Meet our Directors & Staff
Our Story
MESA was founded in November 2011 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and began our first riding lessons in June 2012. We are governed by a 9 member volunteer board of directors. Our riding instructors are certified under PATH, International Certified Instructors and Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA).
We currently serve the communities of Big Piney and Pinedale giving lessons in each town. We are a mobile unit bringing our horses and lesson equipment to the local arenas and "setting up shop" on a weekly basis for spring, summer, and fall sessions which last 6 weeks.
We have been able to provide assistance to all participants who need our services, regardless of their financial ability to pay. Funds to provide these lessons free of charge come from generous gifts from our donors, community grants, and fundraisers.
Carla Sullivan
Executive Director and PATH, Int'l Certified Riding Instructor
Carla was raised on a ranch near Meeker, Colorado where she fell in love with horses and ranching. She graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Wildlife Biology and a minor in Rangeland Ecology. She and her husband, Chris, live on the Sullivan Family ranch in Boulder, WY where Chris is the manager. Carla earned her PATH, Int'l Instructor Certification and became the MESA Director in April 2012 and has been teaching lessons and running the program ever since!
DaniElle POST
CHA Certified Riding Instructor, PATH, Int'l Instructor in Training
Danielle grew up in Jackson, WY horsing around every chance she got! She competed in multiple horse shows and rodeo throughout her life. She worked at an equestrian center in Jackson during the summer months while earning her degree in Equine Business from CWC. She became certified as a riding instructor in 2002 through CHA for both Western and English riding. Danielle worked at a vet clinic during her school time in Riverton, learning so much about horse health. She enjoys teaching riding to all ages including teaching clinics for different riding disciplines. Danielle shares her love for horses with her husband and kids running cattle in Boulder. She enjoys working on the ranch, hunting, camping and skiing with her family during the winter months.
Our Board of Directors
Marilyn Jensen
Chairman
Greg Legerski
Vice Chairman
Mary Anne Almquist
Secretary
Des Brunette
Treasurer
Staci Jones
Director
Teresa Sandner
Director
Angie Murphy
Director
Open
Director