Meet the Team
Tatiana Dowell
Lead Instructor
Tatiana Dowell has been a part of the Equi Ed staff since 2013. She began as the Lead Horse Care Assistant, taking care of and schooling the horses. She is currently the Lead Instructor and has been teaching riding lessons since 2017.
Tatiana is a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, CHA-certified English, Western, and Jumping Instructor, and CHA-certified Instructor for Riders with Disabilities.
She holds a degree in Equine Science from Santa Rosa Junior College and a certificate in Non-Profit Management from Sonoma State University. She is also certified as an Equinology Equine Body Worker.
Tatiana greatly enjoys supporting riders in reaching their goals and encouraging fulfilling connections with their equine partners.
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Kristen Fisher
Operations Manager
Kristen Fisher joined the Equi-Ed team in 2023, bringing with her a passion for horses. Kristen began as a dedicated lesson volunteer, where her love for both horses and the Equi-Ed mission quickly became apparent. Her commitment and skills earned her the role of Lead Horse Care and Barn Manager as well as our Volunteer Coordinator. ​
Kristen’s connection with horses started early in life, growing up on her family’s farm in Ohio. She spent her childhood immersed in 4H activities, gaining experience in both English and Western riding disciplines, and caring for her own horse.​
​Now, as part of the Equi-Ed team, Kristen thrives in her role, ensuring that the horses receive the highest level of care and that the barn runs smoothly. Her hands-on approach, positivity and compassionate nature make her an invaluable member of the Equi-Ed family.​
Meaghan King
Pathways Vocational Program Director
Meaghan King is a dedicated ESN teacher and Department Chair at Santa Rosa City Schools, with over 12 years of teaching experience at Herbert Slater Middle School. Recognized for her exceptional commitment to education, she was honored as the Sonoma County Teacher of the Year for the 2023-2024 academic year.
Currently pursuing a master's in Educational Leadership, she holds two Special Education credentials from Sonoma State University. She has been associated with Equi-Ed since 2018.
Jillian Vickers
Leadership Team
Jillian joined the Equi-Ed team in 2018 as a lesson volunteer on Saturdays and helping with horse care and chores on Sundays. She's been riding Western since she was 10, and decided to learn English Dressage a few years ago. Jillian hopes to have her own horse one day, but for now the Equi-Ed herd is who she loves to be with.
Outside of Equi-Ed, Jillian works in the accounting field at a local construction firm, while also working as an American Sign Language Interpreter around Sonoma County.
Rachelle Hirsch
Program Director
Rachelle is proud to take on a new role as Program Director, leading with dedication and optimism. She combines her leadership skills, attention to detail, and a passion for community service to make a meaningful impact. Rachelle is a seasoned event planner with years of expertise in organizing a wide range of events, from corporate conferences to intimate gatherings. Her years of experience managing multiple events simultaneously, properly prepared her for a bigger role at Equi-Ed
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Rachelle started with Equi-Ed in 2017 as a volunteer and served on the Board of Directors beginning in 2020 before tackling the role of Program Director in early 2025. Rachelle is dedicated to preserving Max’s legacy while guiding the program towards its next chapter of growth and success.
Jessica Farber
Volunteer Coordinator
Jess joined the Equi-Ed team way back in 2004 as a young rider. She started volunteering as soon as she was old enough and these days she’s at the barn a 3 days per week demonstrating positivity, dedication and compassion. Jess is the heart and soul of what our program is about. Whether feeding horses, assisting in lessons, or tackling chores, she is an invaluable part of our barn family.
Jess recently took on the role of volunteer Coordinator. With all years of experience we know she will thrive in her new role!
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Board of Directors
Equi-Ed's Board of Directors provide leadership, oversight, and support, ensuring that our organization operates effectively while staying true to our mission and values.
Board Chair
Ashley Ryles
Ashley started riding at the age of 6 and showed hunters and jumpers for over 40 years including managing and riding for two private show barns. She has provided business and operational consulting to equine veterinarians since 2006 including managing a large 24/7 equine hospital. Prior to 2006 her career focused on finance and legal affairs in the software industry. She has been a volunteer at Equi-Ed since September 2021 and in her free time she enjoys time with her husband, dogs, cats and chickens. She also loves adventure traveling, growing food and supporting wildlife conservation.
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Treasurer
Jeff Fisher
Jeff’s journey began in Ohio, where he spent his childhood developing a passion for riding and caring for horses. After a fulfilling career as a Software Engineer in South Carolina, he made a heartwarming move to California to be near his two grown daughters and, ultimately, his granddaughter Addison who is, of course, the center of his universe!
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Jeff’s commitment to making a difference is deeply personal. Growing up with a younger brother who had Down Syndrome, he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by families in similar situations. This experience ignited his drive to support others in their journey. In 2023, Jeff found a new calling with Equi-Ed, stepping in first as a volunteer, then quickly diving into a bigger role joining the Board. His dedication and expertise make Jeff an excellent addition to the board as our Treasurer, where he continues to make a significant impact in the lives of those he aims to help.
Secretary
Ryan Martin
More information to come.
Board Member
Sandra Klein
More information to come.