STAR Staff

Call us at: 865-988-4711
E-mail us at: star@rideatstar.org

Member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association

2008 Board of Directors


Lynn Klimas Petr	Lynn is STAR's founder and full-time Executive Director/Program Coordinator. She holds a BS degree in Special Education, and a MS in Therapeutic Recreation from the University of Tennessee. Lynn has seven years experience teaching special education in the Anderson County school system. She is an Advanced Level NARHA Instructor. Lynn is also a NARHA lead on-site visitor for the national accreditation program and Region V Representative.
Kristen Sanders	Kristen has a BS in Marketing and a MBA degree from Tennessee Technological University. She is the Office Manager and is also an Advanced Level NARHA Instructor.
Lisa Lanphear	Lisa is the Development Director for STAR and has experience in community relations and non-profit organizations, which she gained while living in Alaska.
Melissa Suadi	Melissa Suadi is the Volunteer Coordinator for STAR. She has a passion for the special needs community and obtained experience in the field by volunteering as a Therapy Assistant at Adam’s Camp, a Colorado-based nonprofit organization. Melissa has a strong administrative background with an emphasis in Personnel Management that was obtained while attending college in Louisiana.
Sara Crum	Sara is a full time Instructor with STAR. She recently relocated from Mississippi where she worked with another therapeutic riding program. As a NARHA registered instructor, her experience includes at-risk youth programs, Hippotherapy, equine assisted learning with school programs and presenting volunteer related trainings and workshops. She has a background in youth psychology, and is certified in therapeutic foster care with the state of Tennessee.
Chad Pinkerton	Chad Pinkerton is STAR’s on-site Facility Caretaker. He assists with facility maintenance, various farm and horse care, as well as after-hours security of the facility. Chad is a graduate of Harmony High School in Florida, where he was an active member in Future Farmers of America and the 4H Club.
Stephanie McLain	Stephanie McLain is STAR’s Equine Manager. She started riding about ten years ago at local show barns. She then rode for Maryville College’s Equestrian Team for four years and was the team captain and assistant barn manager her senior year. Stephanie graduated from Maryville College with a B.A. in Child Development in May of 2007 and is currently working on her Master’s from the University of Tennessee in Mental Health Counseling. She currently owns one horse (Petra) and helps take care of a retired MC horse (Gracie).
Steph Clifton	Steph Clifton is STAR’s Equine Assistant Manager. She has always been involved in the equine world and currently owns two horses and one pony. Steph is a member of the American Quarter Horse Association and attends Pellissippi State where she is pursing a degree in History.
Claire Dickenson	Claire is an Instructor at STAR. She holds a BS in Psychology and has 15+ years experience with horses and ponies.
Jan McElroy	Jan holds a BS degree in Animal Science and has shown horses on the "A" circuit for many years. She holds a NARHA Advanced Level Instructor certification and is the owner/operator of Hunter Hollow Farm, a private boarding/lesson stable. Jan is also the Hunt Seat Coach for the University of Tennessee Equestrian Team.
Betsey Knight	Betsey is a Registered Level NARHA Instructor. She has a degree in Recreation Administration with a minor in child development from California State University at Chico. She is a certified CHA instructor and owner/operator of Shadow Mountain, a horse camp for girls.
Randi Roddy	Randi is a Registered Level NARHA Instructor. She is employed by Whirlpool Corporation and lives in Maryville with her son, Christopher.
Robin Bowen	Robin is a NARHA Registered Level Instructor. She is also a STAR Board Member, a parent of a rider, and helps out on various special events. Robin also helps with the Special Olympics in Loudon County.
Lynn Brooks	Lynn is a Registered Level NARHA Instructor. She has a BS in Mathematics from the University of Tennessee. Lynn has been riding and showing since the age of 3. She had been volunteering at STAR for 12 years prior to receiving her certification.
Kyle Johnston	Kyle is the stable hand for STAR. He is a graduate of Loudon County High School.