Board of Advisors

Patti has a long-standing passion for horses and their therapeutic benefits. Specifically, she has worked in various therapeutic horseback riding centers, creating and managing programs for individuals with physical, social, and mental health needs. Her experience includes working with veterans, substance abuse recovery individuals, and children who have lost a parent. Additionally, Patti has also mentored others in horse care and advocated for better treatment standards.

Given her extensive career, Patti deeply understands horse welfare issues and has worked with numerous equine and non-equine organizations and teams.

In summary, Patti has a long list of achievements and certifications, including:

• Massachusetts Licensed Riding Instructor and Mentor
• PATH Int’l Advanced Riding Instructor
• PATH Int’l Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning
• PATH Int’l Mentor
• Special Olympics Equestrian Coach
• Crisis Prevention Intervention Certified
• Certified Coach – American Sport Education
• Certified Nursing Assistant
• Animal Control Officer, Worcester County, MA
• Founder/Program Developer of Baku Golden Horse Therapeutic and Educational Center, Baku, Azerbaijan, supported by The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the U.S. Department of State
• Recipient of Women Working Wonders grant, issued by the Greater Lowell Community Foundation, June 2017

Leveraging her previous 25-year career in finance, Kim brings a well-organized, analytical, and strategic approach to her role as Chair of the Sanctuary’s Board of Advisors. She effectively applied her expertise to a new career in digital marketing and web design, driven by her dedication to continuous learning and efficiency. Currently, Kim dedicates her skills to growing small businesses and non-profits, including her essential communications and outreach for Elysium Acres. Her goal is to support the Sanctuary by enhancing its digital presence and strengthening its community engagement through strategic, long-term planning.

As Chair, Kim plays a key role in overseeing the governance of the 501(c)(3) nonprofit. She ensures the organization compassionately fulfills its mission to provide a “forever” home for retired mounted police and rescued horses. Additionally, she supports volunteer initiatives that encourage human healing and strengthen community bonds.

A lifelong New Englander, Kim is committed to the region and its community. She shares her home with her husband, their two children (ages 12 and 14), and their beloved German Shepherd, Duke. When not dedicating her time to the Sanctuary, Kim enjoys photography, traveling, and diving into a good non-fiction book. Moreover, as an Elysium Acres team member, Kim is learning more about horses than she ever thought possible.

In brief, the following are among Kim’s achievements and certifications:

• Master of Science in Finance (MSF), Northeastern University
• Bachelor of Arts (BA), Major in Political Science, Minor in Communications, Regis College
• Multiple Google Certifications, including Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional Certificate
• Fixed Income Product Specialist, GMO
• Member, North Reading Historical and Antiquarian Society
• Regis College Alumni Association Board of Directors, 2006-2009

Carla is connected to many different resources and community members. She is a former engineer, loves to collaborate, discuss and bring people together to solve complex problems. She is fascinated by process and motivated to make an impact through the efficient use of communication and personal connections. She expressed interest in being involved with our sanctuary after seeing a post Patti wrote, noting the desire for her horses to live out a life of purpose, while providing emotional wellbeing for the humans involved.

She grew up in Georgetown Massachusetts, an area with a large equestrian population and attended college there, before moving to New Hampshire, where she is raising her family of 6 and 2 Jack Russell Terriers. She has a strong faith and lives a life of purpose, with a strong desire to give back and help those around her to share their gifts with others.

She enjoys a simple life of camping, golf, travel, martial arts and a great conversation. She has worked as a financial advisor since 2015, helping others have financial security in their lives and retire early, creating more time for them to be active contributors in their communities.

• Graduate of Bentley University, with a Master of Finance
• Graduate of WPI with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering
• WPI ECE department advisory board member
• St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Derry NH Finance Counsel member
• Founding member of 100 Women Who Care, Nashua NH chapter
• Corporate sponsor and supporter of local children’s recreational activities and mental health, veteran, Catholic Charities and education as well as pregnancy crisis organizations.

Lisa is a dedicated healthcare professional whose career spans military service, advanced clinical nursing, and clinical social work. A board-certified Emergency Nurse Practitioner and former combat flight medic in the United States Army, Lisa integrates the discipline and leadership of a veteran with a deep commitment to compassionate, whole-person care.

Lisa began her career in the U.S. military, where she developed strong skills in crisis management, teamwork, and rapid decision-making—competencies that continue to guide her work in dynamic healthcare environments. This foundation instilled in her a lifelong commitment to honor, respect, and providing the highest standard of care, particularly to fellow veterans and their families.

After completing her military service, Lisa earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) and later a Master’s in Social Work, becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Her combined expertise in emergency medicine and mental health allows her to deliver truly holistic care, addressing both physical and psychosocial needs. Her clinical experience includes acute care, mental health support, crisis intervention, and case management.

Lisa serves as the Nursing and Veterans Coordinator at Kevin Flynn LLC., where she supports initiatives focused on veteran health and advocacy. She also works as an LCSW Clinician with Community Health Link MCI, providing trauma-informed mental health care to individuals and families.

Driven by a passion for humanitarian service and global health equity, Lisa regularly participates in medical mission trips to underserved communities around the world. These experiences have strengthened her cultural competence, adaptability, and commitment to providing care in resource-limited settings.

When not supporting her local community or serving abroad, Lisa enjoys spending time with her children, being outdoors, hiking, working with horses, staying active in sports, and sharing time with friends and family.

A dedicated advocate for horse welfare, Jane brings extensive experience and a special passion to the Elysium Acres Horse Sanctuary Board of Advisors, especially in her role as the Board’s Treasurer.

A resident of Chester, New Hampshire, for 30 years, Jane has a strong connection to the local community and the animals within it, currently owning and caring for her own small farm and horses. Her lifelong commitment to animals began with her education at the University of New Hampshire, where she graduated in the Class of 1983 with degrees in Animal Science and Microbiology.

Jane’s professional background is as diverse as it is comprehensive, spanning roles as an Electronics Assembler, a Veterinary Technician, a Construction Lending Customer Service Officer, and a Sales Associate. This unique blend of technical, customer service, and hands-on animal care experience provides a well-rounded perspective essential for the Sanctuary’s operations and community outreach. Furthermore, her history as a dedicated Habitat for Humanity Volunteer underscores her commitment to community service.

Her true special talent and passion lie in the care and comfort of senior and geriatric horses. Her expertise in this specialized area is invaluable to Elysium Acres, ensuring our older residents receive focused, compassionate, and high-quality care so they can live out their golden years peacefully.