Meet the Staff
Nick Coyne, our President, is a lifelong horseman. A Life Member of the U.S. Cavalry Association, Nick is certified with the North American Riding for the Handicapped as a Registered PATH Instructor, and as Level 1 with the American Riding Instructor Association (ARIA). Nick is a Life Member of the National Eagle Scout Association and founded BSA Explorer Post 3 –a Mounted Search and Rescue Post. Nick is comfortable riding any temperament of horse in various disciplines. The founder of Horsefeathers, Nick brings valuable field experience into the arena, and brings a sense of can-do to each rider, no matter what their ability.
Kristi Horwitz, our Program Director, is a graduate of Mari Hulman George School of Equine Studies at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, where she also ran a Therapeutic Riding Program. She is a certified Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH). Before coming to Horsefeathers, Kristi was Program Director for the Triangle M Ranch in Boy Scouts of America Northeastern Illinois Council. Kristi comes to us with varied experience including stable management, showing and instructing dressage, hunter jumper, and Western Pleasure, with 10 years of teaching riders of all levels of experience and abilities.
Paula Miller Lundell, Occupational Therapist, graduated from the University of Illinois and Northwestern University. She has been an O.T. for over thirty years and currently works with grade school children in a north suburban school setting. She has experience in hospitals, private clinics and consulting prior to her current position. Paula is delighted to be part of the Horsefeathers team where she can nurture her lifelong love of horses, in addition to working with children. She has Level I certification from American Hippotherapy Association Inc. (AHA, Inc.), which includes equine skills and treatment principles.
Jean Meyer is our Speech Language Pathologist. She earned a B. A. from Mount Mary College, and M. S. from Marquette University. Jean has been with Horsefeathers since its inception. Her experience ranges from pediatrics to geriatrics across several settings including: nursing home, high school, private pediatric clinic, and hospital. Jean is an active member of the American Hippotherapy Association Inc. (AHA), attended the American Hippotherapy conference in May of 2009, and has earned Level 1 certification from the American Hippotherapy Association Inc. Jean is thrilled with the opportunity to be on staff at Horsefeathers, which combines her love of horses with her passion of caring for others.
Kim Lukecart, Occupational Therapist, graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2003. Kim currently works in the early intervention program and a pediatric clinic in Chicago. Throughout her career she has also gained experience working in hospital based pediatric and adult acute care and outpatient therapy and a neonatal intensive care unit. Kim is a member of the American Occupational Therapy Association and the American Hippotherapy Association Inc. She has completed the Level I certification through the American Hippotherapy Association Inc. (AHA, Inc.). Kim is excited to be part of the Horsefeathers team, combining her love of horses with her experience and passion for working with children.
Tigger, our Barn Manager has untold years of equine experience. Tigger oversees the entire property, with unstinting dedication. Tigger has been spotted making rounds late at night or early in the morning. Tigger knows how to find the best warmest lap for a cuddle and a purr. Tigger generally critiques the lessons from the bleachers but occasionally steps in to add a comment or two when needed.
