Meet the LoveWay team
You will find experienced, dedicated and passionate team members at LoveWay.
John Morgan
Executive Director
On staff since Fall 2025
Hometown: Elkhart, IN
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay? Kate is my favorite horse and of course Jack is my favorite cat.
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? My role is to make sure LoveWay is supported in all aspects of running the organization, and to ensure stability for many generations to come.
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? Seeing first hand the advancement of the children and joy that is evident when they are interacting with the horses.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you?
I enjoy spending time working outside at my home and and relaxing on my patio watching all the wildlife that live on my property.
Kevin Ritenour
Director of Finance
On staff since Fall 2019
Hometown: Elkhart, IN
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay?
Piper the cat, because she is awesome.
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? I do a lot of behind the scenes work such as processing donations, paying bills, payroll, bookkeeping, insurances, ordering supplies, IT support, etc.
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? I enjoy being able to contribute to a company that helps people. My first job was at a retail chain for 7 years and the constant push to sell, sell, sell was exhausting and unfulfilling for me. I then joined a company where I worked directly with people with disabilities and I loved being able to actually help someone instead of just seeing how many things I could get them to put in their shopping cart. I worked there for 7 years as well before coming to LoveWay which serves a similar demographic and mission.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you?
I enjoy video games, comics, hanging out with friends
Jessica Estep
Director of Development & Communications
On staff since Fall 2024
Hometown: Niles, MI
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay?
Kate!
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? I help tell LoveWay’s story, build relationships with our community and supporters, and connect people with the work we do.
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? What keeps me connected is knowing that the work behind the scenes helps make our programs possible. Seeing the impact our programs have on the individuals we serve is what makes the work so meaningful.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you?
I love spending time with my husband and our dog, Romeo, baking sourdough, spending time outdoors, and finding any excuse to travel and explore somewhere new.
Leah Gall
Director of Operations
On staff since Spring 2026
Hometown: Topeka, IN
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay? It is hard to choose. All of our herd work so hard to take care of our students.
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? I oversee Programming, Instructors, Volunteers, Equine, and Facilities to keep our daily operations running smoothly. I support our staff, assist with programming and participant placement, and help plan for the long-term success of our programs. Wherever I’m needed, I’m always happy to jump in and help. And, of course, I’m also responsible for keeping Taeja’s plant alive!
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? The people. I like getting to know the students, parents, teachers, and volunteers. My favorite part is watching our students learn, grow, and become confident in their abilities.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you?Spending time with my husband and 2 daughters. I love flowers and grow my flower beds each year. We are blessed to own a wildlife wonderland. We have woods with trails, a river and a pond and space to keep a horse and goats. We also have a cat and dog. And we are active in our church and 4H.
Christy Snyder
Volunteer Coordinator
On staff since Winter 2023
Hometown: Elkhart, IN
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay? Elsa! I have had her for 3 to 4 years in my Monday evening class and well, she’s grown on me. I truly love her. Plus, she falls asleep when I sing to her.
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? I recruit, train, schedule, and support the incredible volunteers who make our mission possible. I enjoy connecting people with rewarding opportunities to serve, engaging with community work groups, and assisting in our classes whenever needed. Working alongside our dedicated staff, volunteers, horses, and participants, I help create a welcoming environment where everyone plays a part in making a lasting impact on our community.
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it?It’s everything—the kids, the horses, the staff, and the volunteers. We all share the same passion and purpose, and it’s amazing to watch that come to life every day. Seeing the bond between our participants and the horses and being part of something that changes lives is beautiful, inspiring, rewarding, and so much fun! Honestly, I can talk about LoveWay for HOURS!
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you? My life revolves around my kids, granddaughter, and dogs, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Being a Nana is one of my favorite things, and my dogs make sure there’s never a quiet moment at home. I also love watching sports, catching up with friends, and finding time for fun.
