Meet The Staff

Marya Pecukonis M.S., NBCT (Founder, Director, Lead Instructor)

• PATH Intl., CTRI - Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
• PATH Intl., ESMHL - Equine Specialist Mental Health and Learning
• President MCET Maryland Council Equine Therapies 2015-2017
• Family Consultant, Adult Life Planner Autism Waiver
• Master's Degree Johns Hopkins University - Post master's Administration and Supervision
• Special Educator Transition Specialist -Howard County Public School System
• State chair representative for PATH International
• Communicative Disorders- National Board-Certified Teacher - Exceptional Needs Specialist.
• Region 2 Representative PATH International 2018-2020
• National Credentialed Professional of the Year 2020 Path International

Teaching children and young adults with exceptional needs over the past thirty years has given me great insight and extensive experience in working with all individuals. Having a diagnosis does not define a person. Understanding the characteristics or challenges that may exist in individuals who have been diagnosed with autism, learning disabilities, speech and language disorders, ADHD, developmental disabilities, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, emotional disabilities, deaf/hard of hearing, and visual challenges is essential for designing treatment and strategic instruction. Teaching from a strengths perspective model to enhance the attributes of all learners is essential. Add the powerful motivation of the equine and watch the learning unfold!

Edward Pecukonis, MSW, Ph.D. (Licensed Mental Health Therapist)

Dr. Pecukonis has worked in private practice assisting children, adolescents and their families since 1984. He is also a tenured full Professor, at the University of Maryland School of Social Work. the He is the Co-founder of LeCheval Stable, a therapeutic/ adaptive riding and counseling center in Howard County Maryland providing Equine Assisted Services. His skills in Family Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing as well as decades of experience teaching master level courses in each of these methods are well documented. His training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from the Beck Institute in Philadelphia, PA. supports his treatment. He has extensive work with children and adolescents experiencing significant anxiety and/or depression with treatment methods based on research and empirical validation. At the same time, he understands that each family has unique needs, and that any effective intervention must meet these needs of the client and their family.

Vanessa O’Connor, LCSW-C, CTRI, ESMHL, EAGALA certification

Emma Hoeflich, CTRI Instructor, Assistant Director for Community Outreach

Emma received her BS degree from Towson University in Health Care Management and Business Administration. She received her Therapeutic Riding Instructor credentials and updated to Credentialed level through PATH (Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship) International. Emma has experience working with the ARC as a personal care assistant and most recently youth in DDA Self Directed Services. Emma joined the team in 2020 to teach. In addition to teaching, she works with new team members at LeCheval Stable as well as our young adults. Beyond the community outreach, Emma also helps to evaluate new horses that are relevant for working within the goals of our program. Emma is innovative and organized in her teaching practices in working with horses and all participants.

Sarah Herb, Instructor

Sarah started riding horses as a young child and never outgrew her love of horses. She has experience in showjumping, hunter jumper, mounted archery and rodeo events such as barrel racing and pole bending. Sarah graduated with her BA in Business Administration from McDaniel College in 2023 and began teaching at LeCheval Stable in 2022. Between riding and caring for her two horses, she works full time for Md Dept of Health. Sarah enjoys her students and the skills they develop to safely master the art of horseback riding. When her students ask questions, she makes sure they demonstrate understanding. Her creative and supportive teaching make learning fun.

Mae Greeves, CTRI Instructor

Mae has worked within the field of therapeutic horsemanship since high school and is now attending Michigan State University studying Physical Therapy. She is an insightful and calming instructor supporting riders to make connections with their horse. She successfully completed her requirements for Credentialed Therapeutic Riding Instructor 2024 through PATH Intl., and will support the Horse Team to contribute her knowledge.

Lynn Moorehead, CTRI Instructor

Lynn has been connected with horses most of her life and her knowledge shows in her ability with teaching others about horse connection and riding. She received her CTRI (PATH Certified Riding Instructor) certification in 2019 and has been teaching with LeCheval since August 2023. Lynn holds a BA in Health and Physical Education and enjoys seeing how interaction with the horses impacts the lives of the riders. Since retiring in 2015, working with horses has become a favorite pastime and passion.

Cindy Ware, Communication Specialist

Cindy is a retired teacher from HCPSS with a passion for teaching and communication. Her two Masters degrees in Deaf Education and Reading along with years of experience she has taught hundreds of individuals using sign language, visual supports and technology. Cindy has enjoyed horses through the years, supporting 4H with her daughter and horse community. Cindy currently co-teaches the young adult group at LeCheval Stable. Together the team has created the Adult Community Engagement which serves to create a safe setting where independence is facilitated with communication support and peer interaction among equine assisted activities.

Susan Pino, Instructor

Susan began riding with her young daughter and never kicked the bug. She has shown in both the adult hunters and jumper ring owning several horses along the way. Since retiring from her consulting career in 2021, she has had more time to ride. Susan is a wonderful teacher who provides easy to understand instruction to our younger riders as well as detailed cues for our older group. She has accomplished horse skills to challenge riders and connect learning from week to week.