EquiFriends - a dedicated and growing team
EquiFriends is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors and is operated by an Executive Director and a small staff. Over 200 volunteers actively assist the disabled riders in their lessons each week. Our dedicated instructors receive required therapeutic training and certification through NARHA.
If you are interested in employment opportunities with EquiFriends, please contact us at employment@equifriends.org
Meet our Team here and on our Instructors page.
Carrie Cormier: Executive Director
Gabi Madura: Volunteer Coordinator
Lindsey Collette, Barn Manager
Tiffany Hudson,
Office Manager and Instructor-in-Training
Sue Oates, Assistant Volunteer Coordinator
Carrie Cormier: Executive Director & Volunteer Coordinator
Carrie’s involvement with EquiFriends officially began in July 2004,when she was asked to step in and help coordinate the annual benefit dinner auction, “The Mane Event.” Being a close friend of Penny Bayman, it was an easy decision to become involved with the program. Following the success of that event, she was offered a full-time position as the Volunteer Coordinator and Auction Coordinator. Following another successful auction in October 2005, she was asked to step up into the Executive Director role when Bob Bayman moved back onto the Board of Directors as Treasurer.
Her experience in healthcare for 10+ years as a provider and also administrator give her a variety of people, organizational, and management skills to help EquiFriends move into the future as a premier therapeutic equestrian center in the industry.
“I believe EquiFriends gives everyone involved a unique chance to better themselves and benefit their community, as well as enjoy the therapeutic benefits that only horses can provide.”
Gabi Madura , Volunteer Coordinator
Gabi is a Hawaii native who traveled the United States as her father served our nation in the US Coast Guard. She joined the staff of EquiFriends the summer of 2007. In 2007, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University of Idaho in Recreational Leadership; and completed her internship in 2006 at EquiFriends under the volunteer coordinator. In May 2003, Gabi took a break from school and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Paraguay, South America. She enjoys the outdoors, is trained in wilderness survival and is certified in open water scuba diving. Gabi rightfully boasts of having visited every state in the union except West Virginia and North Dakota. She brings cheer each morning to everyone entering the facility, and is often found smiling during projects that require tools such as a sledge hammer or power drill!
Lindsey Collette, Barn Manager
Lindsey began working with EquiFriends in December of 2007. She comes joins the team with a wealth of equine management and competition experience, as she has spent most of her life with horses. As well as her accomplishments with horses, Lindsey is also a black belt in karate and a certified scuba diver.
Tiffany Hudson, Office Manager and Instructor-in-Training 
This born and raised Washingtonian first began her EquiFriends career as an instructor intern February 2007, and later hired as the Office Manager in February 2008. She is aiming to complete her Registered Instructor Certification by the Fall of 2008 to also fill the role of an instructor at EquiFriends.
Tiffany holds an AAAS degree in Entrepreneurship and completed her certification as a human and large animal massage therapist. In addition, she has held various positions in training departments and on management teams, providing her with a wealth of experience to offer outstanding customer service to EquiFriends riders, volunteers and families. Tiffany finds inspiration in the relationships she holds with her family, and in following her goals and dreams. She enjoys riding her horse, road trips and the sunny outdoors. Her dream is to ride all the biggest roller coasters in America and would like to visit Kentucky to watch the Rolex 3-day Event. Tiffany was drawn to EquiFriends because she was looking for an avenue to serve the community in a way that she was passionate about.
Sue Oates, Assistant Volunteer Coordinator
