Camp Casey’s administrative office comprises a team of passionate cowgirls, working their manes and tails off to improve and maintain programming endeavors, plan fundraising events, and see that Camp Casey’s impact continues to increase.
Check Out Our Job Opportunities
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
While attending Michigan State University seeking a degree in Journalism, Molly worked part-time teaching horseback riding lessons. At the barn, she met Casey Foote, a young girl whose journey with cancer affected Molly’s life tremendously.
After Casey’s death, Molly set out to do something to commemorate Casey’s life and love for horses. What was supposed to be a one-day affair for children at Sparrow Hospital has turned into an ongoing therapeutic horse program for kids with cancer throughout all of Michigan.
Camp Casey’s unique program and inspirational story has be featured on NBC’s Today Show, written about in the Huffington Post and has received recognition in countless Michigan publications.
Today, Molly serves as Executive Director of Camp Casey and oversees all aspects of the program. She currently lives in Plymouth with her husband, Nick, their sons Nico and Ryan, and their rescue pup, Dusty.
As a lifelong Michigander, Alex has always loved connecting with the outdoors. When Alex isn’t recruiting families and managing Camp Casey’s programming, she can be found camping, hiking, biking, or swimming in the Great Lakes all summer long. Alex has a passion for cooking and is obsessed with listening to podcasts. After getting married in 2019 in Punta Cana, Alex and her husband, Zach, now live with their 75 pound golden doodle, Sterling.
Meet Lindsay, the newest member of the Camp Casey team! Lindsay was born and raised in Michigan and studied Elementary Education at Michigan State University. After graduating, she moved to Chicago, where she followed her dreams of becoming a teacher in the big city. Lindsay lived in Chicago for over 18 years, where she started a family and continued teaching. Last year, Lindsay and her family decided it was time to leave the city in search of reconnecting with nature and family. Lindsay, her husband Tony, daughter Lola and pooch Barksdale can be found hiking, adventuring or soaking up the sun in any way they can on beautiful Grosse Ile.
Lindsay’s love of helping others and working with children is what drew her to Camp Casey. After leaving teaching, she was in search of something where she could utilize her skill set in a meaningful and lasting way. Camp Casey was the perfect fit! She can’t wait to be on this journey with the wonderful people of Camp Casey! Yeehaw!
Cowgirl Isobel is a graduate from Michigan State University with a Bachelor's Degree in English. While in school, Isobel had the opportunity to work as a preschool teacher, where she discovered her passion for working with children. Isobel was drawn to the nonprofit world with the hope to use her writing skills to help as many children as possible.
Isobel has lived in Michigan her whole life and has always been drawn to animals and the environment. When she's not at Camp Casey, she can often be found in the ceramics studio as well as taking long walks with her rescue pup, Penelope.
As a former pound pup, Dusty knows a thing or two about nonprofit operations and is proud to lend his expertise to the Camp Casey team.
Dusty's responsibilities include: greeting guests, office clean-up (crumbs are his specialty), and is passionate about alerting the staff of daily mail and package deliveries.
When Dusty isn't working hard at Camp Casey, he enjoys hiking, kayaking, car-rides, destroying tennis balls, and snuggling.
Meet Our West Michigan Ambassadors
Camp Casey is heading west! Our West Michigan Ambassadors are representing Camp Casey on the west side of the state to bring our cost-free horseback riding programs to more campers than ever before.
Join Our Team
Cowgirl Cait has been volunteering for Camp Casey's Horsey House Calls program for many years. She loves to witness the therapeutic nature horses bring to children and families going through difficult times.
She was first introduced to horses when her horse-obsessed sister encouraged her to go to a summer camp that was, you guessed it, all about horses! Cait continues to proudly live up to the term “Horse Girl” by leasing her own horse and volunteering at a therapeutic horseback riding facility in West Michigan.
She is so excited to be a Camp Casey Ambassador and hopes to help serve more families in West Michigan!
Born with the horse bug in her genes, Cowgirl Demitria has been riding and caretaking horses since the age of 8. After enrolling in the riding programs at the local Girl Scout camp, she jumped into horse ownership competing in 4-H, local barrel races and later learning the art of hunter/jumper.
