Meet Our
Board of Directors
Equines For Freedom is organized through an all-volunteer Board of Directors from a variety of backgrounds. The Board is augmented with the hands of many volunteers who help promote our fundraisers.
Ann Marie Lewis
Founder / Clinical Coordinator
Ann Marie is the Founder and Clinical Coordinator of Equines For Freedom. Her dedication to the military community began in 2005 with the Susquehanna County American Red Cross, where she provided mental health support to the 109th Armory’s Family Readiness Group following the loss of several soldiers. A trauma-informed specialist, Ann Marie has completed extensive advanced training to better serve the unique needs of service members. Before launching Equines For Freedom, she spent years in private practice focused on veteran care. Since the organization’s opening on November 9, 2015, she has served as a primary therapist, combining professional expertise with a heartfelt commitment to healing.
William Brennan
President, Executive Board
William Brennan serves as the President of the Executive Board at Equines For Freedom. A dedicated volunteer leader, William is deeply committed to the mission of providing specialized equine-assisted therapy to veterans and first responders struggling with trauma and PTSD. With years of strategic leadership experience, Bill brings a clear vision and steady guidance to our board, ensuring that our therapeutic programs grow in impact and reach. He believes that the unique bond between horse and human offers a profound path to resilience and emotional freedom, and he works tirelessly to ensure these life-changing services remain accessible at no cost to our heroes.
Emy Kurilla
Secretary, Executive Board
Emy Kurilla serves as the Secretary of the Executive Board at Equines For Freedom. Bringing a strong background in communication, conflict resolution, and mental health studies, Emy plays a key role in the governance and strategic leadership of the organization. Her work is driven by a deep-seated passion for supporting the well-being of veterans and first responders. As a dedicated equine specialist and animal advocate, she understands firsthand the transformative power of the horse-human bond, ensuring our programs are guided with empathy, professional oversight, and a commitment to restoring emotional freedom.
Becky Dymond
Treasurer, Executive Board
Becky Dymond serves as Treasurer for Equines for Freedom, where she supports the organization’s mission through strong financial stewardship, transparency, and accountability. A volunteer with the organization for the past six years, Becky has been involved in supporting fundraising efforts and organizational operations before recently stepping into the Treasurer role. With extensive experience in bookkeeping, cash handling, and administrative management, she helps ensure the organization’s financial stability so its programs can continue serving veterans and first responders. Becky is honored to support a mission that holds deep personal meaning and provides healing and hope through equine-assisted therapy.
Board Members
Kristen Angelicola*
William Brennan*
Becky Dymond
Gretchen Eagen Mackie
Brenda Goodrich, DO
MaryBeth Guyette*
Deirdre Jolley
Gary Johnson*
Ann Marie Lewis*
Ryan Ruark*
MaryAnn (Mimi) Johnson
Emy Kurilla*
Cindy Lempicky*
Robbie Long*
Lindsay McLafferty
Roxann Nole-Graham*
Charles J. Passeri, Jr.
Marica Ramey*
Robert W. "Bob" Tagert
*Denotes executive board member