The Team
Staff
We have an incredible team of hearts, hands, and hooves that make Alatheia possible.
Nancy Grette
Nancy grew up with horses riding through the hills of western Washington. That love continued while raising her own family with husband Glenn. The Grettes spent many summers riding and packing in the backcountry of Eastern Washington on their herd of horses that included 3 fjords. In June of 2010 the Grettes lives were forever changed when they gave a ride to a five year old girl with special needs. The magic between the horse and rider was unmistakable and the vision for Alatheia was born. A year later Alatheia opened its doors to 12 riders with special needs using 3 incredibly special fjord horses (Frid, Blakken, and Sindre) and 20 dedicated volunteers.
Nancy is a certified instructor through PATH International. Teaching and interacting with our special family of riders and volunteers, and loving on our herd of horses is the greatest pleasure of her life.
Anna Speer
Growing up in lesson programs and back-country horse camps all over the Pacific Northwest, Anna went on to study Equine Science at Montana State University. After receiving her BS Animal Science in 2009, she studied dressage overseas and spent 4 years teaching dressage in North Mississippi. Anna joined Alatheia in 2018 as an instructor, and is currently pursuing her PATH Int’l Certification.
Anna’s first exposure to therapeutic and adaptive riding came through her mother, who is a stroke survivor. Interestingly, the classical training Anna received during her years in the dressage world lends itself well to adaptive riding, and Anna gets more than a little excited when those worlds meet in the arena. Being a part of the Alatheia team has broadened her definition of what success looks like, and she has never felt more fulfilled in a professional role.
Outside of the barn, Anna can be found creating art, cooking for loved ones and hanging out with her dog, Piper.
Jill Allemandi
Jill came to volunteer at Alatheia in 2016 after local horse therapy center closed its doors. She is now an Alatheia Board Member, the part-time bookkeeper and now a part-time riding instructor.
Jill says "Just as many others have found, I receive so much more than I give. The riders and their families have taught me so much about patience, acceptance to life’s ups and downs, compassion and unconditional love. The staff and volunteers have become my extended family."
Leanna DeVries
Leanna joined Alatheia Riding Center in May 2021, fresh off the boat from graduation at Washington State University, where she studied Equine Science. Already a seasoned therapeutic riding instructor; she achieved PATH certification after only a few short months at Alatheia.
Leanna adores her students and excels at bringing contagious smiles to all her lessons. In her free time, you’ll find her rock climbing, hiking, fishing or creating wood-burn art.
Laura Turner
Laura’s first visit to Alatheia was as a caretaker for a participant in 2017. She returned in 2021as a volunteer and came on staff in 2022. As the daughter of a special education teacher and cousin to John-O, an adult with Down Syndrome, her experience working with people with special needs is extensive. Laura is responsible for maintaining the grounds, facility, and the feed and care of the Alatheia herd.
Annie Christensen
Annie grew up on a small rescue farm and has been riding since age four. An avid FFA and 4-H member through high school she went on to study Sports medicine at the University of Idaho where she ran an equestrian vaulting club. Annie is now becoming certified in equine structural integration and fascial release. Annie participated in and instructor internship at Alatheia and came on staff as a therapuetic riding instructor in June 2022.
Bonnie Grant
Bonnie feels that it’s an honor and privilege to be part of the team at Alatheia Riding Center. She is a life-long horse lover and has had amazing equines in her life. She has enjoyed learning many aspects of Natural Horsemanship. She discovered Alatheia as she was about to retire from a 30 year career with the Eastmont School District: it was a perfect fit. She loves the connections with her community, the riders and their families, and the staff and volunteers. She looks forward to her day as she drives to the riding center, knowing that she’ll be supported and be able to lend a helping hand.
Melissa Sigler
Melissa started with Alatheia as a volunteer in the fall of 2013. Her deep passion and interest in therapeutic riding led her to begin instructing in spring of 2015. With a master’s in Applied Behavior Science, Melissa is well-suited for her instructor responsibilities.
Outside of Alatheia she owns her own business of a line she created herself for luxury leisure items and has just launched an exclusive t-shirt line. Alatheia fills her heart with joy; the smiles and laughs created here are just contagious!
Emily Suydam
Emily started volunteering at Alatheia in 2019 and is now so happy to be on staff. Her constant phone call and texts with Nancy finally paid off when she was offered a job in 2021. She loves horses and learned how to ride on Rikky, her favorite. Emily looks forward to the weekend and school breaks when she can work and volunteer at the barn.
Horses
A therapeutic riding center is not complete without a great equine team!
