Michele Pelaez, RN

 Director

     Since graduating from nursing school, Michele has devoted her career to the health and well being of children as a pediatric nurse for the last 15 years. When she is not at camp, she is employed as a school nurse at a local middle school with close to one thousand students.

     Growing up with a passion for horses, when her daughter came along it was only natural for her to introduce her love of horses to her as well. As the story goes, Michele began volunteering at many equestrian events in support of her daughter's new passion including summer camps. It wasn't long before she was organizing and directing local riding club camps. It was then that she found her calling, working with children and horses at summer camp. "I look forward to summer camp all year long and feel lucky to be able to share my love of nature and horses with the youth that attend camp." Michele is a member of the American Camp Association where she is actively seeking accreditation for Bridle Paths Equestrian Summer Camp.


Katherine Wofgang

 Assistant Director/Head Counselor

     Moving to Gainesville to study engineering, Katherine has since acquired her own farm where she trains and shows green horses and ponies to market to future loving homes. Along with the horses and ponies, Katherine also trains donkeys and raises Nubian Goats. Prior to moving to Gainesville, Katherine spent her last three years of high school working with children in leadership roles at various locations including the City of Tallahassee, Parks and Recreation, Wakulla Presbyterian Church, and The School for Young Children. Working with children came naturally to Katherine as both of her parents hold Masters Degrees in Childhood Education. An animal lover at heart and an accomplished horse professional, she also loves to work with children, is a hard worker and excellent role model, making her the perfect match for working with horse crazy kids at camp. While she continues to pursue a degree in engineering, she is confident that horses and children will remain in her future. She is very excited to be part of the joy that summer camp brings to our campers each year.


Bridgette Boland

 Dressage & Hunter/Jumper Trainer and Instructor

     Bridgette was selected by the students in the Univerity of Florida Equestrian Club as the Dressage Instructor/Coach for the Team starting in 2004. She continues in this role today, having coached the winning team for 2006 in the Southeast Region. They will be on their way to Nationals this Spring.

     Bridgette is a graduate of Skidmore College. She is working towards her Silver Medal in Dressage and she and her horse Rebecca, an 8 year old German Hannoverian mare are actively showing at First and Second level, as well as in the Hunter/Jumper ring. Bridgette teaches Classical Dressage, Centered Hunt Seat riding and has students in the jumper arena.

     Her students in the past include Ali Marino (showing presently at WEF), John Dryer (4 time National Champion for Miami U of Ohio), Megan Gribetz, (currently showing hunters and jumpers at HITS and in Atlanta). Recently, Marnie Silverstein and her mare, Her Majesty, were Jacksonville Circuit Champions in the Child/Adult High Jumpers and placed high at HITS in the same division. Her working student (and member of the UF dressage team), Katie Henneman and her horse, Master Reporter, qualified for Arab Regionals in Training and First Level Dressage, as well as for Hunters. Katie took High Point honors at First Level for that show. Bridgette's students presently are showing at HITS, RMI, PSJ and in both Recognized and Schooling Dressage Competitions in the area and in Wellington.

     Bridgette has been educated by Robert Dover, Neal Shapiro and Bent Jensen, and she is a regular on the "A" circuit. She has produced numerous top quality competition and show horses. Her methods are broadly based, incorporating elements of Classical Dressage, traditional equitation and natural horsemanship. Her approach to educating horses is relaxed, progressive and individualized. She and the WEEC team also specialize in the retraining of spoiled or "problem" horses, as well as those moving onto new careers in other disciplines. Bridgette is very approachable, is glad to help you in any way she can.


Audrey Newman

 

     I have been riding my entire life and training professionally for 15 years. I am originally from Colorado. I find I have a special ability in working with children and young adults. I am a Pony Club approved clinician and examiner. I believe strongly in providing students with a horse management base as well as riding skills so they may enjoy their mounts fully.

     I first joined the Pony Club in Colorado at the age of 13 and had a less than pleasant experience (a rare thing as you all know!) It was at that time that I was motivated to become the best Pony Club Instructor I could possibly be so that others would be able to enjoy the experience and benefits this extraordinary club offers! Since then, Sunshine Region has generously adopted me, sending me to Kentucky for standards and ratings for the C3 examiners certification and allowing me to sponsor, organize, and participate in a variety of rallies, clinics, and ratings. I thoroughly enjoy anytime I am able to spend in the presence of Pony Clubbers and their families! I am available for clinics and ratings to the C2 level.


Counselor Forms - Summer 2008:

    Camp Counselor Application Form for Summer 2008

     

    Click Here[PDF]