Charlotte grew up in a family that always had horses. She began taking riding lessons at the age of five and competed in Western Pleasure, Gymkhana, and High School Rodeo. As a lifelong rider and learner, she enjoys all aspects and styles of riding. In 2012, Charlotte started SpiritHorse Equine-Assisted Activities Center because she knew the healing power horses naturally possess having experienced it herself.

In her early adult years, Charlotte became stuck in a dark season marked by trauma, drug addiction, and bad choices. Upon rehabilitation, Charlotte found solace and purpose by reconnecting with horses. Determined to rise above her past, she chose to become a survivor rather than a victim.

She recognized the profound impact of equine therapy and founded SpiritHorse with a single horse. She offered a free lesson, marking the beginning of her mission to exemplify the life-altering transformations achievable through the healing connection between humans and horses.

Charlotte’s commitment to her newfound purpose led her to attain certifications as a Certified Equine Health Care Instructor through SpiritHorse International, a PATH Instructor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, and EAGALA certification. These rigorous certifications equipped her with the expertise, knowledge, and credentials to deliver effective, safe, and beneficial riding experiences for individuals of all abilities and interests.

With three decades of teaching experience, Charlotte has shared her passion for horses, riding, and teaching with people of all ages and skill levels. Her dedication has inspired her to positively impact the lives of others through the SpiritHorse program, embodying the transformative potential that horses can offer.

Kent brings a wealth of leadership, business acumen, and community service experience to his role as the newly elected President of SpiritHorse Equine Center. A graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, in 1970, he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam in 1971.

After returning from military service, he served as Assistant Director of the Omega House drug counseling program from 1972 to 1974. Transitioning into the financial sector, he worked as an operations manager and loan officer for First National Bank of Nevada from 1974 to 1977. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to open a frozen yogurt retail store, followed by a distinguished career in the retail jewelry business, culminating in his ownership of Napa Valley Jewelers from 1992 until his retirement in 2023.

An active leader in his community, [Name] has served on numerous boards and in executive leadership roles. He was a three-time board member and past President of the Rotary Club of Napa and dedicated 13 years to “If Given A Chance,” a scholarship program for disadvantaged youth, serving three terms as Executive Director. His commitment to local businesses was evident in his nine years on the Napa Downtown Association board, where he served three terms as Executive Director. Additionally, he chaired the Napa Choir Buster board in 2005.

With a lifelong dedication to service and a proven track record in organizational leadership, Kent is excited to guide SpiritHorse into a new era of growth and impact.

My career journey has been both diverse and deeply enriching, involving various roles and fields that have cultivated a unique blend of expertise and passion. I began my professional path as a clinical laboratory technician and phlebotomist, ensuring precise and accurate medical testing and patient care. This foundation in healthcare was further complemented by my work as a personal trainer, where I utilized my certifications in body mechanics, sports medicine, sports psychology, nutrition, kinesiology, clinical psychology, and human anatomy to help clients achieve their fitness goals and enhance their overall well-being.

My academic pursuits were rigorous and multifaceted, providing a strong theoretical and practical grounding in each of these disciplines. As my career progressed, I transitioned into management in personal training, where I discovered a burgeoning love for sales and marketing. This newfound passion propelled me into a role that seamlessly combined my medical expertise with the strategic aspects of sales and marketing, ultimately leading me to work within Assisted Living Communities.

It was within this realm that I encountered Spirit Horse and met Charolette. Her program captivated me; her story, her unwavering dedication to helping others, her generosity, and her profound ability to communicate with horses left an indelible impression on me. The talents, gifts, and passion she embodies are truly unmatched, and they have been a significant source of inspiration in my ongoing professional journey.

Margaret Hager is honored to be on the Board of Spirithorse of the Bay Area, and also is passionate about her role as a horse care volunteer with the organization for the past year. Margaret has worked with horses in a volunteer capacity for nonprofits since her retirement from a successful 36 year banking career in 2019. She has lived and worked in Napa Valley  for the majority of her life, having moved here at the age of 7 and growing up on her family’s 300-acre vineyard, walnut orchard and open space property in Chiles Valley. It was there that her lifetime love of horses began. 

Margaret’s banking career was based in the Napa Valley, working exclusively for local/regional community banks as a Vice President/Relationship Manager and Commercial Loan Officer specializing in Wine Industry lending. In this capacity, she managed multi-million dollar loan portfolios and established close, long-term working relationships with numerous winery, vineyard and business owners. Margaret has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Napa and served on their Board for five years in the role of Treasurer. A California Polytechnic State University/San Luis Obispo graduate, she earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration/Marketing. Upon her retirement, Margaret was eager to reconnect with horses while also giving back to the Napa Valley community through meaningful volunteer work. She loves her time spent caring for the many horses at Spirithorse and finds it truly rewarding. She also enjoys spending time with her family and grandchildren as well as her activities of hiking, cycling and traveling.

Born and raised in the Napa Valley, Dana is a fifth generation cattle rancher who comes from the longest standing ranching family in the area that is still running cattle. Having grown up using horses on the ranch, her love of the animal quickly turned into a passion and a desire to compete. Over her show career, Dana has won 2 World Championships in cutting. But she will tell you, the best part of ranching and showing cutting and cow horses is doing it with her husband and her daughter. Being a 4H Leader herself, she enjoys sharing her love and passion for horses with the next generation and truly appreciates the incredible work that SpiritHorse does for everyone in our community, particularly with our youth programs.