Janice Hyde, Owner/Founder of Never Say Never Stables/Horses Healing Hearts

"Miss Janice" is a mother of two and former first grade teacher who experienced a traumatic, life changing illness. An equestrian herself, and alum of RIT and Nazareth College, Janice created Never Say Never Stables and Horses Healing Hearts to connect the healing love of horses to children in need. Dreams do come true!

Karen Haasis, Program Coordinator of Horses Healing Hearts

In addition to working full-time and raising a family, Karen spends numerous hours at NSN helping children of all abilities ride and interact with our special horses every week. She is responsible for coordinating, scheduling and contacting our Horses Healing Hearts clients and families. Karen's sense of humor and genuine kind nature make it easy for children of all abilities and their families to feel right at home here!

Emilia LaPlante. Riding Instructor

Emilia, or Mia, is one of our trainer/instructors here at NSN. She has enjoyed riding and working with horses since the young age of six. Her experience includes confident and comfortable handling and basic training of all types of horses and riding for pleasure, both English and Western. Mia is a 2010-2011 graduate of the Ministry Apprentice Program at Miracle Mountain Ranch. She loves kids of all ages and finds great reward in helping them gain confidence and skill in horse handling and riding, all with an emphasis on safety and fun!

Ann Blocher, Activities Director

Ann works full time in the Wayne Central School District as a reading enrichment teacher and technology aide. She loves working with chldren and horses! She spends much of her free time both on and off the farm creating and coordinating activities for the children here at NSN.

Sandy Hansen. Special Programs Instructor

(photo and bio coming soon!)

Charlene Gardner, Volunteer Coordinator, Assistant Programs/Events Coordinator

A former medical lab technician, Charlene works part-time in the Webster School District at an elementary school. She and her daughters spend their free time and summers at the stable. She instructs various programs, works with the “Horses Healing Hearts” riding program and performs “behind the scenes” horse care year round. She also enjoys running parties and events both on and off site. A lifelong horse lover who enjoys working with children, she has found the perfect combination at NSN. It has been most rewarding seeing the happiness and delight interacting with horses can bring to a child.

Nicole Gardner, Riding Instructor/Camps Director

Nicole is a Thomas H.S. student who has been volunteering at NSN since the summer of 2009. She has a wide range of responsibilities and is knowledgeable in many aspects of horsemanship. Her summers and free time year round are spent at the stable caring for the horses and instructing camps and other programs. As director of camps, she researches and prepares materials to educate the children in a fun to learn, child friendly manner. She carries this same teaching technique through to her beginner children’s riding lesson instruction. Nicole continues to increase her own skills by taking lessons and observing different styles of horsemanship. These methods and ideas she has learned are incorporated into the riding lessons she instructs. Her love of working with horses and children has been a dream come true.

Roger Gardner, Project Coordinator

A quotations engineer at Rotork Controls, Roger spends many weekends doing assorted repairs and maintenance around the farm. He enjoys designing and building projects which help improve the functioning of the stable. He has been instrumental in securing donated labor and funds through his company for several projects .

The Gardner Family, Event Staff

The Gardner family (Roger, Charlene, Nicole & Lauren), will take the animals on the road and bring the party to you. They enjoy making the birthday or event memorable for all. They will educate the group with the mobile petting farm and adorn the ponies manes and tails with ribbon in the party theme color to make that pony ride extra special!

Judy Baier, Volunteer/Horse Handler

Judy is recently retired from the Retail Management Industry. She enjoys being a part of the Horses Healing Hearts program and special events at NSN. Judy has a love for both people and horses, and enjoys everyday that she can help to make NSN a great place to visit. Judy always has a smile for everyone she meets here at the farm!