Demitria understands the therapeutic and healing powers that horses bring by experiencing it first hand. While treating her mental health after college, she found a facility that provides equine psychotherapy treatment by using off the track thoroughbreds. After completing her time as a client, she began volunteering and is now working as an equine specialist for the facility.
Demitria is thrilled to bring her passion for serving others and horses to bloom Camp Casey programming in West Michigan!
Meet Our Equine Therapists
Our Equine Therapists lead all horse-related activities at Horsey House Calls. Equine Therapists pick up our Camp Casey truck and trailer and our Hero Herd horse, coordinate volunteers, facilitate the big surprise at the door, host a grooming and safety lesson for all participants, give rides to all of our campers, and more!
Join Our Team
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN EQUINE THERAPISTS
Charlotte started riding horses when she was just 3 years old and fell head over boots in love with it! Learning to ride and jump, she followed her passion in competing in 3-day events, just like the Olympics! When she turned 16 years old, she discovered Banbury Cross TEC, a therapeutic riding barn that services children and adults with special needs. She loved being able to bring riding to individuals who might not otherwise get the chance. In 2009, she went through the process to become a PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor. In 2015, the opportunity came about for Charlotte to join Camp Casey’s team as another PATH certified equine therapist. She is very excited to be able to continue reaching out to the community and letting everyone spread their wings on the back of a horse.
Charlotte also holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from UofM (Go Blue!) and is going back to school to become a surgical technologist.
Amanda has had a passion for horses since she was young. Growing up in North Branch, MI she spent high school working on a farm and was responsible for keeping a horse active and in shape, she ended up falling in love with riding. After graduating from Adrian College with a bachelors in Business Management she entered the world of Franchise Development, but was able to spend her down time learning the art of Ranch Sorting.
Now, working full time as an Account Supervisor for 919 Marketing, Amanda appreciates every opportunity she gets to spend with Camp Casey. Amanda enjoys staying active in sports, spending time with her two dogs, and traveling as often as she can.
Howdy! My name is Heather and I’m so excited to be a part of the Camp Casey Team! My love of horses started about the same time as I could walk. I grew up on a farm and being in the barn is where you could always find me.
In my 20’s, we had to sell our horses and I missed it terribly! Fast forward to about 5 years ago, my daughter took an interest in horses and I was elated! We started volunteering at Pan Equus Animal Sanctuary (PEAS) and then got back to riding. During covid, my daughter and I both bought horses and it has been the best experience. I missed it more than I thought. Bella is my heart horse and every new adventure is just a gift!
When I’m not at the barn, I’m with my wonderful husband Bob and two very cool kiddos, Maddy and Kaleb. I’m addition to Bella, we have another another quarter horse, 2 mini horses, 4 goats, 3 dogs and 1 cat. They are affectionately known as The Trajkovski Zoo Crew! I also work at the Oakland County Health Division and am currently working on my Masters degree in Health Administration. Let’s have the best summer ever!
In my 20’s, we had to sell our horses and I missed it terribly! Fast forward to about 5 years ago, my daughter took an interest in horses and I was elated! We started volunteering at Pan Equus Animal Sanctuary (PEAS) and then got back to riding. During covid, my daughter and I both bought horses and it has been the best experience. I missed it more than I thought. Bella is my heart horse and every new adventure is just a gift!
When I’m not at the barn, I’m with my wonderful husband Bob and two very cool kiddos, Maddy and Kaleb. I’m addition to Bella, we have another another quarter horse, 2 mini horses, 4 goats, 3 dogs and 1 cat. They are affectionately known as The Trajkovski Zoo Crew! I also work at the Oakland County Health Division and am currently working on my Masters degree in Health Administration. Let’s have the best summer ever!
Toni is originally a West Michigan girl who grew up with “horsey” parents. She spent her entire childhood admiring horses and ponies and still vividly remembers her 5th birthday celebration that included pony rides for all of her friends and family. She was an adult with a busy family and career when she finally realized her dream of learning how to ride English saddle in the hunter/jumper arena, alongside her teenage daughter. While she still has plenty to learn about this discipline, she believes in chasing her dreams for as long as it takes to make them come true! This is her first year with Camp Casey, and she cannot wait to bring the joy of horses to other people.
