NARHA-Certified Instructors
Martha Dubensky - NARHA Certified Advanced Instructor
Elizabeth DeLuca - NARHA Certified Registered Instructor
Lena Dubensky -NARHA Certified Registered Instructor
Off Horse Instruction
Susan Swalm - Activities Program Coordinator
Susan, who had horses growing up, has been volunteering at G.A.I.T. since March 2005. Since the autumn of 2005, she has spent most of her time working with the riders during off-horse activities and planning the current curriculum for the Activities Program. She uses her education and experience in the planning and facilitating of activities for the riders and enjoys helping the riders develop an awareness and appreciation for the world (especially the natural world) around them and their place in it through story, music, art, games, language, creative dramatics and puppets.
Office Personnel
Martha Dubensky - Executive Director, Founder
Martha has loved and owned horses for most of her life. In 1983, she was introduced to horses providing therapy for people with disabilities. Thirsty for more knowledge on this therapy, she volunteered at a program in Warwick, New York for several years and in 1994 became a certified NARHA therapeutic riding instructor. In 1995, she founded the G.A.I.T. Therapeutic Riding Center.
She is the Education Chairman of the Gifford Pinchot Audubon Society, a member of several Boards of nonprofit organizations and has been a Sunday school teacher for 14 years. Martha graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree from Cornell University. Her husband and three children are very supportive of both her and G.A.I.T.
Currently Ms. Dubensky is voluntarily serving a two-year term as NARHA Region 2 Representative. She was elected to this position January 2009. She is also a mentor for instructors-in-training and is a NARHA Associate Evaluator conducting workshops and certifications for the therapeutic riding industry.
Gigi Kratzke - Administrative Assistant
Gigi has worked in various capacities over the years with other nonprofit agencies including New Jersey Easter Seals and the Pike County Library. Looking to join a charitable organization, she joined G.A.I.T. in February 2007 as the Administrative Assistant. She is a tremendous help alleviating the increased workload resulting from G.A.I.T.'s successful programs which continue to increase in size and number. Gigi graduated from Sussex County Community College with a two-year degree in Accounting and Computer Information Systems.
Connie McComb - Volunteer Coordinator
Connie began volunteering for G.A.I.T. in March 2001 when she was a freshman in High School. After her graduation in 2004, she was offered the position of Volunteer Coordinator. She is responsible for organizing the volunteers, their work schedules and ensuring G.A.I.T. has sufficient assistance for all Therapeutic Riding Classes. Connie also assists the NARHA Certified Instructors during classes. In the past year, she has developed the "Earn Your Stars" program, which represents the various levels of expertise G.A.I.T. requires of their volunteers. She plans to pursue a career as a Veterinary Technician.
Barn & Property Maintenance
Joe Hlavacek - Barn Assistant
Joe has volunteered at G.A.I.T. throughout his teen years. He has learned to work with both children and adults with varying disabilities and how to work with horses of varying sizes and personalities. He is responsible for the daily feeding and stall cleaning chores for the horses. Joe has been working as the barn and maintenance assistant since January 2006. He has extensive knowledge with farm machinery, which makes him a valuable asset to G.A.I.T. When he is not at G.A.I.T, he works with his Dad as a roofer, welder and with various construction and landscaping projects.