Taeja Davis
Program Coordinator
On staff since Fall 2025
Hometown: Idaho Falls, ID
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay?All of them. I believe each animal that comes on our staff has made an impact in some way. Anytime I have an opportunity to work with horses is a good day in my book!
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? I am the Program Coordinator and assist with the equine department. I am the main point of contact for inquiries, schools, families, and organizations that come in and out of all our programs. I manage scheduling and any documentation required for programming, keep all programs efficient and organized. In the equine department, I assist with feedings, cleaning, exercising, and caring for horses, and minimal facility care.
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? I love the special education world and feel many individuals are underestimated in what they are truly capable of. I have a passion for creating independence for others and seeing their confidence grow through challenging situations. LoveWay combines my love for horses and people in one industry!
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you? When I’m not working, I’m probably working somewhere else. I am a bartender, dog sitter, CPR instructor, and travel Gold Medal Squared volleyball coach.
Emily Cottrell
Pony Pals & Nosey Neighbor Coordinator
On staff since Summer 2026
Hometown: Toledo, OH
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay? I love them all, but Skeeter is my favorite
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? I get to work directly with students and individuals with diagnosed disabilities by transporting our mini horses TO THEM! Nosey Neighbors is a program designed to be more of a “meet and greet” with the minis, whereas Pony Pals incorporates educational learning and goals. It is a joy to be able to work alongside our minis and participants in a way that removes barriers of transportation to our main LoveWay facility.
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? It’s been a dream of mine, since I was a little girl, to work with horses. I am amazed at their beauty and strength, and I love learning more about them. I’ve also come to love the students we serve! It’s been a real joy to see students learn and grow.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you? I am a wife and mom of two, a volunteer at my church, and an online reseller in my free time. You can often find me spending time with my family, helping out at church with the youth group, or thrifting and bargain shopping in my spare time. I play on an Ultimate Frisbee league in the summer and fall months. And, I am always up for a fun adventure – a trip to the zoo, a day trip to Lake Michigan, or even just an ice cream run!
Logan Hicks
Barn & Facility Assistant
On staff since Summer 2026
Hometown: Kendallville, IN
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay?Favorite thing is the tractor😂
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? My role at LoveWay is to keep things maintained and in working order.
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? I was drawn to this work at a young age growing up on a farm. I enjoy work outside and learning new things, plus sharing the knowledge I have learned.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you?
Tim Krecsmar
PATH Intl. Certified Instructor
On staff since 1993
Hometown: Elkhart, IN
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay?Favorite horse is whichever one is performing above expectations that class : ) Also, it’s a fact the horses get together and decide who is going to “mess” with the instructors for that class.
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? My role at LoveWay is to be a catalyst that helps the team work together to allow students to achieve at their highest potential – a guide on our journey.
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? It is incredibly rewarding to be a small part of seeing growth in students, whether it is physically, cognitively, or just the joy of participating in a remarkable activity.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you?
Sydney Lazzari
PATH Intl. Certified Instructor / CHA IRD
On staff since Summer 2021
Hometown: Three Rivers, MI
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay?Bo is my favorite equine friend at LoveWay! He’s known for being a bit of a grump, but underneath that personality is a horse with a lot to teach. He reminds horse leaders to pay attention, respect his space, and read his body language. If you can earn Bo’s respect, you’ll become a better horse person because of it.
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? I get to wear a lot of different hats at LoveWay! Some days I’m teaching lessons, while other days I’m helping with volunteer training, caring for our horses, organizing the facility, writing procedures, or jumping in wherever I’m needed. No two days are exactly the same, & I enjoy being someone my team can count on. At the heart of everything I do is helping create a safe, positive environment where our participants can build confidence, independence, and life skills through their interactions with our horses.
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? What first drew me to this work was my love for horses and my desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives. What keeps me connected is witnessing the small victories, like a student gaining confidence or accomplishing something they never thought they could do. Knowing I get to play a part in those moments is what keeps me coming back.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you?