Toni has served as a school social worker in Southeast Michigan for more than two decades. She has the privilege of working with students with disabilities in grades K-12 and currently works in Livingston County. Toni holds both a Bachelors degree and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan.
Toni has served as a school social worker in Southeast Michigan for more than two decades. She has the privilege of working with students with disabilities in grades K-12 and currently works in Livingston County. Toni holds both a Bachelors degree and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan.
Janet started riding lessons when she was seven. Even though the horse she rode on her very first ride was feeling frisky and almost bucked her off she continued riding lessons for 10 more years.
She got her first horse at 15 and became active in 4-H and participated in local fun shows.
After high school she went to horse management school. Her first job was managing a thoroughbred race horse farm. She exercised young and old race horses on the farm and provided care for mares with foals, stallions, and horses with injuries. She also spent time on the race track galloping and ponying thoroughbred race horses.
Janet became a Licensed Veterinary Technician in 1986 so she could have a safe day job. She always had a horse of her own, wherever life took her.
Janet plans to have an equine obstacle course which will offer horse owners a place to challenge their partnership with their personal horse. Her hope is to also have horses available for people without a horse of their own, so they can experience the joy of working with a horse on the ground; guiding then up, over, and through many obstacles.
She got her first horse at 15 and became active in 4-H and participated in local fun shows.
After high school she went to horse management school. Her first job was managing a thoroughbred race horse farm. She exercised young and old race horses on the farm and provided care for mares with foals, stallions, and horses with injuries. She also spent time on the race track galloping and ponying thoroughbred race horses.
Janet became a Licensed Veterinary Technician in 1986 so she could have a safe day job. She always had a horse of her own, wherever life took her.
Janet plans to have an equine obstacle course which will offer horse owners a place to challenge their partnership with their personal horse. Her hope is to also have horses available for people without a horse of their own, so they can experience the joy of working with a horse on the ground; guiding then up, over, and through many obstacles.
WEST MICHIGAN EQUINE THERAPISTS
Karen has been involved with Camp Casey since the Spring of 2018. She heard about Camp Casey via PATH International, and her favorite memories so far are seeing the smiles on the faces of those who are riding a horse for the first time!
Karen has loved horses all of her life and rode her first horse at 10 years old. For the next few decades, horses were in and out of her life - nothing permanent, though her love and interest for horses remained strong and true.
When Karen’s daughter turned 9 years old, her family purchased a farm and the first of her own equine herd. Over the next 20 years, their horse herd grew and shrank. They changed farms, became involved in 4-H, helped start an equestrian team, and learned everything they could in order to run a safe and sustainable horse business. In 2009, Karen became a PATH-certified riding instructor and then earned a certification as an Equine sports massage therapist and body balancer. During that time, Karen also attended many clinics, conferences, and classes to continue her equine education; these include but are not limited to: natural horsemanship, horsemanship skills, horse behavior, horse care, and learning to assist veterans and folks with special abilities to partner with equines.
As you can see, Karen believes in education and lifelong learning and plans to continue attending classes, conferences, and clinics in order to always be a better partner and teacher for any horse and/or rider she is around.
When Karen is not around horses or learning about them, she spends time walking and training her energetic dog. For fun, Karen sews and she is learning to create beaded jewelry.
Kelly caught the "horse bug" from her beloved second grade teacher and began taking lessons that following summer. For Kelly, lessons lasted more than just that summer and grew into leasing horses, her younger sister beginning to ride, showing horses, and then eventually owning two horses. Kelly showed in 4-H, local shows, and with her high school equestrian team. Kelly began volunteering at Renew Therapeutic Riding Center in Holland, MI in the fall of 2013 when she started undergrad at Hope College. Kelly became a PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor in June of 2018 and taught at Renew TRC. She loves sharing the gift of horses with kids and seeing the joy and delight they bring so naturally. When Kelly is not smelling like a horse, she works as a School Social Worker at a local elementary school.
