Board of Directors
Hayley Holzhacker – President/Executive Director
Hayley is the founder of Impact Horse. Hayley has lived and studied animals’ impact on humans. As a lifelong animal lover, Hayley grew up alongside shetland sheepdogs/shelties, horses, and ponies. Hayley rode in the leadline class at the Hampton Classic as a toddler at age two. She has shown successfully in the hunter and equitation rings throughout New England. Throughout her childhood, Hayley showed and trained at the Fairfield County Hunt Club with Robyn Pavone and Jenny Martin-Rudaz. Hayley rode on the York Equestrian IEA Team in high school at Graystone Stables. Hayley has been making strides ever since.
As a passion, Hayley enjoys spending time with her horses, pampering her retired thoroughbred mare “Layla,” walking her dog, grooming the ponies, and taking her childhood miniature horse “Toast” for walks. Hayley is thrilled to share the positive impact horses have in her life with others. Impact Horse was developed as part of Hayley’s graduate studies at Johns Hopkins to make equine-assisted learning opportunities available and more accessible through community programs and events. Hayley resides in Greater Portland, Maine, with her rescue dog, Blake.
Sharon Verreault – Vice President/ Director of Health & Wellness Initiatives
Sharon is excited to join Impact Horse and serve as Vice President and Director of Health & Wellness Initiatives on the Board of Directors. As a passionate, dedicated, and experienced medical professional who has worked as a nurse for many years, Sharon most recently worked with children and their families navigating the challenges of daily life for children living with rare genetic diseases. She is actively involved within the community and has seen firsthand the benefits of equine-assisted interactions with her patients. Sharon lives in Portland, Maine, with her husband, Tim, and has two sons, Matthew and Christian.
Kate McDaniel – Treasurer/ Director of Equestrian Engagement & Community Relations
Kate is the Treasurer for Impact Horse and serves as our Director of Equestrian Engagement and Community Relations. She is thrilled to join the Impact Horse’s Board of Directors. Kate grew up in Kittery, Maine, spent her junior years riding with many great trainers, and graduated from Lafayette College with a B.A. in Psychology.
In 2006, Kate opened Mill Pond, a family oriented show hunter, jumper, and equitation business, which she runs out of Graystone Stables in Berwick, Maine. Many of Kate’s students have successfully competed at state, regional, and national hunter and equitation finals. She also coaches the York IEA team with dear friend Stephanie Plaisted. Kate currently lives in Eliot, Maine, with her husband, Erik, three daughters, Elle, Ryen, & Maeve, and their dogs, Spike, Daisy, & Rudy.
Madison Hunter – Secretary / Director of Educational Expansion and Opportunities
Madison is excited to join Impact Horse and serve as the nonprofit secretary. Madison graduated from Colby-Saywer College in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Child Development. She has spent her whole life around animals: cats, dogs, birds and horses. Madison spend lots of time in Chebeague Island, ME over the summer.
She was part of the equestrian club in high school. Currently, Madison works with adults and children with disabilities. She also continues to work with animals whether it’s pet sitting or helping out at her parents with their animals (cats, dogs, horses). As an active member in the community, Madison is passionate about supporting the mission and vision of Impact Horse and is excited to support the nonprofit’s programs and initiatives.
Alexis Heldenbrand – Program and Events Volunteer
Rescue Remedy: Connecting Humans and Horses – Impact Horse
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Impact Horse
PO Box 313, South Freeport, ME 04078
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