Contact Information
Our Mission
Reins for Gains is a 501(c)3 not for profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of physically, mentally, emotionally socially and economically disadvantaged children by providing scholarships and grants for therapeutic riding programs.
Our Vision
To provide scholarships nationally, to children who are unable to afford therapeutic riding programs. Encouraging a passion for horses helps children from all walks of life gain independence and self confidence while developing life long athletic and practical life skills.
Management Staff
Ellen Brichetto
Executive Director and Founder
Ellen graduated from St Joseph College with a degree in Psychology. After moving to Chicago, she attended DePaul University where she earned a K-9 teaching certification.
Ellen spent 10 years with the Archdiocese of Chicago teaching 4-8th grade science. Currently she is a middle school substitute teacher, working with integrated teams of special education and bilingual students. Ellen became involved assisting with a Hippo Therapy group at her local stable where it became self evident to her that there is a great need not only locally but nationwide for equine therapy. Her strong desire to help children and her love for horses have been her motivation to establish RFG.
Ellen is completing her NAHRA Instructor certification requirements and she is a member of Equine Facilitated Mental Association, North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, Northern Illinois Hunter Jumper Association and Palatine Stables Show Team.
Nancy Joy Dana
Director of Business Development
Nancy has been involved with horses her whole life, and is our newest addition here at Reins For Gains. As Director of Business Development she will be responsible for generating new awareness of our charity to individuals,small businesses and large corporations. With a BA from De Paul University, and over 20 years of sales and marketing experience, she will bring us into our next phase of fundraising, event planning, and more! By our continued growth we will be able to help more and more children realize the joys of therapeutic horseback riding!
Board of Directors
Jeanelle Adamack is currently the Executive Vice President of Support Services for WFYI public broadcasting, Indianapolis, IN. In this role she is responsible for fund raising, human resources, finance, administration and communications. She attended college in Texas and Indiana and received her degree in telecommunications and management. Prior to that Jeanelle was Development Director for KOCV, Public Broadcasting in Midland/Odessa, Texas. Jeanelle has served on the board of United Way of Central Indiana where she chaired the Executive Woman’s Leadership program and Volunteer Action Committee. She also served as an active board member of the YMCA, Prevent Blindness, Riverview Memorial Hospital, and National Friends of Public Broadcasting. Jeanelle joined Reins for Gains Board of Directors in 2008.
Jane Barnes-Walsh is c urrently the president and owner of JR Real Estate Incorporated, in which she manages and leases rental properties. Jane has managed and acquired these properties since 1989. She was the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of First State Bank of Round Lake for 4 years. Jane was also a Financial MIS Manager at Citibank for 13 years and an operations analyst at insurance companies and banks prior to Citibank. Jane graduated from Saint Joseph's College in 1981 with degrees in Business Administration and Accounting. Jane lives in Cary, Illinois with her husband Bob and two daughters.
Jodie Diegel was appointed to the Board of Directors for Reins for Gains in 2008. Currently Jodie is a Legal Nurse Consultant and part of the medical malpractice team with Clifford Law Offices in Chicago. Previously, Jodie was employed at Nothwestern Memorial Hospital for 22 years as a Labor and Delivery nurse and an Emergency Department nurse. Jodie was also an adjunct faculty member at Harper College in Palatine, IL where she taught Healthcare Law and Ethics. Jodie received her MBA from Northern Illinois University. She is a member of the Palatine Stables team and Northern Illinois Hunter Jumper Association.
John F Mamon, M.D. ("Jay") attended college at the University of Michigan, graduated from the University of Southern California in 1981, and then Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in 1986. He is a radiologist subspecializing in interventional radiology, practicing primarily at Advocate Christ Medical Center and Hope Children's Hospital in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Jay recently purchased his first horse Huffnagle, an 18 hand Percheron crossbreed.
Donald B Zorn retired from Blount International, Inc. as President of the Industrial Equipment Division. Prior to joining Blount, Don held positions with Grove Worldwide as President, Chief Operating Officer in Shady Grove,PA, President of Grove Europe in NewCastle, England, and Senior Vice President positions with GF Business Equipment, Youngstown, OH and Volvo America, Gothenburg, Sweden. Don has served on the Boards of CEMA, Norfolk University, Humana Hospital, Marquette Bank and Industrial Opportunities Inc. Don Received his degree in Industrial Management from Kent State University and is currently a Board of Directors member of Reins for Gains.
Advisory Board
Penny Allen Paradise Equestrian Therapy Center
Toni Bruns Palatine Stables
Donna Ewing Hooved Animal Protection Society
Ronda Ewing Hooved Animal Protection Society
Cheryl Miller Agape Therapeutic Riding Recourses, INC.
Mick Ross School District U-46
Krysta White Palatine Stables
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