From the time she was a young girl, if Rachael was missing, she was probably outside in the barn with her ponies or gazing out across the field getting a breath of fresh air. To this day, she still prefers to play outside!
Rachael recently resigned from her Director role at a mentoring program for kids at risk to stay at home and homeschool her son through a local classical homeschool program. It is a big shift for her after being in the field of Recreation Therapy for over 15 years, but she is excited to pour into her own family for a while.
After having a surprise second baby two years ago, she made the hard decision to rehome her horse and find joy and grace at home. She was gifted a few months later when someone in the community asked if she could keep her mare and filly at the barn and take care of all the work that goes along with them. Rachael can now ride and get her horse fix anytime without the pressure and time commitment of horse ownership.
These days, you may find Rachael walking her Siberian Husky in the early mornings, playing baseball in the yard with her boys or working the earth in her garden. She still prioritizes sunshine over housework or shopping and will fully enjoy sharing the gift of horses with her community this summer!
Rachael recently resigned from her Director role at a mentoring program for kids at risk to stay at home and homeschool her son through a local classical homeschool program. It is a big shift for her after being in the field of Recreation Therapy for over 15 years, but she is excited to pour into her own family for a while.
After having a surprise second baby two years ago, she made the hard decision to rehome her horse and find joy and grace at home. She was gifted a few months later when someone in the community asked if she could keep her mare and filly at the barn and take care of all the work that goes along with them. Rachael can now ride and get her horse fix anytime without the pressure and time commitment of horse ownership.
These days, you may find Rachael walking her Siberian Husky in the early mornings, playing baseball in the yard with her boys or working the earth in her garden. She still prioritizes sunshine over housework or shopping and will fully enjoy sharing the gift of horses with her community this summer!
Meet Our Ranch Hands
Our Ranch Hands assist the Equine Therapist in all horse-related activities at Horsey House Calls. Ranch Hands accompany our Equine Therapist in picking up the Camp Casey truck, trailer, and Hero Herd horse and ensure safety throughout the visit.
Join Our Team
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN RANCH HANDS
Kris has been a horse lover from a very young age, begging summer after summer to go to horse camp and saving all her babysitting money for hourly rides at local stables. At 16, she was able to spend a few weeks at a horse ranch in Texas, mucking out stalls and doing chores in exchange for room, board, and lessons. She eventually passed along her treasured collection of Breyer horses and the toy stable her grandfather built her to a neighbor's kids, and she went on to attend college at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where she would periodically stop to pet the horses in fields while driving the back country roads around campus.
Upon graduation, she worked for many years as a content developer in reference publishing before earning her Masters in Management from Walsh College and transitioning into a new position as an HR Project Management Specialist.
In recent years, Kris has began taking up riding again at a local stable as well as enjoying her summers working with Camp Casey and bringing to joy of horses to families who might need something to give them a smile.
Aleena was bitten by the horse bug as a 5 year old and has been working with horses ever since! She started out in a local school program, helped out with summer camps, got her first horse when she was 10, then her second horse, Apollo, at 13, who she still owns today. Aleena competed throughout Michigan at A and AA rated hunter/jumper shows over the years as a junior then adult amateur.
Aleena holds a Bachelor's degree in Advertising from Michigan State University (Go Green!) where she rode for the equestrian team. After graduation, she went on to work at SMZ Advertising in Troy and then Moncur in Southfield, where she is currently the Director of Client Services.
Aleena has been working during the summers with Camp Casey for the past several years and is grateful to be able to share her love and passion for horses with the wonderful kids and families Camp Casey is able to serve.
Jessica is excited to be working with Camp Casey! Jessica's twin sister, Diana, introduced her to the organization, and she volunteered last summer and loved it! Jessica is a Veterinary Technician and the President Elect of the Michigan Association of Veterinary Technicians. Jessica loves the bond that animals and people have, and she is able to see it first-hand through the work of Camp Casey. In her spare time, Jessica loves playing soccer, baking, and reading. Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and her best friend Bubba, a Neopolitan Mastiff Bulldog mix. One day, Jessica hopes to own a farm animal sanctuary.
