Staff
We have an incredible team of hearts, hands, and hooves that make Alatheia possible.
Nancy Grette, Co-Founder & Executive Director
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, Program Director and Riding Instructor
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, Bookkeeper, Riding Instructor and Board Member
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.”
Franki Poellnitz, Tack Manager and Riding Instructor
Franki first started at Alatheia in 2017 as a volunteer, then became a part-time weekend staff member cleaning stalls, but quickly evolved into the tack room manager – a very big job to keep Alatheia running smoothly. She is now training to be an Alatheia riding instructor.
She says she has learned so much in the time she has been with Alatheia that she felt confident enough to buy her own horse, Hercules and loves to take him on trail rides with her husband Nick, who is serving full-time in the Army. When he is home on leave, he is a welcome fixture at Alatheia volunteering his time with the riders and projects needed at the facility.
Franki says, “Alatheia has become my home away from home and the amount of love and support I get from the staff and volunteers is out of this world!”
Lindsay Rey, Marketing & Events Coordinator / Facilities Manager
Lindsay joined Alatheia in March of 2020 with a wealth of community connections and marketing savvy. During that tumultuous year, she demonstrated her incredible work ethic and has worn many different hats as a member of the Alatheia team. She currently runs the yard at Alatheia, while also making sure the marketing and events for the year are coordinated and running smoothly. She loves learning about the horses and is never afraid to ‘muck in’!
Melissa Ortega, Riding Instructor
Melissa Ortega 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!
Jo Belanger, Riding Instructor
Jo first began volunteering at Alatheia over four years ago before joining the Alatheia team as a riding instructor. When not working at Alatheia, Jo is a Para-pro in Special Education at a local middle school. She says she has Alatheia to thank for helping her to realize a passion she has in helping others, espcially children with special needs.
Bonnie Grant, Riding Instructor / Ambassador
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.
Horses
A therapeutic riding center is not complete without a great equine team!
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 is the matriarch of the Alatheia herd. She was born in 1995 and stands at 15.1 hands. Frid has developed 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. She is owned by Alatheia Riding Center.
In Loving Memory of Blakken. He was born in 1996 and was a center favorite. He stood at 15.2 hands.
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.
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” standing at 15.1 hands, 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. He is owned by Alatheia Riding Center.
Marta was born in 2006 and is one of Alatheia’s best trained Fjords. She is a small, standing at 14.3 hands, but is a quick, and athletic mare that sports a fuzzy forelock with a red tint. Marta has a well-rounded background that is perfect for independent riders. She has a big personal bubble and likes her space! She is owned by Alatheia Riding Center.
Vesla is one of our most athletic Fjords. She was born in 2012 and stands at 14.3 hands. Vesla excels when working with independent riders, as she likes to move quickly. She has super sweet personality and thinks she is a human! She is owned by Alatheia Riding Center.
Jon was born in 2002. He is the sportiest of the Alatheia Fjords. Jon is one of the smaller Fjords, standing at 15.1 hands, but don’t let him fool you… he’s strong! He excels with experienced riders and with groundwork. Currently, Jon is used exclusively in the Veteran’s Program “Warriors and Horses”. He has a special, long mane unlike the rest of the herd. He is owned by Alatheia Riding Center.
Rikky was born in 1995 and is our sweet teddy bear horse. He is easily identified by his blonde mane and tail and has a super fuzzy forelock like Marta. Rikky is Alatheia’s only red dun and stands at 15 hands. He is thick and sturdy. Rikky is nicely forward, but mellow and kind. He is owned by Alatheia Riding Center.
Julle was born in 2010 and stands at 14.1 hands. She has a uniquely sweet disposition. Her gentle nature makes her a favorite in the Riding Program as well as in the Veteran’s Program. She is owned by Alatheia Riding Center.
Andor was born in 2003 and is 15 hands. He 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 was born in 2003. She 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 is only 14.1 hands. Lita loves to be around other horses and on the move. She is owned by Alatheia Riding Center.
Sølvi was born in 2010. She is easily recognized by her striking grey dun color and stands at 14.2 hands. She joined the herd in Summer 2019 and has a very laid back, relaxed personality. Sølvi is owned by Alatheia Riding Center.
Kjeks is the youngest of the Alatheia Fjords. He was born in 2018 in Stehekin. Kjeks joined the herd in Fall 2019, and was generously purchased and donated to Alatheia by the Van Der Linden family in Winter 2020.
Odde, short of Odden, is the tallest member of our herd. He was born in October of 2008. Odde is curious, affectionate and tries very hard to please his riders. He stands at an impressive 16 hands.. Odde was generously donated by Jon and Deborah Keevy in 2020.
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. It is our pleasure to introduce you to a few below:
I have always known that I had a lot of hidden potential, but Alatheia has made me actually realize it, like a dream come true! I have formed so many bonds here…with the horses, the volunteers, the staff, parents of the children I work with….and the children. Bonding with the parents has helped me to understand the issues they deal with on a daily basis, and the unconditional love they share. The children are beyond amazing with their ability to see life through unclouded eyes, and give their love freely when they know that you love them. It is more than I ever hoped for, and I am so grateful for the opportunity, and the trust that they have placed in me! ~ Lovelyn
I am a 77 year old grandmother who loves kids and volunteering. When I saw the video re Alatheia at a fund raising dinner, I knew I had to be a part of it even though I knew nothing about horses. What a rewarding decision. The welcoming and appreciation shown me by Nancy and her staff every time I come is incredible plus the affection shown between the riders, their helpers and the horses is something to behold and experience. I have enjoyed learning about the horses that has enabled me to feel comfortable with them and find I have a love for them too! I am grateful to be a part of this great service organization and have encouraged others to join. ~ Judy
I have always loved being around and working with horses. For 3 years I worked as a Ranch Hand on a ranch with a 25-stall barn and then started working with therapeutic horses for 6 years in Sequim. For the the past 5 years I have been volunteering at Alatheia Riding Center. Through these experiences I have learned to ride and understand the therapeutic value everyone who rides receives. I have seen the emotional support horses give and the physical strength and endurance grow for those who ride. I also see how the bond between the horse and the rider is stronger than disabilities someone may have. ~ Shanna
Alatheia Board
The Alatheia board is made up of some fantastic people, whose leadership and vision keeps us on course.
In photos below:
Glenn Grette – Founder/Board President
Nancy Grette – Founder/Executive Director
Debra Vaughn – Treasurer
James Coker, Landon Michaelson, Jill Allemandi, Stacy Fowler, Susan Wall (Not Pictured: Mary McDougall and Shiloh Burgess)
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.
2019 Presenting Sponsor
2019 Grand Champion Sponsors
