BOARD MEMBERS

Marie's lifelong relationship with horses began at the tender age of eight, when she first experienced the joy of horseback riding while working at a friend's barn. This early exposure ignited a deep passion within her and taught her about the unique care and attention that rescued horses require. As a teenager, Marie's love for horses grew even stronger as she delved into the world of showing, starting in the hunters and steadily advancing. At just 15 years old, Marie used the money she had earned from cleaning stalls to purchase her very first horse, a momentous milestone in her journey.

As her horse matured, his jumping days came to an end, and that shifted their focus to competitive trail riding and endurance riding. When he retired, he continued to make a difference in the lives of young children by becoming a patient and gentle teacher, introducing them to the magic of horseback riding. Eager to expand Marie's knowledge and understanding of horses, she embarked on a journey of education and self-discovery. and pursued an equine science degree at Mattituck College, personally immersing herself in the intricacies of horse care and well-being.

Throughout Marie's life, she was exposed to the world of dogs through her father's involvement as a well-known boxer breeder and AKC judge. Marie also ran a successful pet store specializing in dog supplies and grooming, but her heart was always drawn back to horses.

Returning to the world of showing, Marie discovered a new passion: dressage. The art of dancing and harmonizing with her horse not only deepened their connection but also highlighted just how sensitive and perceptive these majestic creatures are. Intrigued by their communication, Marie diligently studied how horses interact with each other and how she could effectively communicate with them in their own language.

Liberty work became an integral part of Marie's equestrian journey, offering a powerful avenue for rehabilitating unwanted horses and providing them with a renewed sense of purpose. Witnessing the transformative effects of liberty work solidified her commitment to holistic healing for both the body and mind of these amazing animals.

Along this path, Marie discovered the profound healing capabilities of Reiki, a Japanese energy healing practice. Despite originating as a healing modality for people, Reiki proved to have an incredibly positive impact on horses. Marie became a dedicated Reiki practitioner, using this gentle technique to connect with horses on a deeper level and support their overall well-being.

Driven by an unwavering passion to make a lasting impact in the lives of unwanted horses, Marie founded Serenity Farm Horse Rescue as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization in 2019. Our mission is to provide a safe haven for these magnificent creatures, offering them the love, care, and second chance they deserve.

The Farm's first rescue, a beautiful Rocky Mountain horse named Lulu, presented us with a particularly challenging case. She had deep-seated trust issues, making it difficult for her to accept human touch. Nevertheless, we tirelessly worked with her, and after three years of patience and dedication, she finally let her guard down. Witnessing her transformation was immensely rewarding, as she embraced a new world filled with love and became a trusted companion to both children and adults, instilling confidence and balance in their lives.

The sobering reality of horse slaughter, with 78,000 horses meeting such a fate in 2015 alone, motivates Marie to continue this journey of compassion and advocacy. By rewriting the future for these incredible animals one at a time, Marie is dedicated to creating a brighter world for them and ensuring their well-being for years to come.

Beth is a life-long animal lover and equestrian.   Her advocacy for animal welfare began at an early age and continues through her commitment to animal adoption and rescue.  

She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Psychology and has more than 35 years working in the Health field – both in Human Resources, and health promotion and disease prevention research, currently serving as co-director of the CDC-funded Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center.   She brings her experience in non-profit management having served on the Boards of Turn the Tide Foundation and The True Health Initiative for several years.  

She resides in Southbury, CT with her husband and 3 dogs – Peanut, Macie, and BoJo.  In her spare time, she enjoys horseback riding, dog walks/hikes, reading, and supporting animal rescue. 

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Roberta Zulpa got her BS in Political Science from the University of Connecticut and her JD in law from Qunipiac University. Her love of animals started from brith with the many cats, dogs, and the variety of other animals her family took in while she was a child. Roberta grew up with horses and shared many with her sisters. The most important horse in her life was Lightning, her first very own horse who she shared a extraordinary deep connection with.

Roberta's daughter Allie, an avid horsewomen since birth thanks to Roberta, introduced her to Serinity Farm in 2021 while looking for ways to give back in the horse world. Roberta became very involved in the rescue and is honored to serve on the board of directors. Roberta is a long time resident of Woodbury, working as an Assistant Clerk In Family Matters through the CT judicial system. She has given back through her many different roles in the community, previously sitting on the zoning board and serving as president of the parent groups in the Region 14 school system over many years. She currently lives with her husband, daughter, her daughters horse, and two dogs while her son pursues his career in tech while living in Texas.

Jill Sloane is a highly accomplished real estate professional with over 20 years of experience, specializing in luxury properties across New York City and Connecticut. Since embarking on her career in 1999 with Halstead Property (now part of Brown Harris Stevens), Jill has consistently ranked among the top agents at her firm, known for her unwavering commitment to excellence.

In Connecticut, Jill and her husband, Raj Bhatia, are co-owners and developers of Willow Creek Estates, Southbury’s premier gated community, which offers breathtaking views of their Willow Creek Farm—an esteemed equestrian center. Willow Creek Farm also serves as a sanctuary for animals, housing Companion Pet Rescue (CPR), a dog rescue organization with a mission close to Jill’s heart.