Mary has loved horses for as long as she can remember and has always found a way to be around them. She worked in a therapeutic riding facility for seven years before moving to Michigan, where she saw the amazing effect horses have on people, not just physically but also emotionally and psychologically. When Mary moved to Michigan and heard about Camp Casey, she knew she had to become involved with the organization. Mary loves seeing the joy that Camp Casey has brought to children and families, especially during these trying times.
Mary is a mom to two sons, Andrew and Alex. She recently started working for Sartorius as an administrative assistant under the Training Department. In her spare time, Mary enjoys baking, reading, and playing with her dog, Charlie, and she hopes to soon be able to travel again.
Audrey joined Camp Casey as a Ranch Hand after working with horses professionally. The gentle (or spirited) nature of horses has always drawn her to them. Audrey loves hearing the cowboys and cowgirls “yeehaw” after their rides and enjoys seeing their smiling faces. When she’s not working with Camp Casey, you can find Audrey hanging out with her two dogs and cat at home and going for hikes.
I started riding horses when I was 6 years old. Both my parents rode horses growing up and they passed their passion on to me. I spent the next 7 years taking lessons, showing and finally got my own horse at 10. He was a very cute bay thoroughbred with a big white blaze on his face. His name was Buddy and he truly was my buddy. As it was time to go to High School I stopped riding so I could pursue sports at school.
Forty years later after raising 3 children I got back into riding and it is definitely my passion in life. I now am a proud owner of 3 beautiful warm bloods. I probably ride 4 times a week and do a little jumping. I am very excited to be a Ranch Hand.
Forty years later after raising 3 children I got back into riding and it is definitely my passion in life. I now am a proud owner of 3 beautiful warm bloods. I probably ride 4 times a week and do a little jumping. I am very excited to be a Ranch Hand.
I originally retired in 2001, in Los Angeles having spent 17 years in Corporate Telecommunications with Sprint & Virgin Entertainment. I also owned and operated a doggie daycare (Snappy Pet Sitters - “Who’s Watching the Dog?”). Life changed dramatically when my dad & sister passed away suddenly months apart, and I had to move back to Michigan to be my mom’s caregiver. Since I’m not one to sit still, I decided to go back to work in retail at Lowes and was there until I retired again in 2020 from Lowes (13 years). I stumbled on Buffalo Soldiers one Saturday in June 2021 and decided I simply had to volunteer. That’s where I met Molly, mucking stalls one morning and the rest is history.
Jessica is excited to be a part of the herd with Camp Casey! Her twin sister Diana is also a ranch hand with Camp Casey. She is a licensed veterinary technician currently working with primarily dogs and cats. In her spare time, she enjoys playing soccer, baking, reading and spending time outdoors. She also enjoys spending time with her family. One day, she hopes to open a farm animal sanctuary! She is truly a believer of the human-animal bond.
Elyan first got to ride his cousin’s horse when he was seven and immediately fell in love with it; he attended horse camps almost every summer after. Elyan has spent the past couple summers as a summer camp counselor for a horse and farm camp, where he enjoyed seeing the campers’ enthusiasm and knowledge grow throughout the week. Elyan loves all types of animals and has three cats. He is currently studying Zoology at Michigan State, and plans on applying to and attending vet school in the near future. In his free time, Elyan enjoys reading, hiking, and playing volleyball on the Michigan State men’s club team.
WEST MICHIGAN RANCH HANDS
Cait has been volunteering for Camp Casey's Horsey House Calls program for many years. She loves to witness the therapeutic nature horses bring to children and families going through difficult times. Cait was first introduced to horses at a summer camp and has continued to keep horses in her life. Cait has a Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and Master's from Grand Valley State University. She works as a registered dietitian in the Grand Rapids community.
She is a native Texan and has loved horses her whole life! She is a recent graduate of Public Health from GVSU with a passion for people with disabilities and providing animal-assisted interventions. She enjoys learning about different cultures and the stories behind how they become traditions. She is currently working on improving her artistic side by experimenting with tapestry and acrylic stained glass mosaics. She has enjoyed incorporating her Ukrainian heritage into some pieces to help learn more about her roots and to share them with others. She is also working towards (finally) having a horse on her own by budgeting and researching proper care for the new furry friend. She spends most of her free time entertaining her husband of (almost) five years and her two dogs.
