Brenda Duff, President – Brenda is a mother of two girls and has been a Clinical Laboratory Technologist at Garnet Health Medical Center for over 20 years. Her passion for Victory Hill’s mission began when her daughter, Kasey (Pictured with Brenda) began attending Equine Assisted Learning classes. She has now moved into Victory Hill’s Vocational Training classes and has learned and grown so much! Brenda would like to give back by helping Victory Hill to reach even more families in our community.
Heidi Nyland, Secretary – Heidi Nyland is a lifelong resident of Orange County, residing with her husband and two children in New Hampton. Heidi received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Master of Science in Education Degrees from Wagner College in Staten Island. Heidi continued her education at SUNY New Paltz receiving a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration & Supervision. Heidi has spent the last 25 years as an educator, beginning her career as a classroom instructor before transitioning into educational administration. Throughout her years, Heidi has developed a true passion for social emotional learning. Heidi strives to empower others to increase their self awareness to develop emotional management skills. With first hand experience, Heidi has witnessed how one’s ability to self regulate their emotions can play a significant role impacting the quality of daily life. Heidi has seen this positive impact transpire at Victory Hill Therapeutic Horsemanship and is excited to be part of the amazing programs that they offer providing their clients with the self-confidence they need to live their best lives!
Dave Ofshinsky, Treasurer – Dave is a retired executive, having spent over 40 years at non-profit and governmental healthcare and social service organizations, in positions such as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Finance & Administration. Dave has also volunteered on a number of non-profit boards and government commissions over the years, addressing issues of domestic violence & sexual assault, environmental protection, economic development, historic preservation, and serving on the West Milford, NJ Board of Education. As a Vietnam Era Army Veteran and having spent much of his career at behavioral health entities, he is knowledgeable on the needs of these populations. New to the area, having moved to Port Jervis in 2022, he is honored to be able to continue his commitment to helping others by serving at Victory Hill.
“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away” – Pablo Picasso.
Laurie Bryceland, Executive Director/Founder – Laurie is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a BS in Elementary Education and Secondary English Education. She worked toward her Masters at Adelphi University and worked as a teacher after graduation. Laurie has held several other certifications such as an Emergency Medical Technician & Veterinary Assistant. Laurie holds two certifications through PATH Intl (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Intl) as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Her training through the Natural Lifemanship Institute has been instrumental in developing the trauma informed principles she applies to her work. She is also a certified mentor teaching others to become instructors. Laurie held a past position as the Asst. Executive Director at a PATH Intl Premier Accredited Center in Milford, PA. There she started the first “Horses 4 Heroes” program in the area in order to serve Veterans, First Responders, active military and their families and is now proud to bring that program to Victory Hill TH. Laurie also enjoys being a member of the Hudson Valley Veteran Task Force and the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. She truly enjoys life on the farm with her husband, Chris and their three children: Shane (23), Raeanne (22) and Tyler (18), their horses and 25 other beloved fur babies.
Tonya Addy, Director – Tonya is a lifelong horse-lover who brings more than 20 years of nonprofit experience to Victory Hill. She is currently the Strategic Director of Executive Engagement at the American Cancer Society and previously served as the Executive Vice President of The Munshine Group, a consulting firm specializing in fundraising and nonprofit management. Tonya was born and raised in Orange County. She grew up with horses and was blessed to experience the power of equine connection early on in life. Upon graduating high school, Tonya studied in New York City where she eventually started her career in television, working for NBC Studios. She shifted to the world of nonprofits after she and her husband Sean moved back to the area almost 20 years ago to raise their family. Tonya truly believes in the power of volunteerism and is honored to serve Victory Hill.
“You make a living by what you get. You make a life by what you give.” -Winston Churchill
Elizabeth L. Miller, Director – Elizabeth has always held a special place in her heart for horses. After losing her father on 9/11/2001, spending time with her horse was one of the only things that brought her comfort. She is the current Project Director for September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows, a nonprofit 9/11 family member group who advocates for peace. She earned her BA in History and Arabic Studies at Bloomsburg University in 2017. In 2020, she graduated with an MA in Middle Eastern Studies from the CUNY Graduate Center in New York. She is committed to finding ways to help others in her community.
Beth Van Pelt, Director – Beth Van Pelt was born and raised on Long Island. She is a graduate of Plattsburgh State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and was a four year member of the women’s soccer team. After college, Beth worked with mentally ill and developmentally disabled adults, helping them learn activities of daily living. In 1990 Beth moved to Orange County where she began her career at the Orange County Department of Social Services. Through her employment at OCDSS, Beth worked in a variety of roles as a Caseworker, Senior Caseworker and Supervisor in the Children’s Services Division. Her experience includes but is not limited to foster care, adoption and child protective services. At the time of her retirement, she was the supervisor of the Homefinding Unit, endeavoring to recruit and retain foster homes for the department. Beth began volunteering at Victory Hill about six months after her retirement in 2022. She fell in love with the program and found volunteering with Stable Moments and Therapeutic Riding extremely fulfilling. Beth lives in Mount Hope with her husband, John, a retired Warwick Valley teacher and coach. Together they have two children, Shannon and Jack..
