Angie Bollar
NARHA Certified Instructor
Angie started part time at JHTRA in the spring of 2005 after moving to Jackson. Angie's passion for riding and showing proved that being a registered nurse wasn't enough. After one year of volunteering at JHTRA, Angie knew that instructing was her second calling! She is a firm believer that the "outside of a horse is good for the inside of a person.” The combination of horses and the people served at JHTRA are the perfect match for Angie.

Stephanie Nemec
NARHA Certified Instructor
Stephanie started volunteering at JHTRA in 2002. She has worked as a wrangler for an outfitter during summers and cared for 20 wonderful horses. She sought out JHTRA to continue getting her horse fix and to volunteer in the community. After four summers of volunteering, she was hooked! In 2006 she started teaching and in 2007 became a NARHA Registered Instructor. She is continually amazed at the horses’ ability to teach, connect, calm, excite, heal—whatever the rider needs most that day.

Kelcy Smith
Volunteer Coordinator and NARHA Certified Instructor
Kelcy is originally from New Orleans and began as a volunteer for JHTRA in the summer of 2007. She is a graduate from the University of Georgia who serves as our volunteer and development coordinator. Kelcy became a registered level NARHA Instructor in November of 2008. Her equine background is English—American Saddlebreds and the saddle-seat equitation discipline. She competed on the national and international show circuit and served on the United States World Cup Saddle-Seat Equitation Team. Everything that Kelcy gained and accomplished in the horse world inspires her every day to help JHTRA riders achieve their dreams and goals.

Kelly Merriott
Executive Director
Kelly has been executive director at JHTRA since 2007. After moving from Arizona as an elementary teacher for thirteen years, Kelly uses her Masters’ degree in Leadership from Northern Arizona University to assist with the operations of a therapeutic riding center. She is obtaining her NARHA Instructor certification. Kelly has been riding horses all of her life and enjoys barrel racing during the short Wyoming season.


Donna Johnsen
Program Director/Advanced Certified NARHA Instructor
Donna had been involved with JHTRA since 2001. After volunteering in her first class she knew this was the beginning of a new and very exciting chapter in her life. In 2002 Donna received her certification as a Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Wanting to provide the highest quality of service to riders, Donna completed her advanced certification in 2005. Donna comes from a ranching background riding horses to move and work cattle, first working with her father and continuing working cattle with her husband Lance on the Snake River Ranch.

Alex Lucas
NARHA Certified Instructor
Alex has been a part time instructor at JHTRA since 2007. Prior to her move to Jackson she instructed at another center and obtained her Master’s in English from Columbia University. Alex’s equine background is in saddle-seat. Her horsemanship skills and desire to help others are a real asset to JHTRA.

Nealy Angell
NARHA Certified Instructor & Vaulting Instructor
Nealy’s enthusiasm for helping others and her genuine kindness are real assets to our riders, staff and volunteers. She obtained her degree from Ohio State University in Biology with a concentration in animal science. Nealy implements vaulting which is similar to gymnastics on horses and requires participants to use listening skills, cooperation with other riders and increased physical strength. Her dedication to ensuring the success of vaulting is evident in the countless hours she spent training in the arena.

Amy Dery
NARHA Certified Instructor
Amy earned her instructor certification in 2009 and works at JHTRA part time. She brings a great deal of knowledge in riding and has taught English and jumping riding lessons for 30 years and pony club for three years. Her accomplishments include third in the North American Junior Championships in 3- Day Eventing. Amy’s degree is from University of Mass in animal science. Originally Massachusetts she has lived in Jackson for 19 years.