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Melissa with her horse and her mini

Melissa Horvath

Executive Director
905-679-8323 ext 222

Melissa is an enthusiastic and dedicated individual who is excited to serve the community, staff, volunteers, horses and riders at TEAD. With a background in social work, accounting, business, and leadership, she brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the role. Melissa has been an avid equestrian since before she could even walk. She is the proud owner of 2 horses and a Mini. She balances her equestrian pursuits with her professional career, using her skills and experience to excel in the field while also making time for her beloved animals and son. 

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A brown hair female stands next to a river.  She is looking down.  Green trees are behind her.

Kezia Di Donato

Program Resource Administrator
905-679-8323 ext 226

Kezia grew up in and still resides in Haldimand County.  She graduated from the Trent-Queen's Concurrent Education program and completed a Master's Degree in Education at Queen's University.  She has been a teacher for 13 years, primarily focusing on special education and has completed additional training and courses in Autism and Behavioural Sciences.  Kezia brought her students to TEAD for the first time in 2016 and has built strong school partnerships with TEAD over the years. She is married and has a young daughter.  In her spare time, Kezia enjoys Crossfit and spending time with friends and family. 

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Kylie & her beautiful palomino horse, Taffy

Kylie Huybens

Program Resource Coordinator & Head Instructor
905-679-8323 ext 221

Kylie is a 2022 graduate of McMaster University with an Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc). She majored in Biology, with a focus on animal physiology, and minored in Anthropology. She also completed an Engineering Technology graduate diploma in Digital Health. Kylie’s equestrian background includes over 11 years of riding and showing within the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines. Kylie enjoys training young horses, in addition to working with her own horse, Taffy. When she is not riding or working, Kylie loves yoga and spending time outdoors being active!

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A close up photo of Kris smiling at the camera, with Lady, a chestnut TEAD horse, beside her.

Kris Rose

Bookkeeper
905-679-8323 ext 223

Kris began her journey with TEAD as a volunteer in October 2023. She has loved horses since she was young, and the TEAD staff & volunteers have been so wonderful supporting Kris as she gained more experience. Kris has worked in finance/accounting in the non-profit sector for almost a decade, and is grateful to support TEAD in the bookkeeping role. When she's not at the barn or in the office, you can find her out and about with friends, or at home with her cats & dogs and a good book!

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Deb smiling holding on to Lady's lead rope in her stall.  Lady has her head curled around her with her ears forward.

Debra Nelson

Barn Manager
905-679-8323 ext 230

Deb has diligently looked after the TEAD barn on weekends for well over 10 years, and became the full-time Barn Manager in 2023. When she is not at the farm, she enjoys taking photos, hiking with her dog, kayaking, and camping.

Our Instructors

CanTRA Coach

  • Hilary Webb (+ EC Coach)

CTRII

  • Aimee Baker
  • Consuelo Goegan
  • Dominika Guidoni
  • Kylie Huybens
  • Melody Maximos
  • Maddie Rawling
  • Lydia Prabucki 

CTRBI-2

  • Sue Tilley (+ CEMT)
  • Amber Suntz

EC Coach

  • Kate Weech