The Alatheia Herd
Our Equine Partners
Alatheia features only Norwegian Fjord horses that are registered with the NFHR (Norwegian Fjord Horse Registry). Aside from their unique and beautiful appearance, Norwegian Fjords are noted for their calm and easygoing nature. They are sure-footed and “honest”, meaning they are what they seem. Quiet, friendly, and trustworthy. Each of our horses has a unique personality and endear themselves to riders very quickly.
Frid
The Matriarch. Frid is our kind and benevolent queen of the herd. She develops incredible connections with our most challenged riders. When introduced to an individual in a wheelchair, she will quietly drop her head in their laps and nuzzle them softly – seemingly “reading” their special needs and making the necessary adjustments in her behavior to meet those needs. Frid and her siblings, Blakken and Sindre, make up the Alatheia Founding Three. She is quiet, steady, and unexcitable. She can be recognized by her long, often-braided forelock and thick, wavy tail. She also has a “Nike” cowlick on her neck.
Sindre
Sindre is one of Alatheia’s Founding Three. Born in 1997, he grew up with the Grette family along with his siblings Blakken and Frid. He is Alatheia’s “big boy” with a BIG body, broad chest, and thick, strong legs, a lighter forelock and short, rounder-shaped ears. He has an alert and attentive personality. His expressive gaits make him an excellent therapy horse.
Marta
Marta is one of Alatheia’s best trained Fjords and is perfect for those riders ready for more challenges. She is a small, quick, and athletic mare that sports a fuzzy forelock with a red tint and usually sports a fancy haircut in her mane. She has a big personal bubble and likes her space!
Vesla
Vesla is one of our most athletic Fjords. Vesla works well with both independent riders and riders who need physical support. She has super sweet personality and thinks she is a human!
Julle
Julle has a uniquely sweet disposition and steady stride which makes per perfect for our youngest and more challenged riders.
Andor
Andor is a curious, outgoing gelding. Andor is very playful with the other horses, and is very tolerant in the arena. He is graciously leased to Alatheia Riding Center by Judy Phelps
Lita
Lita joined the Alatheia herd in the Fall of 2018 after a long career of trail riding in Stehekin. She is our most petite Fjord, who loves to be around other horses and on the move.
Sølvi
Sølvi is easily recognized by her striking grey dun color. She joined the herd in Summer 2019 and has a very laid back, relaxed personality and is smart and atheletic.
Kjeks
Kjeks is the youngest of the Alatheia Fjords. He joined the herd in Fall 2019 and as a youngster is undergoing training for therapy work with hopes to start in the program in the fall of 2022. He was generously donated to Alatheia by the Clark and Jean Van Der Linden family in Winter 2020.
Odde
Odde, short of Odden, is the tallest member of our herd. Odde is curious, affectionate and tries very hard to please his riders. Odde was generously donated by Jon and Deb Keevy in 2020.
Blakken - In Memoriam
In Loving Memory of Blakken.
The quality of therapeutic riding is largely determined by horses that we are privileged to work with. Alatheia is incredibly fortunate to have been founded on and sustained by the beautiful and gentle Norwegian Fjord horse. In early September, 2020 we said goodbye to one of our three original fjords. Blakken. Sure, patient, steady, gentle, and oh, so kind, this horse carried our most fragile riders with dignity, grace, and compassion. He was trusted - our "Steady-Eddy". Blakken was twenty years as the Grette family’s horse with ten of them as a therapist in the Alatheia program. He carefully carried hundreds of precious riders with special needs. A conservative estimate is Blakken gave at least 3,000 therapy rides and countless moments of joy to his riders over his career. He willingly gave his riders independence, strength, balance, and coordination. He built confidence, gave courage, and so much more. We will miss you, Mister B, - thank you for teaching us about purpose and passion. Always in our hearts and never forgotten.
Rikky - In Memoriam
There was none more noble or willing than this sweet boy. He gave his riders everything he had to give and we will ever be thankful for the gift he was. Up until the end he was was happy and healthy. He especially loved to ride on the hills above Alatheia outpacing the younger horses and loving every minute. There will never be another like our "Rickster"!
Johann Newboy Grette
Johan is fondly named by his handler after the founders and a benefactor of Alatheia. Johan is quiet, steady, and sweet. He is just learning his job at Alatheia after joining the herd in May 2022.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the “gold” of Alatheia and make it possible for the many individuals who come here to experience the life changing benefits of therapeutic riding. Experience with horses and/or special needs is not necessary and training is provided. There are many ways to help and range from working directly with horses and riders to facility maintenance to office and administrative help. Our dedicated team of volunteers is welcoming, friendly, and needs you! Be changed as you change a life with the healing power of horses.
Sign-up to volunteer at Alatheia here.
Alatheia’s volunteers come from all walks of life and range in age from 13 to 70+. Some have a lifetime of experience working with horses and others have never even been close to a horse. All bring valuable skills and experiences that build a quality program and create a unique community and special culture.
