Mesa Vista Therapeutics began as a small breeding and boarding facility which had grown to provide riding programs for children and adults of all ages and abilities.
We have changed our primary focus to provide comprehensive, individualized therapeutic riding programs for physically and mentally challenged individuals.
We have recently become a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization.
Your generous tax - deductible contributions will help to support and further our programs.
Set upon 20 acres of Virginia woodland with miles of riding trails just out our back gate.
Conveniently located 7 miles from Robious and Route 288.
President/Founder
Helen MessengerHelen Messenger began her interest in horses at the age of five. Helen graduated in 1972 from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital’s Nursing Program. Her nursing career ranged from General Surgeries to Labor and Delivery and Infant Nurseries. In 1977 she focused more on pediatrics and began working with special needs children and adults in 1985.
In 1977 Helen bought her first horse Rum Rico Bars and started out trail-riding. She began to compete in showing with Sleepin Partner and breeding Quarter Horses in 1981. Mesa Vista Farm was established in January of 1995 offering breeding, boarding and lesson programs adding therapeutic riding in 1996. The farm grew into Mesa Vista Therapeutics, Inc. (MVT) becoming 501 (c) 3 in November of 2005 with primary mission of working with special needs individuals.
Helen’s passion for people and animals is her primary focus hence “Bringing animals and special needs individuals together
Vice President
Stephanie SpingarnStephanie Spingarn, a native of Northern California, moved to Norfolk, Virginia in 1998. A graduate of the University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, she is currently Director of Clinical Pathology for 6 hospitals and reference laboratory in the Sentara Health Care System. Her love of horses led to taking riding lessons at the ripe age of 34. She is still taking them.
Dr. Spingarn went into medicine to help improve the lives of those needing medical care.
Her dedication to health care and love of horses motivated her involvement with Mesa Vista Therapeutics in 2005. Her wish is to see MVT become a premier therapeutic riding center.
Secretary
Dee Ann J HolcombDee Ann J. Holcomb has been affiliated with Mesa Vista and its various programs for over twelve years acting as a beginner riding instructor, summer riding camp counselor, therapeutic riding assistant, horse handler and trainer. She has been a board member since Mesa Vista Therapeutics, Inc.'s inception in 2005 as a non-profit corporation.
Working with beginner riders, children and adults alike, is her passion. She also enjoys passing on her love of horses and the joy and thrill of riding to others.The same is true in working with individuals in the therapeutic riding program. Dee says she feels a sense of reward when working with special needs riders as they overcome their disabilities and triumph in their accomplishments. She has participated in numerous local horse shows over the years, both as a rider and instructor for many of her students. Dee has also served as coordinator, facilitator, judge and host for many of Mesa Vista's fun shows.
Dee graduated from T. C. William’s School of Law, University of Richmond, Paralegal Studies. She has worked as a real estate paralegal for over 30 years and is currently employed as Office Manager/Paralegal with Hairfield, Morton, Watson, Adams & Sommers in Bon Air, Virginia. Her plans upon retiring from her "real job" are to spend more time at Mesa Vista and bring more people closer to realizing their dreams of being around horses.
Treasurer
Kathy AndersonKathy’s love for horses goes back to her early years when she would spend time on her Grandparent’s farm enjoying riding while sitting in the saddle in front of her Father while trotting around the farm. Thanks to the kindness of Helen Messenger, Kathy’s dream of owning a horse came true. Her handsome two-year old horse is named Cloud. Although “green” at horse “sense”, Kathy feels blessed to be around two very influential and patient people when working with Cloud…Dee Holcomb and Helen Messenger.
Kathy moved to Richmond in 2004 and started helping with Therapeutic riding in 2005. It brings her joy to see the achieved progress of the children she works with, although small to some, it is gigantic to all of those working towards the mission.
Kathy is currently employed full-time at Retail Data, LLC as the Accounting and Benefits Manager. Kathy has been in the Human Resources field since 1988 performing various functions from unit secretary for 10 managers to Payroll Supervisor to manager while also working with A/P and A/R since the early 1990’s.
Facilities Manager
Savanah AndersonSavanah came to MVT early 2006 and brought with her a love of animals and 10 years experience working with the special-needs population. A two-time honors graduate of Spokane Falls Community College, she holds degrees in Office Administration and Business Management. She has five years' experience in executive level sales traveling throughout Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia. Savanah enjoys working out-of-doors and with people.
Claire Harmon
Claire Belletti Harmon joined the Board of Directors in 2007. Claire has worked with a large number of non profit organizations since 1975 including the United States Pony Club, Interscholastic Equestrian Association, Habitat for Humanity, Chrysler Museum and Operation Smile. Claire also has an extensive background in marketing, sales and commercial media including radio, television and print.
Ms. Harmon has worked extensively with the United Stated Pony Club and is a graduate A. She is currently a National Examiner, on the National Testing Committee, and serves on the Instruction Council. Claire is very active in teaching and coaching equestrian sports throughout the United States. Claire has previously been on the Board of Directors for the Old Dominion Region.
Ms. Harmon holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Ithaca College and a Masters Degree from American Holistic College of Nutrition.
Michele Hunt
Michelle Hunt recently joined the Special Olympics Virginia (SOVA) staff as the Director of Development for Southwest Virginia, where she works to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Virginia throughout that region. She has a variety of experience in event and volunteer management, having worked with The United Way of Greater Richmond, the Richmond Speed, and the Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers. Michelle earned her Masters from the Virginia Commonwealth University Sports Center.
Jane S. Kaatz, MS, Med, ANP
Ms. Kaatz has worked in both hospital and community health care settings for the past 25 years. She works as a Nurse Practitioner with the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System, Medical College of Virginia Hospitals, and Department of Internal Medicine and specializes in Infectious Diseases and Primary Care. She also is a health educator in the Richmond community working with teens and at risk populations. Ms. Kaatz is a consultant and guest presenter for both the Virginia Department of Health and the Virginia Dept. of Corrections.
Her free time is spent with her five horses which she shares with neighborhood children, friends and family.
Neal Kauder
Neal Kauder is President of Visual Research, Inc. a consulting firm located in Midlothian, Virginia. Neal was married to Andrea Kauder, who is honored through Mesa Vista Therapeutics’ Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament, until her passing in 2004.
He has two sons, Adam and Bryan. Adam is a senior and Bryan is a freshman at Midlothian High School, both are very successful in academics and are actively involved in the Theatre Department. Adam will be attending James Madison University in the fall of 2007.
Neal is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, and has been involved in horseback riding off and on for 30 years. He also enjoys fishing and many other outdoor activities. He is now married to Jane Kauder, a graduate of University of Virginia, who is an avid golfer and excellent tennis player.
Bobbi SaggeseMrs. Saggese is currently an Elementary School Teacher at Curtis Elementary School and has been teaching for 15 years in Chesterfield County. She is a graduate of Indiana University. Bobbi’s son Michael Saggese rides at Mesa Vista Therapeutics, Inc.
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