Meet Our Activity Leaders
Our Activity Leaders provide fun experiences to our campers while they aren’t riding the horse! Activity Leaders coordinate arts-and-crafts activities, help our campers make a horse treat for the Hero Herd horse, play team-building games with the campers, and more!
Join Our Team
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN ACTIVITY LEADERS
This is Sydney! She will be working as an Activity Leader for both West Michigan and Southeast Michigan. She is originally from Sterling Heights but lives on the west side during the school year. She is currently a nursing major at GVSU and plans to continue her education to become a midwife in the future. She loves helping others and being involved with her community, and Camp Casey is the perfect mix of that! In her downtime, she likes to stay active by taking dance, barre or yoga classes. She also loves hanging out with friends and family whenever she can!
This is Olivia! She is from Livonia, Michigan and studies Elementary Education at Michigan State University hoping to become a Kindergarten teacher. In her free time, she loves to hammock outside, bike ride, read, hang out with her friends and family, and spend time outside. She loves working with children, and Camp Casey is the perfect way to do that. She started at as an activity director at Camp Casey in 2021 and is super excited for another great year of Horsey House Calls!
Victoria is from Madison Heights, Michigan, and she graduated with a degree in sociology from Wayne State University. Today, Victoria works as an SEO Specialist focused in 3rd-Party E-Commerce.
In her down time, Victoria loves to crochet and spend time with her family at their lake house. Victoria loves working with kids, and she started working with Camp Casey as an intern in 2014 while in college. Victoria says that working with Camp Casey has forever changed her life, and she always gets excited for summertime because she knows that she gets to be back working with Camp Casey's amazing Hero Herd and campers!
Kirsten is a former Camp Casey cowgirl who's getting back in the saddle to serve as a Horsey House Call Activity Leader this summer! Kirsten was first introduced to Camp Casey in 2017 when she served as the organization's Marketing Intern. After graduating from Clemson University with a marketing degree, Kirsten returned to Camp Casey as the Community Relations Manager from 2018 to 2021, where she fell in love with the program. In 2022, Kirsten looks forward to leading crafts, games, and activities at Horsey House Calls in the community - and leaving the horse wrangling to the experts!
Kirsten currently lives in Ann Arbor and, in her free time, likes to read, listen to music and true-crime podcasts, and cheer on her Clemson Tigers (and sometimes her boyfriend's Michigan Wolverines).
This is Caitlin! She is from West Bloomfield, Michigan, and studies Music Technology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. When she isn’t making music, Caitlin works for the board of education for the Lunar Doula Collective of Southeast Michigan, helping to spread awareness about various maternal health disparities. This is her first year working with Camp Casey, and is super excited for the season to start! Even though she is also a camp counselor for the Academy of Sacred Heart this summer, she can’t get enough of working with kids!
I graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Biological Sciences. My love for the great outdoors drew me to working as a naturalist at a nature center. I enjoyed presenting outdoor education programs to school age children, and to teach them about local plants and animals native to Michigan.
Thereafter, I acquired a Master's degree in Science Education, and pursued a career in public education. I was excited to teach Science lessons that were creative and fun. My greatest reward in teaching was watching my students become enthusiastic and curious about the natural world around them.
My love for horses began as a child as I frequently visited my Aunt's horse farm in Oxford Michigan, and every Saturday I looked forward to visiting the farm. Throughout the years I continued to learn more about caring for the horses, and riding. I am a lifelong learner and would like to broaden my knowledge of Equine therapy.
Thereafter, I acquired a Master's degree in Science Education, and pursued a career in public education. I was excited to teach Science lessons that were creative and fun. My greatest reward in teaching was watching my students become enthusiastic and curious about the natural world around them.
My love for horses began as a child as I frequently visited my Aunt's horse farm in Oxford Michigan, and every Saturday I looked forward to visiting the farm. Throughout the years I continued to learn more about caring for the horses, and riding. I am a lifelong learner and would like to broaden my knowledge of Equine therapy.
