Where hoofbeats meet heartbeats

Jennifer Barbee stands as an unparalleled choice for the esteemed position of Chairperson of the Board for the PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc, embodying a remarkable blend of expertise, dedication, and passion for equine welfare and youth development. With an illustrious background in the equestrian world and a track record of leadership and achievement, Jennifer is uniquely positioned to steer the foundation towards new heights of success and impact.

As an active participant in the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), Jennifer's accomplishments as an Amateur/Owner/Exhibitor have earned her numerous Championships and Top Ten awards at both State and National levels. Her deep-rooted connection to the equestrian community is further demonstrated by her role as an APHA National Director and her leadership as the Chairperson of the APHA Rules committee. In this pivotal position, Jennifer spearheads a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan aimed at enhancing and refining the APHA Rule Book, ensuring the integrity and relevance of the association's guidelines.

Beyond her involvement with the APHA, Jennifer's leadership extends to her roles as President of the SJPHC (San Joaquin Paint Horse Club) and the California Coordinating Committee. Her dedication to excellence and innovation is further evidenced by her role as a Lifetime Certified Equine Appraiser with Sterling Equine Appraisals, focusing on Western Performance Horses, Accounting, and Financial Analysis.

Jennifer's academic achievements, including her MBA, underscore her commitment to professional excellence and her ability to navigate complex organizational challenges. As President of an international archaeologist firm, she brings a wealth of strategic insight and leadership experience to the table, complementing her deep-rooted passion for horses and youth development.

Jennifer's lifelong commitment to horses, coupled with her extensive leadership experience and dedication to excellence, uniquely qualify her to serve as the Chairperson of the Board for the PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc. Under her guidance, the foundation will undoubtedly thrive, empowering and enriching the lives of children through equine-related activities with unwavering dedication and distinction.

Leah Struzzieri epitomizes the ideal candidate for the role of Director of Youth and Equine Programs and Vice Chairperson of PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc., leveraging her extensive expertise and lifelong dedication to the equestrian world. With over 40 years of experience as a successful competitor, trainer, and instructor, Leah possesses a deep understanding of equine-related activities and their transformative impact on youth.

Her multifaceted background encompasses a diverse range of disciplines, including English and Western riding, dressage, natural horsemanship, and driving. Leah's proven track record of nurturing championship-winning riders and horses on local, regional, and national stages underscores her ability to cultivate talent and instill a passion for horsemanship in young enthusiasts.

Beyond her accomplishments in the arena, Leah is nationally recognized as one of the top Senior Certified Equine Appraisers, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc. Her meticulous attention to detail and comprehensive understanding of equine valuation ensure the foundation's assets are managed effectively to support its mission of empowering youth through equine-related activities.

As Vice Chairperson of PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc., Leah's leadership extends beyond program development to strategic planning and community engagement. Her involvement in various horse organizations and initiatives, coupled with her legal consultation and expert witness testimony experience, uniquely position her to drive meaningful change and advocate for equine welfare and youth development.

Leah's unwavering commitment to fostering the next generation of equestrians and her dedication to the PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc.'s mission make her an invaluable asset to the organization. With her leadership at the helm, the foundation is poised to continue making a positive impact in the lives of young people through the power of horsemanship.

Helping kids and adults change their lives—and the world—one hoofbeat at a time.

Dr. Christine Grimaldi is a nationally recognized neuroscientist and holistic psychologist with over 25 years of experience in integrative wellness, trauma recovery, and empowerment coaching. She holds dual degrees in neuroscience, positive psychology, and exercise physiology, and is certified in yoga therapy (RYTT). Her private practice in New York and her work with the PonyUp4Kids Foundation reflect her lifelong commitment to healing through connection, movement, and purpose.

As Director of Equine-Assisted Therapy at PonyUp4Kids, Dr. Grimaldi leads trauma-informed programs that pair rescued horses with individuals navigating autism spectrum disorders, chronic illness, depression, anxiety, and emotional trauma. Her signature Body Mantra Method—a fusion of neuroscience and exercise physiology—uses breath, movement, and positive repetition to elevate the mind and restore emotional balance. This method is seamlessly integrated into her equine therapy sessions, offering participants a powerful, body-centered approach to healing.

Dr. Grimaldi served as Program Director for Integrative Therapies at Columbia University Medical Center for nearly two decades and has developed evidence-based programs for Memorial Sloan Kettering, Fortune 500 companies, and school systems nationwide. She is BOCES certified and has extensive experience in both public and private nonprofit sectors, including:

• Individual, group, adolescent, and family therapy
• Organizational psychology and vocational counseling
• Empowerment coaching and life skills training
• Spectrum disorder support and chronic illness care

Her career began as a trainer to celebrities, but her true stars are the children, young adults, and families she now devotes her life to. She is also the CEO of the Stand Tall Foundation and the founder of Autisticana.org, a platform amplifying neurodivergent voices through storytelling and advocacy.

Dr. Grimaldi’s mantra—Love, Live, and Learn—guides her every session, every hoofbeat, and every heart she helps heal.

Kennis “Buttons” Fairfax is an internationally recognized horseman, educator, and equestrian judge with over 30 years of experience in the horse world. A lifelong advocate for youth empowerment, Fairfax brings a unique blend of horsemanship, artistry, and mentorship to his role as Director of PonyUp4Kids Foundation. He is one of the few African-American carded judges in the industry and has officiated shows across the U.S. and internationally. 

Known for his warmth, humor, and deep knowledge, Fairfax has inspired generations through his teaching at Newark’s Arts High School and his work with community-based equine programs. A recipient of the 2019 Spirit of the Horse award from the Rutgers Equine Science Center, he is also widely recognized as the original horseback-riding Scarlet Knight for Rutgers University Football. Through PonyUp4Kids, he is committed to making horsemanship accessible, inclusive, and life-changing for children and families from all walks of life. 

Caitlin Sundblom is a pioneering figure in the equestrian community, leveraging her lifelong passion for horses to make a profound impact as a founding director of the PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc. With a vision for empowering children through equine-related activities, Caitlin serves as the Community Director, spearheading efforts to engage with the community and promote awareness of the foundation's mission.

In her role, Caitlin orchestrates a variety of outreach activities aimed at introducing people to the benefits of interacting with horses. She organizes open houses, demonstrations, and school visits, creating opportunities for individuals of all ages to experience the transformative power of equine-assisted activities firsthand. Through these events, Caitlin seeks to foster a deeper understanding of the unique bond between humans and horses and inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for these majestic animals.

Caitlin is also dedicated to expanding access to equestrian opportunities for children from diverse backgrounds. She collaborates closely with local schools, youth organizations, and community centers to establish partnerships and develop programs that provide young people with access to riding lessons, educational workshops, and therapeutic riding experiences. By breaking down barriers and creating inclusive spaces, Caitlin ensures that every child has the chance to benefit from the profound lessons and joys that horses have to offer.

As a founding director of the PonyUp4Kids Foundation Inc and the Community Director, Caitlin Sundblom embodies the spirit of generosity, compassion, and commitment to service. Her tireless advocacy and dedication to expanding access to equine-related activities are instrumental in advancing the foundation's mission of empowering children to reach their full potential through the power of horses.