Marie began volunteering at High Hopes when she was twelve years old (with her mom, of course) and fell in love with learning how horses can help people. While studying Equine Business Management at Cazenovia College, Marie returned for a summer internship at the Camp Harkness satellite program. Soon after, she became certified through our instructor Training Course. Marie officially joined the High Hopes team as Volunteer Coordinator in September 2016 and transitioned to her role as Lesson Manager in summer 2019. Currently, Marie enjoys building connections with other therapeutic professionals, seeing the strength of our participants and their families, and learning all she can to provide the highest quality experience for our participants and volunteers.

Marie leads an active life outside of High Hopes — she is an avid skier in the winter months and boater in the summer- she’s also pursuing additional education in an OTA program at Goodwin University. She lives in East Haddam with her husband Peter and their two cats, Jackson and Greta, rescue pup Bonnie, and 15 chickens.

Marie is an Advanced level Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, PATH, International Instructor Mentor, and Center Representative.