TROT Staff

Growing up in Alabama, horses were the focal point of Carolyn's life, including pony club and eventing. She migrated to Arizona for college and later worked as a sign language interpreter, paralegal, and fitness coach before finally finding her dream job at TROT where her passion truly lies.

Sierra has been in the presence of horses all of her life and has witnessed their healing powers. She holds an advanced therapeutic riding certification from PATH and views horses as barometers that provide feedback to allow humans to explore the mind, body, spirit and emotion. Sierra is also an iRest Yoga Nidra and LifeForce Yoga Practitioner and trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Her office is the beauty that is all around and the horses are her co-therapists. Horses live in the present moment and teach non-verbal communication, life skills, new behaviors, teamwork, empathy, and so much more. It is through their partnership that she is able to guide people on their journey.

Deanna brings to TROT more than 20 years’ experience at the executive level, working in education, marketing, and mental health. She recently relocated to Tucson from Raleigh, N.C., where she worked with nonprofit organizations in the areas of grant research, writing and reporting.

Deanna’s background in counseling and psychology serves as an excellent foundation for TROT’s grant program that is designed to serve others. Her areas of focus have included therapeutic riding, equine-assisted psychotherapy and equine-assisted learning. Having ridden from an early age, Deanna knows firsthand the benefits of riding and swiftly embraced her new role at TROT, "Even during the first week, the camaraderie and dedication of everyone was evident. I am thrilled to be here!"

She holds a B.S. in Secondary Education and an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from Northwest Missouri State University.

Denice became involved with TROT by volunteering as a horse handler and side walker in 1983. She is a NARHA certified therapeutic riding instructor and a special education teacher in the Sunnyside School District. She is thrilled that she has been able to provide her classroom students with the opportunity to ride at TROT for the past 15 years.

Sophie was born in Doylestown, Pennsylvania and spent most of her childhood in Stowe, Vermont. She is a recent graduate from Lake Erie College with a Bachelor of Science in Equine Facility Management and Therapeutic Horsemanship. Sophie was a four-year member of Lake Erie's IHSA Hunt Seat team as well as an officer for two years. In addition to showing in IHSA, Sophie has competed in both the Hunters and Jumpers. 

She was also member of the Beach Haven Ocean Rescue for four years and is an avid snowboarder. 

She recently moved to Tucson to join TROT.

Dora was born in Cyprus but has been a Tucson resident for the last 23 years. She graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and has been involved in behavioral health and non-profits for over ten years.  Dora has worked extensively with children in the foster care system providing behavioral management and de-escalation training, as well as grief and loss work.  She is certified with Eagala as an Equine Specialist and was most recently the program director for Desert Dove Farm, a non-profit equine assisted therapy program. She is a recent newlywed and a mother of an energetic little boy.  She began riding as a hunter-jumper at age seven and has had the pleasure of assisting in training different types of horses, as well as complete barn management duties of caring for the nutritional and medical needs of the horses.  She is currently pursuing her PATH Intl. Instructor Certification and looks forward to becoming a TROT certified instructor in the Fall.

Becky brings to TROT more than 20 years' leadership experience, working with the Tucson Police Department and other organizations to advance community safety. She relocated to Tucson from El Paso, Texas, in 1996. In 2000, the Tucson Police Department named her Civilian of the Year. She has been an active member of the board of TMM Family Services since 2008, where she has also served as executive board chair. She holds a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Texas.

Steve joined the TROT team in March 2018.  He and his wife Nancy relocated from central Illinois to be closer to family and get away from the cold winters.

Steve grew up with horses, cattle and other farm animals and has always had sensitivity to the needs of animals of all shapes and sizes.  For many years he has been involved with farming and equipment management.  These skills make him a valued member of our team.  Steve and his wife live on the TROT property and look after the herd and the ranch.