Nancy A. Winkelman
Program Director
PATH International Certified Instructor
Advanced Level
Nancy began working in therapeutic riding in 1986. She trained under a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International), formerly NARHA, Master Level Instructor. Nancy has achieved her Advanced Level Certification from PATH International and subsequently trained many volunteers. Nancy has served on the PATH International Conference committee. In addition to her hours of teaching therapeutic riding, she also coordinates the riding schedules for each of our program participants throughout the year.
Nancy has a vast understanding of the process in which therapeutic riding can stimulate participants to great achievements. And her enthusiasm for participants, horses and foremost, safety, is evidenced by the program’s success.
Nancy attended the University of Illinois – Chicago and is certified in CPR as well as first aid. She previously worked with Friends of Handicapped Riders for ten years. She was an instrumental member of the Friends for Therapeutic Equine Activities founding committee, and had been a devoted employee of FTEA since its inception in 1996.
Jenny Buckley
PATH International Certified Instructor
Registered Level
Speech-Language Pathologist
PATH International Registered Therapist
Jenny became involved in horseback riding for people with disabilities in 1997 at We Can Ride in Minnesota. She has since served as a volunteer or staff member for several different adapted horseback riding and equine-assisted therapy programs in the Midwest and Northeast. She became a volunteer at FTEA in 2008 and is currently a PATH International Certified Instructor. Jenny has also been trained in equine-assisted therapy through the American Hippotherapy Association. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Disorders from the University of New Hampshire and a Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of Iowa. She is passionate about her work with people with disabilities and strongly believes in the power of horses to positively impact these individuals’ lives. When Jenny is not at FTEA, she works as a Speech-Language Pathologist in Illinois School District #93.
Maggie Muller
PATH International Certified Instructor
Registered Level
Maggie began volunteering at FTEA in 2006 with a passion for working with people, horses and riding. Continuing to pursue this passion, in 2012 she began training to become a PATH International Certified Instructor. Over her many years volunteering at FTEA, she has become acquainted with the needs of FTEA’s riders while expanding her knowledge of horses and their behavior. Maggie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Benedictine University with a minor in Secondary Education. When Maggie is not at FTEA, she works in the technology department at Glenbard West High School.
Rebecca Spring
PATH International Certified Instructor
Registered Level