Meet Our Founder
Charlene Thomas, Founder & Owner
In 2003, Charlene Thomas founded what is now Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Center, turning her lifelong passion into a powerful mission to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities by founding Equine Sharing Program, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Under her leadership, Equine Sharing Program, Inc. has become a highly sought-after equine-assisted therapy program offering profound healing and growth, where the bond between horses and riders fosters emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
Charlene holds a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Texas A&I University, providing a strong foundation for her work in equine-assisted therapy. She is a highly accomplished professional, holding multiple certifications and awards, including recognition from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) and the Eagala Equine Certification – Level I. Her dedication to service was also honored by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution with their prestigious Community Service Award.
Charlene believes in the power of community and credits the Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Center's volunteers as the "hands, heart, and boots on the ground," playing a vital role in supporting both riders and horses. Through her vision and leadership, Equine Sharing Program, Inc. continues to bring joy, confidence, and independence to its riders, showcasing the life-changing impact of therapeutic horseback riding.
Meet Our Team
Dedication forms the heart of our mission.
Our dedicated team of staff and volunteers forms the heart of our mission, creating a safe and welcoming environment where each individual can thrive. Every volunteer undergoes specialized training to ensure they are well-prepared to handle horses and meet the unique needs of each student. From PATH-certified instructors who tailor lessons to individual goals, to volunteers who offer hands-on support at every turn, they share one purpose: helping individuals discover newfound strength and independence through the healing bond between horse and rider.
Matt Gorman, Instructor and Volunteer Director
Matt Gorman, Instructor and Volunteer Director
Matt Gorman, Instructor and Volunteer Director
Matt Gorman joined Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Center in 2014 to learn about horses but quickly found a passion for equine-assisted therapy and a commitment to helping individuals with diverse abilities thrive. From the start, he felt at home in Glenoak’s supportive community and saw how therapeutic horseback riding builds confidence, balance, and independence.
As Instructor and Volunteer Director, Matt leads safe, empowering equine therapy programs that help students grow and flourish. He deeply values the healing bond between humans and horses and feels honored to support each rider’s journey.
For Matt, Glenoak is more than a job—it’s a place where he’s proud to make a lasting impact.
Donna Hamil, PATH-Certified Instructor
Matt Gorman, Instructor and Volunteer Director
Matt Gorman, Instructor and Volunteer Director
Donna Hamil began volunteering at Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Center in 2005, drawn by her love of horses. She quickly formed a deep connection with the riders and saw the transformative power of therapeutic horseback riding. Inspired, she became a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International Certified Riding Instructor in 2006 and has been dedicated to helping riders build confidence and independence ever since.
Donna is also Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED certified, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. Guided by her faith, she feels blessed to make a meaningful impact through the healing power of equine-assisted therapy.
Joanne Montesano, PATH-Certified Instructor
Matt Gorman, Instructor and Volunteer Director
Joanne Montesano, PATH-Certified Instructor
Joanne Montesano has been with Glenoak Therapeutic Riding Center since its founding in 2003, growing alongside the program as it became the thriving community it is today. In 2006, she became a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) Certified Riding Instructor, dedicated to helping riders experience the life-changing impact of therapeutic horseback riding.
Joanne lives by the saying, “We came for the horses but stayed for the riders.” She’s witnessed powerful moments—riders speaking their first words, riding independently, and forming deep bonds with their horses. Joanne feels honored to continue supporting Glenoak’s mission and is grateful to work with Charlene, the volunteers, and the incredible riders and horses.