Jerry Lynn Fairchild, Director – Jerry Lynn is a Program Director for Day Habilitation Services at The Arc Greater Hudson Valley NY. She has over 15 years of experience in the non-profit and human services field supporting adults and children with unique abilities. In addition, she works with the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), reviewing submissions for their E-Badge program to stabilize knowledge and professionalism of the direct support workforce. Jerry was brought up with horses from a young age, riding and showing in the hunter/jumper world and is a life-long horse lover. Equine therapy has a major impact on people, and she has seen firsthand how this can assist individuals with emotional and physical trauma. Victory Hill has a tremendous number of programs for people with special needs, first responders, and veterans and Jerry Lynn is excited to be part of the organization to help people live their best lives through an equine experience.
Deidre Despaigne, Director- Deidre is currently a New York State Certified Support Broker for OPWDD Self Direction and an NYS housing navigator since 2023. Deidre has over nine years of care management experience and retired from the field in 2020 due to COVID-19. Deidre obtained a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2011 and a master’s in the Studies of Human behavior in 2013 and is trained as a behavior technician. Deidre has six amazing children, four are biological, and three of them have special needs. She fosters two with special needs and helps care for them until they are ready to go home to their families. The goal is to help families tap into the resources NY has to offer for families with special needs. Deidre’s fourth child just graduated high school and is the proud owner of Sibling Keepers Closet a company he founded to give his siblings meaningful employment as their disability consists of high needs. He is currently working as a direct support professional and a volunteer firefighter PB and is looking forward to registering for college soon. Deidre is a part of Pine Bush Ladies Fire Auxiliary and currently serves on the fundraiser and trustee committees. She had also served on the Gifted Children board for over three years. Deidre has done countless volunteering while living in the city for both District 75 and the Extreme Crew Kids’ Organization. Additionally, Deidre also volunteered for many years in Tennessee, Virginia, and Maryland for families of children with special needs and Military families as well.
“I am excited to be on the Board of Directors for Victory Hill because I believe in the work they are doing for three communities I am very passionate about – Special Needs, Veterans, and the Foster Care community. I look forward to contributing to the growth and advancement of Victory Hill’s mission. This organization is accomplishing great things, and I love being a part of it.”
Heidi Johnson, Director- Heidi Johnson was raised in Houston, TX. This is where she first fell in love with horses. As a young girl, Heidi would often ride horses and felt a bond with these extraordinary animals. As an adult Heidi has focused her professional journey in the nonprofit field, as she has always had a great desire to give back to her community. She has spent most of her career working with individuals of varying disabilities and has always felt a passion to remain connected to this field. Heidi is an experienced Director and leader with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit industry and special event coordination. Heidi is dually certified as a Grant Writer and Volunteer Manager. She has raised millions of dollars for Hudson Valley nonprofits through grants and fundraising. Heidi has always been very philanthropic, spending her time raising awareness on such great projects as the ACS Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, OSCEAN Orange & Sullivan Counties Employment Alliance Network and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh. She advocates for nonprofit support, mental health first aid, and suicide prevention. Heidi is employed as the Clerk for the Village of Highland Falls. She brings extensive non-profit leadership to Victory Hill Therapeutic Horsemanship with excitement to help further our mission.
Lauren Scott, Director- Lauren Scott is an associate attorney practicing general litigation.
Lauren earned her Bachelor of Arts from the State University of New York College at Cortland in 2005, with a major in anthropology and minor in history and international studies. Lauren then attended the American University of Paris, where she earned a Master of Arts in International Law and Public Policy in 2011. Lauren earned her Juris Doctor from New York Law School as an evening division student in 2017. Prior to joining J&G Law, Lauren worked for K2 Integrity on a large-scale transaction remediation project for a multinational investment bank. Lauren also worked as a sanctions compliance officer at Societe Generale in NYC from 2018-2020 and as a paralegal, the Forfeiture Coordinator, of the New York County District Attorney’s Office from 2012-2015. Lauren has been a member of the New York State Bar since 2018. Lauren is a member of the Orange County Land Trust Preservation and Stewardship Committees. Lauren enrolled in the Leadership Orange Class of 2024 leadership program. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys international travel, hiking and kayaking. She is very excited to be a member of the Board of Directors for Victory Hill and looks forward to supporting our mission and making a lasting difference to those we serve.