Laurie Bryecland, Interim President/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.
Brenda Duff, Treasurer – 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.
Ariana Vele, Secretary –Ariana is a mother of two beautiful boys and the wife of a New York City Firefighter. She is passionate about helping First Responders and their families to find the help they need to deal with the stress and burn out many experience on the job. As a certified foster parent and mother of a special needs child, Ariana is focused on helping Victory Hill to maintain and expand their services for at-risk youth, children and youth in foster care, those that have been adopted, and children with special needs. Ariana attended Montclair State University. She is currently seeking her certification as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship. She also has future plans to pursue her certification as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Volunteering at Victory Hill has allowed her lifelong dream of working with horses to become a reality.
Rose Little, Director – Rose is the Director of Clinical Practices at CHIPA (Community Health Independent Practice Association), an entity that brings together health centers through New York State committed to delivering care and service excellence to vulnerable populations. In her role, she oversees projects and fosters partnerships to strengthen capacity and resources to innovate and elevate the standard of care in community health. As a registered nurse for the past 15 years, her professional experience includes hospital, outpatient, and administration-with a special interest in healthcare informatics. She is part of the New York State Nursing Association and Sigma Theta Tau: International Honor Society of Nursing. Rose currently serves as a board member for Leadership Orange, a committee member for Junior Leadership Orange, and a mentor for the Stable Moments program at Victory Hill. Rose is a graduate of Villanova University and is currently enrolled in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program at Mount Saint Mary College. She and her family are active members of Port Jervis who strive to improve the community. In her personal and professional pursuits, Rose is passionate about being the ears, eye, and voice for those unheard and unseen.
Quote: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. – M.Mead
Why VH: The elation felt in connecting with animals and children humbles and soothes the soul. As a mentor to young individuals on their journey to heal, engage, and learn opens a world of possibilities and a renewed love for the experiences easily missed in the everyday hustle and bustle. The Stable Moments program at Victory Hill allows participants to welcome the nostalgia of being children, build confidence, learn coping strategies, and appreciate the gifts of nature.
Tonya Addy, Director – Tonya is a certified fundraising executive (CFRE) and is the Executive Vice President of The Munshine Group, a consulting firm that specializes in nonprofit management and corporate social responsibility. She was born and raised in Orange County and was blessed to have grown up with horses. From that upbringing, she truly understands the power of equine connection. Upon graduation, 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
Demetria “Dee” Bartziokas, Director – Dee is the owner and founder of Dee’s Classic Cleaning, a very successful residential and business cleaning service in Orange County for the past 10 yrs. Dee has a passion for helping others in the community and volunteers her time for causes such as Cleaning for a Reason which offers free house cleaning services to Cancer patients. Dee lives in Middletown with her husband, children and grandchildren. She is excited to be helping Victory Hill with their future growth and firmly believes in their mission.
Jamie Striano, Director – Jamie is a mother of 3 and works at Cornerstone Family Healthcare. Jamie has experienced first hand the benefits of Equine Assisted Services at Victory Hill. Her daughter, Ella, began taking Therapeutic Riding Lessons in 2021 and Jamie noticed positive changes in her daughter as she progressed through her therapeutic goals. Jamie is very excited to be part of the Board of Directors and helping to further Victory Hill’s Mission in the coming years.
Corey Ferretti, Director – Corey is the owner and founder of CB Farrier Service LLC. Corey lives in Walden, NY with his 2 beautiful daughters. He proudly served in the US Navy as a CB (Construction Battalion) from July 2002 to October 2012. Working with horses for many years has given Corey a true understanding of the benefits of Equine Assisted Services and a passion for Victory Hill’s mission. He especially looks forward to helping his fellow veterans in Victory Hill’s “Horses 4 Heroes” program. Corey brings a unique perspective of the struggles that veterans sometimes face after discharge. Victory Hill is lucky to also have Corey as our farrier. He takes excellent care of our horses feet!
Lisa-Ann LaBue, Director– Lisa-Ann is the Assistant Vice President Business Relationship Manager at Empire State Bank and a Renovation Specialist Home Mortgage Consultant at Wells Fargo. Her love of horses and her passion for serving the community led her to volunteer as a Board Member for Victory Hill. Lisa-Ann is skilled in building and maintaining relationships with many different members of the community. She is excited to be helping Victory Hill to grow their support base, increase their reach, as well as the number of individuals and families served in the coming years.
Emily Greaves, Director – Emily currently works as a Veterinary Technician at Banfield Pet Hospital and spends her Sunday mornings caring for the horses and petting zoo at Victory Hill. She is also the loving mother to her Standardbred (horse) “Legs” and her Donkey “Ace”. Emily has been riding and working with and around horses for many years and understands the benefits they have to offer and all that they can teach us. She is excited to help bring Victory Hill’s mission to more people in our community and to be part of our organization’s growth in the coming years.