A Letter from
the Executive Director & President
It takes a herd to ensure the health and wellness of our community.
Horses and people share a long history of partnership. This collaboration is at the heart of our mission: to provide a nurturing environment where horses and humans work together to transform lives.
Today, one hundred percent of our students report feeling safe and comfortable at the farm, a rare luxury in today’s world. Horses offer a therapeutic impact for people of all ages and abilities through their clear, nonjudgmental communication and calming presence. A sense of safety, a feeling of belonging to a “herd”, and reduced anxiety that opens doors for healing, first words, first steps, new friendships, and renewed confidence.
In 2025, we connected with over 5,244 people through our outreach, education, and direct service programs. To make that possible, we underwrite over $7,600 in tuition every single week. This level of support is the result of our generous donors, grants and local business working together to make our mission possible.
Every day, our herd creates smiles — smiles that brighten a hard week, signal growing self-confidence, and stay with people long after they leave the farm, carrying them through the most challenging moments of their lives.
We do this alongside 27 community partners, 100 active volunteers and over 230 donors who support our commitment to changing lives, one horse experience at a time.
We are grateful to each of you for being part of the Misty Meadows herd.
Mission
& Vision
Our mission is to create a nurturing environment where horses and humans can work together to transform lives.
Our vision is to make an impact on the world, one horse experience at a time.
Misty’s goal is to provide a unique, transformational and magical experience in which people can connect with horses and themselves on a deeper level. Misty works with students to understand their emotional, physical, and cognitive needs, and how working with horses can enhance their health and wellness. Misty is welcoming and open to all individuals, regardless of age, race, sex, income, or any other demographic.
2025 Accomplishments
✓
Began a pilot Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy program creating access to direct service mental health care in a new and uniquely effective way.
✓
Streamlined organizational structure and efficiency to ensure sustainability of our impactful programs into the future.
✓
Strengthened our collaborative partnerships, signing memorandums of understanding with three key year-round partners: Boys and Girls Club, Kinship Heals and Martha’s Vineyard Community Services.
✓
For the fourth year in a row, earned Equus Foundation Guardian status. Guardians are equine charities on the Equine Welfare Network that demonstrate a commitment to public transparency by their willingness to make comprehensive data about their programs, horse care practices, and governance available for public scrutiny. Misty Meadows Equine Learning Center is one of just 17 farms in all of New England to have earned this designation.
Our Impact
Volunteering
at Misty
“I ended up at Misty Meadows in a roundabout way—through a sweater I own and wear all the time, covered in horses. That sweater somehow sparked endless conversations with people telling me how much horses had changed their lives. I’d never actually been around horses before, but their stories made me curious. At the same time, I wanted to do something simple and hands-on—work that felt meaningful without being complicated. Volunteering at Misty Meadows has been the perfect fit, giving me grounding, purpose, and a chance to learn about horses up close in a calm, hands-on way.”
- Liz Watkins, Volunteer
Boys and
Girls Club
“Misty Meadows started working with us during our after-school program, eager to provide programming to our club members who typically would not be able to access programming. They have carved out a designated time slot during the school year, and the busy summer months to host our Club kids so they can learn and grow through their programming. On Monday afternoons during the school year for eight weeks at a time, club members and two staff attend programming and learn from Misty Meadows staff. Over the past three summers, we have been able to have over a hundred Club members participate in programming.
Our members look forward to this programming as it is something that provides them great knowledge and acts as a gateway to new opportunities. We have had some club members like it so much that they have joined Misty Meadows programming directly to learn and experience more with the horses and take lessons. The staff at Misty Meadows are kind and patient with our members, many of whom whose first language is not English, some who are on the Autism spectrum, and others with physical impairments.”
- Kendall Robinson, Director of Club Programs
Island Wide Youth
Collaborative
“A parent in the community heard about the Misty Meadows Equine Social Skills Group and was interested in signing up their child. When I met with the family to discuss the program, the child's interest was piqued as they loved Misty and the horses, but worried about how they would fit in with the other children. After talking it through and with some encouragement, the child decided they would give it a try.
As all the participants came and gathered on the very first day, this child hung back, holding onto their parent and shyly looking at everyone. But, when Susie introduced herself to the group, she gave this child who was familiar with Misty the opportunity to show everyone the space and explain the environment. Suddenly, this quiet child was excitedly sharing fond memories at Misty and pointing out the horse's names and how to approach the cats. Their personality shined through, allowing the other children to get to know them, as well as encouraging others to join the conversation too.
From then on, the child wasn't as nervous and was able to participate fully in the program. Each new activity provided them the chance to practice communicating with others, and soon they were often one of the first voices to suggest teamwork and sharing.
This individual took to the program so well, and it was especially sweet on the last day, hearing two families who were once strangers, arrange a playdate between this child and another.”
- Danielle MIddleton, Family Support Worker, Martha’s Vineyard Community Services
2025, Year in Review
2025 Highlights
5,244 People Impacted
We connected with 5,244 people through our outreach, education and direct service programs.