Pam Schmalfeldt
Instructor / CHA IRD
On staff since Fall 2022
Hometown: Edwardsburg, MI
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay?Bo is my favorite horse. I have known him for most of his life. His level of training really helps our students to progress their riding skills. Bo has a quirky personality and always keeps you on your toes!
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? My primary role at LoveWay is as an instructor. I’m always happy to step in and support other departments whenever needed. I’m especially passionate about our Advanced Horsemanship Program and enjoy dedicating my time and energy to helping it grow.
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? My experience as an instructor & my love of horses first drew me to this work. What has kept me here is the students. I love how genuine they are, & I enjoy the challenge of getting to know each individual & finding the best way to communicate & teach in a way that makes sense to them. Watching them grow in confidence & celebrate their successes is what makes this work so meaningful to me.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you?
Jamie Bender
Barn Assistant
On staff since Winter 2024
Hometown: Goshen, IN
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay?Otto.
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? I help with behind the scenes work and feed on the weekends. I help make sure the horses are fed and healthy while I am there!
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? I love being around horses but what also draws me to this work is the impact Loveway has on the community and each student that enters the barn. I don’t see anyone on the weekends when I feed but I can know I’m part of a bigger picture and I’m doing my part to help.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you?
Angela Kidder
Barn Assistant
On staff since Fall 2019
Hometown: Elkhart, IN
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay?Otto.
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? I have an essential role in providing care to the horses in the way of feeding five days a week. The horses could not work and provide support to the kids without the feeders.
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? My love of horses and the desire to see them thrive.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you?
Elizabeth Spaid
Barn Assistant
On staff since Summer 2026
Hometown: Miles City, MT
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay?Ryan! I’m a sucker for Clydesdales.
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words? I get to feed and water the horses in the mornings, and bring in the horses that have class that day. I also get to love on them while I do this!
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it? I’ve always had a deep love for horses ever since I was young. Knowing that LoveWay fosters that kind of love through therapy for the kids is what keeps me connected, even though I don’t interact with the students who visit.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you? I have a lot of hobbies that keep me busy in my free time, like knitting and cross stitch. I love to fish when I’m able. I also work at the county courthouse as a court reporter.
Jorja Dirmyer
Barn Assistant
On staff since Spring 2026
Hometown: Goshen, IN
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay?Skeeter.
How would you describe your role at LoveWay in your own words?I help care for the horses by feeding them every Sunday morning and making sure they have what they need to start their day. I’m happy to help care for such amazing animals.
What draws you to this work or keeps you connected to it?I’ve always loved horses, so being able to spend time with them while helping an organization that makes such a positive impact is very rewarding. Knowing that my role helps support the horses that change so many lives keeps me coming back.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you?
Madilyn
Student Intern
Interning Since: Fall 2026
Who is your favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay?Ryan
How would you describe what you do at LoveWay in your own words? I help the kids build bonds with the horses and take care of the horses.
What interested you in spending your time at LoveWay? Getting to help with my two favorite things: Horses and individuals with diagnosed disabilities.
What is something you hope to learn or experience while you’re here? How to better understand the relationship the team is able to build with the horses and kids.
What does life outside of LoveWay look like for you? I am a senior at Elkhart High School. I am a pole vaulter and I make crafts and sell them.
LoveWay Board of Directors
Christopher Ball
Lindsey Cox
Rod Humphreys
Jennifer Irions
Julie Ann Kotowski
Michelle Markel
Jeryl Miller
Matt Schrock
Alice Springer
Rachel Tompos
Judy Weicht
Pictured above (back row, left to right): Rod Humphreys, Jeryl Miller, Christopher Ball, and Rachel Tompos. Front row: Judy Weicht, Jennifer Irions, Lindsey Cox, and Julie Ann Kotowski.
Not pictured: Michelle Markel, Matt Schrock, and Alice Springer.