Laurie Bryceland, CTRI, ESMHL – Founder/ Executive Director– Laurie is the head Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, as well as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. She holds ESMHL and CTRI certifications with PATH Intl and Natural Lifemanship Institute – Level 2. She conducts sessions of Equine Assisted Learning with a wide variety of clients and students including at risk youth, children and adults with special needs, veterans, active military families and first responders. Looking at both the neuropsychology of the horse and its human partner, she teaches the building of connected relationships using the principles of Natural Lifemanship. Laurie also teaches beginner riding skills in both English and Western disciplines as well as Horsemanship skills. She is passionate about helping her clients discover all that horses can teach us. She also enjoys being a PATH Intl approved mentor and assisting new candidates through the process of becoming certified instructors or equine specialists.
Linda Olivo, Development & Communications Coordinator – Linda’s career at Victory Hill began when she started volunteering along with her son, Justin. Linda was inspired by her son’s passion for veteran causes to get involved with Victory Hill’s programs. She has previous experience volunteering at a nearby equine rescue and was excited to have the opportunity to work along side horses once again. In 2020, Linda stepped up to fill the role of Bookkeeper. In 2025, Victory Hill was thrilled to have Linda transition to the full time role of Development and Communications Coordinator. Her hard work, passion, and dedication to our mission make her a true asset to the team! Linda also volunteered for many years with the Pocatello fire department in Middletown, NY as support personnel, fundraiser, and parade coordinator. Her husband, David, also jumps in whenever we need an extra hand.
Sara McConnell- Program Coordinator & Instructor- Sara became a very valuable member of our team in March, 2025. Sara first began working with horses in Sanitaria Springs, NY at the age of 12. Through 6 years of volunteering and training, she found she really enjoyed Western riding most of all! Sara has a background in both children’s education and community-based programs, having worked at Broome County BOCES with K-2nd students with special needs, as well as with WIC of Orange County providing Nutritional Education to low- income families in the Hudson Valley. Sara also has a deep passion for providing integrative mental health services to those in need, having most recently managed a private psychiatric practice offering TMS Therapy for patients with treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions. Sara is beyond excited to combine all the skills she’s learned in these fields to help foster healing and hope between our clients and these highly emotionally intelligent animals. Sara is working toward her PATH Intl Certification in both Therapeutic Riding and as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning.
Abigail Artz- Volunteer Coordinator & Instructor- Abigail previously worked as a riding instructor with an extensive history and experience in the therapeutic riding field. From the young age of eleven, she volunteered in the barn at HorseAbility, a therapeutic riding center on Long Island, during their summer camp program each year. Abigail holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from State University of New York at New Paltz (SUNY). Here, she competed at the intercollegiate level of riding through the IHSA team as a Division III athlete under trainer and coach Helaina Ricciardi at Meadow Creek Farm in Lagrangeville, New York. After graduating, Abigail continued to pursue her love for horses, riding, and coaching as she took a position teaching English riding lessons at North Shore Equestrian Center. Abigail truly missed working in the therapeutic riding industry which led her to join our team! Abigail is working towards her PATH Intl. Certification and cannot wait to see what adventures lie ahead for her at Victory Hill!
Zachary Pepe – Instructor & Barn Staff – Zach holds a BA in Psychology as well as Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security, and Cybersecurity from the University at Albany (SUNY). After a successful year of teaching middle school history in NYC, Zach made a shift to pursue the opportunity to work as an instructor at Victory Hill. He is passionate about teaching and helping people in any way they may need. His role at Victory Hill also compliments his love of the outdoors. In his spare time Zach volunteers for both the New Hampton Fire Department and the American Red Cross. As Zach works toward his certification as a PATH Intl Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, he is excited to continue growing and learning more about providing the highest quality Equine Assisted Services.
Chris Bryceland, Barn Manager – Chris is a full time first responder in addition to managing the family farm where Victory Hill TH is located. He is quite skilled in all areas of farm and equipment maintenance and takes wonderful care of our herd and petting zoo. We could not do what we do without the many hours of hard work he puts in 7 days a week!
Dawn J. Benko, EEBW, CEMP, ESMHL – Barn Staff – Dawn is a recovering photojournalist, after leaving a 30+ year career in the newspaper industry. She began volunteering for a therapeutic riding center in 2015, where she rediscovered her love of horses, and remained in that role until 2019 when she was hired as their part time barn manager. She has since become a Certified Equine Body Worker and Massage Practitioner. Determined to follow an equine related career path, Dawn began volunteering at Victory Hill in 2022 where she completed her practicum hours to become a PATH certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Dawn was hired as an ESMHL instructor and developed a specific curriculum for teaching horsemanship and equine message to veterans. After some time away, Dawn returned to Victory Hill in the Fall of 2024 as a valued member of our barn staff. Dawn will do just about anything for you, if you bring her cookies.