Award in 2010.

First and foremost, thank you! It has been a pleasure to serve our families and the trusted Philadelphia institution of Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy over the past 13 years as Executive Director. My time with Pegasus has filled me with a sense of purpose and belonging that none other could offer. Working here has been such a wonderful experience, and I will cherish the memories forever.

As Pegasus is such a passion of mine, I am thrilled to announce that I will retain the title of Executive Director Emeritus and will serve on the Pegasus Advisory Board, as well as continue to volunteer my time working on fundraising and grant writing.  As Pegasus takes its next steps, I am pleased that the Pegasus Board of Directors, Program Director, Teresa Doherty and Operations Director, Alexandra Manwarren, will be working together to continue our mission at Pegasus.  The vision of Pegasus, striving to set a lasting standard of excellence in the Philadelphia area for Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies and changing lives through innovative and inclusive programs, will continue under their leadership.

 It has been the greatest honor to serve as the Executive Director at Pegasus Therapeutic Riding Academy. I look forward to watching Pegasus continue on its path of excellence in the future with your continued partnership and support.

With much gratitude,

Barbara Wertheimer, 

Executive Director

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