Alatheia Board of Directors
Susan Wall
Susan has been a passionate and committed Alatheia volunteer & donor for five years and a board member for three years. She is a REALTOR© in North Central Washington, serving the Wenatchee Valley, Lake Chelan, and Leavenworth as a highly regarded buyer specialist.
Glenn Grette
Glenn co-founded Alatheia in 2011 with his wife, Nancy. He is CEO and owner of Grette Associates Environmental, a consulting firm that specializes in providing natural resources support for construction, permitting, and planning projects throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Stacy Suydam
Stacy began volunteering at Alatheia a number of years ago as she always had a love for horses and liked people. As the years have gone by, she has grown to love the riders, know the horses (Rikky is her favorite), and most of all has a drive to further the mission of Alatheia. She is married with two children, all of whom enjoy volunteering at ARC. In her time away from the barn, she enjoys her day job as a commercial banker for North Cascades Bank, coaching club volleyball, teaching math to the neighborhood kids, and running.
Debra Vaughn
Debra has been a volunteer and donor since 2015 and a member of the Board since 2017. She is the mother of 2 young adult women. She has a love for horses and non-profits! She has been with the Chelan County PUD for 16 years as a Financial Analyst. When not busy with her work she enjoys personal training, weight lifting, hiking and as many travel adventures as she can fit in.
James Coker
James is a Veteran and shift supervisor at UPS. He has been an Alatheia volunteer and enjoys working events, particularly as MC at the Annual Run for the Roses Benefit Gala.
Shiloh Burgess
Sharon Cook
Sharon Cook attended the annual Run for the Roses fundraising gala several years ago and fell in love with Alatheia Riding Centers’ mission. She immediately knew she had to get involved in serving this great nonprofit organization that helps so many. Sharon brings over 29 years of financial experience with Numerica Credit Union to the board. She is passionate about teaching financial education, and you will often find her helping others in our community. In her free time, Sharon enjoys spending time with her four kids and six grandchildren.
Brendan Wilson
Brendan received his Bachelor’s of Health and Rehabilitation Science in 2011 from California State University, Fresno, his Masters of Physical Therapy in 2013 from California State University, Fresno, and his Doctorate of Physical Therapy through Evidence in Motion in 2015. He has completed a Fellowship in Applied Functional Science with the Gray Institute in 2018, along with certification in vestibular rehabilitation in 2019. Brendan grew up hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking, and surfing in locations all over the United States and has an extensive and varied background that includes working as a wildland firefighter, physical therapist aide, personal trainer, and a water aerobics instructor. Following multiple athletic injuries and chronic health issues that led to physical therapy treatment, he became passionate about prevention and rehabilitation of physical dysfunction. Brendan enjoys spending time outdoors with his family and friends hiking, fishing, or snowboarding.
Mary McDougall
Mary is a stay at home mom to five beautiful children, one of whom, Finley, is a rider at Alatheia. Since that very first ride when Finley was just six years old, Mary knew that this is a special place and wanted to be a part of the wonderful work this organization does for its community. She has been a donor and board member since 2017 and Finley still continues to ride to this day. Frid has, and always will be, her favorite horse but Vesla comes in as a really close second.
Mary spends her days and weekends attending all of her four youngest children’s school and extracurricular activities as well as flying around the country attending her oldest daughter’s ice hockey endeavors.
Katelyn Wenzel-Grette
Katelyn is an attorney in Snohomish County specializing in business transactions and banking and finance services and joined the Alatheia Board in 2022. Katelyn provides legal guidance to Alatheia and enjoys camping, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits in her free time.
Founders
Glenn and Nancy Grette created Alatheia Riding Center in February of 2011, and offered their first therapeutic rides in June of that year. The inspiration for the riding center came much earlier in the summer of 2010 when a friend asked us to provide a 5th birthday ride for their daughter with special needs.
The Grettes will never forget what happened when that little girl got on to ride. She was transformed by the empowerment and joy of moving on a horse rather than being carried by someone or using her walker to get around. We also noticed an incredible connection between our horse, Frid, and this little girl. Something very special was happening and we wanted more. That paired with a desire to live out their Christian faith in a real, tangible way led to further research and discovery.
Nancy began volunteering for a similar facility in Ellensburg and was deeply moved by what she experienced there. Next came a decision to pursue non-profit, 501(c)3, status with the IRS, certification as a therapeutic riding instructor and gain Member Center status for Alatheia with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International) and a training internship at a large center in western Washington. Glenn’s expertise as a business man, ranch hand, and arena and facility designer has helped guide and direct the organization as well.
Alatheia has grown consistently each year of operation. Since starting the first year with 12 riders, Alatheia now serves 95 riders weekly with five instructors, a stable hand and an active volunteer base of more than 100 individuals.
