H.O.P.E. Organization Horse Rescue

John Gifford, DVM

Our primary vet. Dr. Gifford is a licensed accredited veterinarian in Ohio, Arizona and Montana whose practice concentrates in the overall health of your horse. He is a member of the:
~ American Association of Equine Practitioners
~ American Veterinary Medical Association
~ Society for Theriogenology
~ American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians

Liz Kraker

Liz is our tax advisor/accountant. Liz has owned her own business "LK Tax & Accounting Service" for 5 yrs. She has 14 years of professional experience in bookkeeping and tax preparation, as well as, audit respresentation. Liz has been a wonderful help with our financial portfolio. The Kraker family is also the proud adoptors of H.O.P.E. rescued horse Chico.

Ann Marie O'Brien, Esq.

Ann Marie is a long time horse owner, who began riding at age 5. She has mainly focused on hunters, equitation and dressage. She is a graduate of Hiram College and the University of Akron School of Law. She is a shareholder with the law firm of Davis & Young, L.P.A. Combining her love of horses with her profession, she is experienced in equine law, and has litigated on behalf of rescue facilities and humane societies.

President & Founder : Lauren Simna

• 10+ yrs equine rescue experience
• 30+ yrs equine experience
• Successful in ground training young & problem equines
• Successful starting equines in cart & under saddle
• 12+ yrs teaching riding & drivng lessons to beginners
• Versed in natural horsemanship, resistance-free training & classical riding principals.
• 15+ yrs Project Mgmt experience
• HERD® Certification
• EAGALA Associate (Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Assoc)
  

Vice President & Public Relations : Allison Milano-Priess

• A love for horses, took lessons as a child and got back into horses a 8 years ago.
• Bachelors degree in Advertising & Marketing from Kent State University
• Began volunteering with H.O.P.E. in March 2005
• Past President of the Cleveland Advertising Assoc, KSU Chapter
• 10 yrs Public Networking experience
• 6 yrs Media buying experience
• Past Advertising manager of the Daily Kent Stater
• Vice President of H.O.P.E. since 2007

Treasurer : Frank Simna

• Became involved with horses when he married Lauren and adores his Haflinger horses.
• Strong background in Oracle financial systems
• Bachelors degree from Cleveland State University
• Active board member for the Olmsted Falls Coummunity Softball league
• Active member of the Olmsted Falls Music Association

Secretary : Robin Heike

• Began volunteering with H.O.P.E. in February 2006.
• Management Experience
• 26 years experience working with an Advertising agency
• Well versed in coordinating, scheduling and planning.
• Experience prioritizing work and managing large groups
• Quark Express & Photoshop literate
• H.O.P.E. Barn Officer

Barn Manager : Yvonne Rawbon

• Began volunteering with H.O.P.E. in July 2005.
• Love of Horses
• 6 yrs experience owning fundraising company
• 11 yrs experience in marketing and sales in Toronto, Canada
• Degree in Business Administration
• Certified Ebay Seller/Trading Assistant
• H.O.P.E. Barn Officer
• Statzenberger College Advisory Board Member

Horse & Facility Inspection Chair : Open

Fundraising Chair: Pam Masola