Katie is excited to be joining the Camp Casey team for her first summer as an Activity Leader! She is from Livonia Michigan, and has been a horse girl from the beginning. She loves working with kids and has had opportunities to work with children's organizations around the world from bilingual summer camps, to building community groups for military kids stationed overseas. She loves creating spaces and experiences for fun, learning and making new friends. She is looking forward to partnering with the amazing team and getting to meet the incredible campers!
WEST MICHIGAN ACTIVITY LEADERS
This is Riley! Riley will be working as an Activity Leader for Camp Casey - West Michigan. Riley is originally from Shelby Township, Michigan, but she is currently attending Grand Valley State University. Riley is a Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound) major, and she plans to continue her education and eventually become a physician's assistant. Riley loves working with kids and animals, outdoor activities, and being actively involved in her community. She even volunteered at Children’s Hospital most summers while she was in high school! In her down time, Riley loves to read books, color, play with her cat, and take nature walks. She also loves cooking for her friends and family as much as possible.
Meet Our Hero Horse Herd
Camp Casey’s Hero Herd allows us to reach children far and wide. The Hero Herd is made up of privately owned horses — stabled throughout Michigan — who showcase spectacular behavior and love to be loved on by our campers.
Think your horse has what it takes to be part of our herd?
Nominate Your Horse for Hero Herd Status
SOUTHEAST HERO HERD
Boots loves his job as a Hero Horse! He makes sure to go nice and slow to keep the campers safe and let all the neighbors have a chance to wave to his camper. When he gets back from an awesome Horsey House Call, he can barely wait to tell his brother Captain all about it!
As a Percheron draft horse, this gorgeous girl is officially the biggest member of our herd. Don’t let her size intimidate you; she is well-known for being a gentle giant. She loves taking naps (on and off the job) and giving rides to our campers.
With striking spots covering this lovely paint mare, she is one of the most fashionable heroes in our herd. Pennie spends her days teaching kids about riding, and she loves to go on the road to show our campers, too!
Brody is the kindest leader of his herd at home. If Brody had a human job, he'd probably be a police officer because of his expert pocket-checking for hidden carrots, apples, and peppermints candies. If you meet Brody in the summertime, be sure to save him a slice of watermelon; it's his very favorite treat!
Remarkable Remi, or just Remi as her friends call her, loves spending her summers horsing around with the Camp Casey Crew! She feels so lucky to get to work with her mom Charlotte, one of our amazing Equine Therapists. Outside of her work in the hero herd, she provides lessons to children with special needs at a therapeutic riding center. She believes everyone can be a star!
Lacye is a Belgian draft and she loves attention. The cookies are her favorite part. When Lacye isn’t with campers she spends her days trail riding and training in the Hunter disciplines.
WEST MICHIGAN HERO HERD
Lacy is a sweet, pretty appaloosa. When she's not loving lots of attention from our campers, Lacy likes to doze on the sun and help beginners learn how to horseback ride.
Mosey is an active Quarter Horse/Morgan who has been in parades and even a mock train robbery in the past! Now, Mosey's favorite thing is making campers happy and eating treats.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Our all-volunteer Board of Directors keeps our organization going and growing. Read more about this talented team below.
Erik is the Founder of Condotta, LLC, a manufacturers representative organization. Condotta has provided sales and service support to both domestic and international manufacturers in the automotive industry since 1998.
Erik became involved with Camp Casey in 2017 when he learned of Camp Casey's mission through his involvement with Eagles for Children at Western Golf & Country Club. Erik acknowledges that the name, Camp Casey, and mission were what originally caught his attention. His son, Casey, successfully fought his own battle against cancer as a young child. Erik has also been on the Board of Trustees at Japhet School.
Monique Harlan was born in Los Angeles, California but raised in Detroit, Michigan. Monique earned a B.A. in Economics from Hampton University, a M.S.A. with a concentration of Women in Leadership from West Chester University and became a Certified Business Solutions Professional via Michigan State University’s School of Labor and Industrial Relations. She is currently employed by Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union as a Community Relations Specialist, with a territory that spans northeast to New Baltimore and southwest to Commerce Township and several cities in the tri-county area.
