Meet the LoveWay team
You will find experienced, dedicated and passionate team members at LoveWay.
Ryan Eash
Director of Equine Development
On staff since Fall 2018
Hometown: Goshen, IN
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
All of them (not fair Ryan).
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
I am also a dad, husband, pastor and I enjoy training my own horses.
Fun fact about yourself:
I used to train dogs.
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
Matches, an axe and a bucket.
Kevin Ritenour
Director of Finance
On staff since Fall 2019
Hometown: Elkhart, IN
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
Piper (She’s a cat, but she’s 4-legged so she counts).
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
I enjoy hanging out with friends, playing video games, comic books, etc.
Fun fact about yourself:
I have 32 screws in my pelvis. It makes interesting x-rays.
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
My computer, video games, and a very long internet cable to reach the mainland.
Jessica Estep
Director of Development & Communications
On staff since Fall 2024
Hometown: Niles, MI
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
Kate.
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
I love hitting the road with my husband and our dog, baking sourdough bread that disappears way too fast, and finding adventure in everyday moments!
Fun fact about yourself:
I’ve never broken a bone.
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
My bible, my family (including my dog), and a water filtration system to drink clean water.
Leah Gall
Lead Instructor
On staff since Spring 2026
Hometown: Topeka, IN
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
Milo – He has such a kind demeanor towards everyone. I think he is a great choice for anyone who is feeling unsure about being around a full grown horse for the first time. He can be a great confidence builder.
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
I enjoy spending time with my family. Walking in our woods with my husband. Supporting my girls in their interests. I have my own horse that I ride and have shown, and I sing on our worship team at church.
Fun fact about yourself:
I can make Marbles.
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
I would want music, my Bible and a portable shelter. (I guess you would call that a tent.) LOL
Christy Snyder
Volunteer Coordinator
On staff since Winter 2023
Hometown: Elkhart, IN
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
Eva! She is super cute even though she is a drooler.
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
I love to spend time with my family, friends, and dogs, plus I’m a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Fun fact about yourself:
If I could wear a baseball cap every day, I would!
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
Baseball cap, my 3 dogs, and lots of water!
Taeja Davis
Program Coordinator
On staff since Fall 2025
Hometown: Idaho Falls, ID
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
All of them.
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
I work a few other jobs as well. My husband and I raise cattle, grow a garden, and love to spend time with family and friends.
Fun fact about yourself:
I was born and raised in Idaho. I have been riding horses since before I could walk. I love the outdoors, kayaking, catching sunsets on my front porch, music, reading a good book, and volleyball.
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
Water purification system, sunscreen, and a good ol’ sweet tea.
Emily Cottrell
Pony Pal Coordinator
On staff since Summer 2026
Hometown: Toledo, OH
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
Skeeter.
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
I am a wife and mom, a volunteer at my church, and an online reseller (aka “master bargain hunter” who flips items online for a profit).
Fun fact about yourself:
I play on an Ultimate Frisbee League throughout the summer and fall. I love thrifting and bargain shopping. I’ve been Skydiving and Sea Bobbing (if you don’t know what that is, you should look it up! It was awesome!). I really love ice cream (:
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
A Satellite Radio, a yacht, and someone who could drive it! Because I’ll be heading home after about a week or two of that vacation! (;
Madeline Davis
Equine Manager
On staff since Summer 2023
Hometown: Engadine, MI
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
Ryan (The horse).
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
I paint and do crafts.
Fun fact about yourself:
I’m related to John Adams on my father’s side.
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
A machete, journal, and rope.
Tim Krecsmar
PATH Intl. Certified Instructor
On staff since 1993
Hometown: Elkhart, IN
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
Junior (although all the Haflingers are really intriguing).
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
Special education teacher.
Fun fact about yourself:
Never heard/knew about S’mores until I was an adult (first time I heard about one I thought it was a joke).
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
Solar powered MP3 player loaded with thousands of songs, crates of my favorite books, crates of chocolate (didn’t say any of this had to be realistic!)
Pam Schmalfeldt
Instructor / CHA IRD
On staff since Fall 2022
Hometown: Edwardsburg, MI
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
Buttercup because she reminds me of a horse I had named April.
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
I spend time with my husband and three boys. I ride my own horse if I have time!
Fun fact about yourself:
I take Taekwondo classes with my boys and am working towards earning my black belt!
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
A tent, extra clothes and books.
Sydney Blackburn
PATH Intl. Certified Instructor / CHA IRD
On staff since Summer 2021
Hometown: Three Rivers, MI
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
Otto – Because he has an incredibly calm and sweet personality for his age and loves attention. He is also my favorite color of horse!
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
Whenever I have free time I enjoy reading books or listening to audiobooks (so I can get work done at the same time). My favorite hobby is to explore new trails with my horses and go on exciting adventures!
Fun fact about yourself:
I have memorized pi up to the 50th digit.
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
I would bring a couple crates of duct tape (because it can be used to make anything), my bible, and my horses.
Jamie Bender
Barn Assistant
On staff since Winter 2024
Hometown: Goshen, IN
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
Skeeter.
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
I am a teachers aid and own a little home bakery. I also enjoy being outdoors and spending time with my family.
Fun fact about yourself:
I have lived in Missouri for two summers to work at a summer camp.
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
I would take my family, clean water, and an emergency kit.
Angela Kidder
Barn Assistant
On staff since Fall 2019
Hometown: Elkhart, IN
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
Junior.
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
Work and crochet.
Fun fact about yourself:
I’ve worked at a zoo, a blueberry farm, a haunted house, and as a lunchlady.
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
Books, yarn, sunscreen.
Suzanna Edmonds
Barn Assistant
On staff since Spring 2022
Hometown: Shipshewana, IN
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
I really like all the horses, but Kayla is probably my favorite.
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
I have a couple cleanings jobs, sell books from home, babysit my nieces and nephews on occasion, ride along with my husband (he’s a local delivery truck driver), hang out with my Mom and sisters, and I love photographing nature and still life.
Fun fact about yourself:
I can yodel.
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
My husband (he’s more of a person than a thing, but, ya know), a compass, and a survival kit.
Jorja Dirmyer
Barn Assistant
On staff since Spring 2026
Hometown: Goshen, IN
Favorite 4-legged team member at LoveWay:
Skeeter.
What do you do outside of LoveWay:
I work full time at a vet clinic and spend a lot of time with my horses.
Fun fact about yourself:
I own 2 horses and go to barrel races often!
If you had to be stranded on a deserted island, what 3 things would you bring:
I would bring with me my horses, sunscreen, and water!
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.