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Jill’s deep passion for animals is reflected in the diverse menagerie of companions she shares her life with, including rescued goats, mini donkeys, cats, and her beloved dog Weston. A dedicated advocate for animal welfare, she also serves as a Board Member for Serenity Farm Horse Rescue. Her charitable work extends beyond animals, as she spearheads an annual toy drive at Willow Creek that collects over 300 toys each year for children in Connecticut, while also providing critical support for CPR’s dog rescue fund-raising efforts.

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Jill’s dedication to her profession, her community, and numerous charitable causes exemplifies her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in both the real estate industry and her local area.

Karen Pollard, a dedicated Partner at Real Estate Advisors Ltd, LLC, has a passion for retail management, leasing, and development. With extensive experience as General Manager and Leasing Director at Williams, Jackson & Ewing, as well as General Manager at General Growth Properties, Inc., Karen has an unwavering commitment to excellence.

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Aside from her professional endeavors, Karen is deeply entrenched in the Middlebury, Connecticut community, where she has devoted herself to various board positions and leadership roles. She wholeheartedly embraces her love for horses and is a proud owner of her own. Her strong affinity for the equestrian world extends beyond her work at Serenity Farm Horse Rescue.

Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Karen has been honored with the Malcolm Baldridge Leadership Award and the distinction of being the Connecticut Business Women’s Forum Woman of the Year. Her educational background includes a Masters in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Fairfield University, a Bachelor of Science from The University of Connecticut, and business courses through the Yale University School of Management Executive Program.

As a child, Zack developed a passion for animals and animal welfare. Raised in a family impassioned with rescue, Zack assisted with the rehabilitation and care of canines who suffered from disabilities and mental and physical abuse, while providing them with their furever home. 

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His passion for animals inspired him to look at humanity’s continued impact on the natural world. Determined to help educate and reduce local footprints, Zack eventually opened EcoScape Garden and Design LLC, a venture where he works to reintegrate local flora and fauna in an effort to reestablish ecosystems both big and small. He focuses on encouraging wildlife preservation and growth, while remaining mindful of his overarching goal: leaving the world better than he found it. 

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His deep-rooted love of animals encouraged him to pursue a certification in equine bodyworker and massage therapy. Zach is the owner of Elevate Equine Body Work & Massage where he tailors each session to his equine clients, incorporating techniques ranging from myofascial release and manipulations to kinesiology taping and laser therapy. Zack strives to aid and assist not only in the rehabilitation and recovery of horses in need, but also to help progress and develop a strong foundation for all horses in his care. 

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His endless determination in animal welfare stems from his childhood upbringing in empathy and acknowledgement of those around him. These ideals were instilled during his 16 years of martial arts training in Bushido Bando, where he achieved the rank of second-degree black belt and earned the title of Sensei. Continuing his educational journey, Zack studied at the University of Connecticut, receiving a BS in Psychology and a minor in Urban Studies. Adding to his knowledge base in muscle function from his years in martial arts, he also secured a certification in PPSC—painfree performance speciality coaching — which now gives him a unique perspective during his equine bodywork sessions. 

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Zack was previously on the CT Board of Proctors for martial arts and volunteered for Treasured Time, Inc. whose mission is to grant the wishes of parents with life-threatening illnesses who want to create a lasting memory with their children. 

Zack’s passion for animal care and the natural world drives him in his everyday life, as he strives to leave a positive lasting impact on those around him. 

Stephanie Clarke, a dedicated horse owner and enthusiast, boasts a wealth of experience in the equestrian world. As an active hunter/jumper competitor, Stephanie's passion for horses led her to establish Terrell Hill Farm, a rehabilitation and retirement facility in Woodbury, CT, which she has successfully operated for the past eight years.

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With a strong educational background, Stephanie holds a BA in Political Science and Economics from McGill University and an MA in Corporate Communication from Fairfield University. Her professional journey includes diverse roles such as promoting Wrestlemania and working for Yankelovich Clancy Shulman, a boutique market research firm, for nine years.

Prior to her current venture, Stephanie spent over 30 years managing Stony Meadows Farm, offering a range of services from boarding and training to hosting recreational programs like lessons, summer camps, and birthday parties. It was during her time at Stony Meadows that Stephanie delved into rescue work, aiming to provide a safe haven for aging and unwanted horses, which led to the successful integration of several rescued animals into their programs.

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Stephanie's commitment to animal welfare extended beyond horses, as Stony Meadows also provided sanctuary to various farm animals. Recognizing the limits of how many animals she could assist directly, Stephanie shifted her focus to raising funds for other rescue organizations through initiatives like the "Dog and Pony Show" event, benefiting Akindale Thoroughbred Rescue.

In addition to her equestrian pursuits, Stephanie's entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish Honeysuckle Hollow Farmtiques, where she repurposed and refurbished home furnishings to support horse rescues like Southern States Equine Savers. Her dedication to animal welfare and rescue efforts has made her a valuable addition to the board of Serenity Farm Horse Rescue, where she continues to champion the well-being of horses and contribute to their mission with enthusiasm and expertise.