While she has raised money and donated time to causes designed to fight diseases or fund research to cure them, Monique is excited to bring her experience to Camp Casey due to its unique programing and effervescent Executive Director.
Mrs. Harlan is an active member of the Wyoming Avenue Church of Christ and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, Lambda Pi Omega Chapter.
Paul is the President and Founder of TAMMA Capital, a Family Office providing wealth planning, portfolio management, and tax services. Paul received his BA from Adrian College and his MBA from the University of Findlay. He is also a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), and Registered Investment Advisor (RIA).
Paul is a proud husband and father to triplets and a younger daughter as well. The first letter of each of their first names results in TAMMA.
Giving back to the community is important to Paul as he participates and volunteers in many activities. Besides being a Camp Casey board member, Paul is also an Adrian College Alumni Board member and Commerce Elementary School PTA volunteer.
Adrienne, a Michigan State University alum, rode hunter/jumpers starting at the age of ten. After taking over ten years off, she is back in the saddle and can’t believe she went so long without being around horses! Currently, she works in Talent Acquisition at Roush and has been with the company since she moved back to Michigan from sunny California over six year ago.
Adrienne lives in Novi and is thrilled to play a part in giving kids experiences with these amazing animals, as she cannot imagine her life without them.
Shenise Foote works as an Event Manager for the Alzheimer's Association - Greater Michigan Chapter leading their fundraising and development efforts for their second signature event, The Longest Day. She also serves as an appointee to the Oakland County Senior Advisory Council representing Michigan’s District 18, she is an alumna of Oakland County’s prestigious leadership cornerstone program, Leadership Oakland. She is also a very proud Honors College graduate of Oakland University - go Grizzlies!
Shenise is eager to bring and exercise her passion for youth, non-profit work, and her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to Camp Casey. Compelled by the dedication of Camp Casey’s leadership, Shenise is excited to further the mission by fostering fun, safe and welcoming spaces for youth impacted by childhood cancer, sickle cell disease, and aplastic anemia.
Tek graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 2004 and began his career with Northwestern Mutual as a Certified Financial Planner and Managing Director. Tek was introduced to Camp Casey through current friend and board member, Dominic Mirabella. Tek grew up with two horses and is excited to give back in the community and bring joy to children and their families. He has been involved with numerous organization over the years including Alex’s Lemonade Stand, Cheeriodicals, and the United Way.
Tek enjoys basketball, golf, running, and spending time with family. He lives in Birmingham with his wife Sherri, and their two kids, Neleh and Jax.
Emily is a seasoned professional in the automotive industry. Currently serving as the IT Project Manager for General RV, the nation's largest family-owned RV dealer, Emily has dedicated the majority of her career to navigating the complexities of software in the automotive space. Her expertise has positioned her as a trusted leader in the field. Beyond her corporate endeavors, Emily's life is deeply intertwined with the equestrian world. A lifelong horse enthusiast and former competitive dressage rider, she now enjoys her two AQHA mares, Nova and Cheyenne, more casually and without the stress of showing.
Emily's journey with Camp Casey began with a personal connection. In 2017, Emily rode her horse, Beauty, alongside Camp Casey in the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade in honor of a young girl, Dani Arsenault, who lost her battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. This ride marked the beginning of her meaningful involvement with the organization. Taking the reins as the leader of the Parade Brigade, Emily has spearheaded Camp Casey's participation in numerous promotional events across Michigan, using her organizational skills and the support of her trusty horses to bring joy and hope to the lives of many. In 2020, Emily took on the leadership role for Camp Casey's three-year-long "Get Schooled" promotion, showcasing her dedication to the organization's mission through weekly educational videos across their social media platforms.
Emily's unique understanding of the challenges faced by Camp Casey's target population provides a distinctive perspective to the organization. Her commitment to promoting Camp Casey's mission in honor of Dani is unwavering. Emily looks forward to furthering the impact of Camp Casey and leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and support.