5,850 Volunteer Hours
Our 100 active volunteers gave an estimated total of 3,250 hours - 27 hours given per week in the off season, 84 hours given per week in the summer season
Ages of Impact
By the Numbers
1,442 individual lessons
167 one-time experiences
612 group classes
650 enrolled students
Direct Service Programs
1,704 served via direct service programs
Outreach Activities
3,540 served via community education and outreach activities
Instructor Mentorship
75 hours of instructor mentorship towards MA instructor License and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International Instructor Certification.
40 Community Partners
Celebrating 10 years of Collaboration!
Island Autism Group
Sheriff's Meadow Foundation
Year-Round, Weekly Collaboration
Boys and Girls Club
Island Autism Group
Kinship Heals
MV Community Services:
Disability Services
Famiy Resource Center
Island Wide Youth Collaborative
Island Counseling Center
Red House Peer Recovery Support
Veterans Services
CONNECT to End Violence
Head Start
Year-Round, Monthly Collaboration
4H
Summer Collaborations
Camp Jabberwocky
Chilmark Community Center
Plum Hill School
Wampanoag Tribe
Other Important Collaborations
Clemson University
Hospice of MV
Island Elderly Housing
MV Agricultural Society
MV Center for Living
MV Chamber of Commerce
MV Horse Coucil
MV Museum
MV Non-Profit Collaborative
MV Public Charter School
MV Public Schools
MVY Radio
Sharon Wilsie/Horse Speak
Wendy Murdoch/Sure Foot
West Tisbury Library
Windemere Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
Writing Through
Our Financials
100% board support totaling $45,366
2025 Grants Received
We are grateful to these foundations that supported our mission with grants in 2025:
4H Boost Fund to support the feeding of our equine partners.
Equus Foundation to support the veterinary care for the herd.
Farm Neck Foundation for a much needed farm utility vehicle.
Martha’s Vineyard Bank Charitable Foundation for student scholarships.
Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation in support of our mental health programming.
2025 Expenses
Total Expenses $1,405,000
2025 Revenue
Total Revenue $1,390,000
Total Scholarship for 2025 - $12,967
*All services provided at a subsidized rate of 32% of the true cost.
Our 2026 Goals
◎
Celebrate 10 years in operation!
◎
Obtain State of Massachusetts summer camp licensure to allow us to run a more robust summer camp and better meet the needs of our island families.
◎
Complete Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), International Premier Accredited Center inspection for the second time. MIsty Meadows is one of seven Equine Assisted Services programs in Massachusetts to earn this credential.
◎
Begin a new strategic planning cycle.
◎
Focus on professional development with two staff planning to earn PATH International Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning certification to support our Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy program.
◎
Complete our accessible bathroom project in time for summer programming.
Each of these exciting initiatives is possible because of individual donor and grant support - thank you!
Needs We Support
Anxiety · Attachment Disorder · Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder · Autism · BiPolar · Brain Injury · Cancer Survivor · Cerebral Palsy · Congenital Anomoly · Dementia · Depression · Developmental Delay · Down Syndrome · Elderly · English Language Learners · Hearing Impairment · Individuals in Foster Care · Learning Disabilities · Mitochondrial Disease · Muscular Dystrophy · Post Traumatic Stress · Spina Bifida · Substance Use Recovery · Veterans · Visual Impairment · Woman in Transition · Youth at Risk
Volunteers
Scout Austin
Lee Aven
Randi Baird
Caroline Barbato
Lindsay Barnes
Cynthia Berman
Maddie Bradley-Burns
Ann Cabot
Lucia Capece
Nancy Caraboolad
Taina Chaves
Dawn Cieplensky
Caroline Cleaver
Jeanne Coleman
Scott Crawford
Caitlin Crisp
Gabriela Cuadros-Preston
Jill DelaHunt
Melissa deLisser
Donna DiFillipo
Nina Domenico
Diane Early
Robert Egerton
Sheila Elliot
Kathleen Ellis
Alysa Emden
Charlotte Emin
Sofia Eschmann
Margery Fairchild
Gene Ferguson
Judith Fisher
Sabrina Frank
Margaret Gallagher
Heidi Ganser
Gail Gardner
Howard Goldstein
Abby Greenhill
Caroline Harris
Justin Harris
Kara Hart
Catherine Healey
Morgan Hodgson
Cid Hoffeld
Jean Houghton
Nina Hudock
Rita Hurley
Beall Hut
Solstice Jacinto
Kristen Kenney
Martha Klein
Sarah Kuh
Jill Lane
Claire Laverty
Cate Molesso
Meg MacClarence
Hailey Madison-Gaines
Caroline Mayhew
Hillary McDermott
Janet McFadden
Tim McKay
Nina McMann
Joe McMann
Amber Medeiros
Barry Meekin
Shana Metzger
Ane Moeller
Whitney Moody
Lisa Nold
Margaret Oliveira
Susan Ostrow
Susan Peltier
Laura Plunkett
Doreen Rezendes
Kasha Ritter
Eden Rosekind
Karen Salvatore
Eileen Sandberg
Audie Schneider
Cynthia Segal
Monica Shelton Reusch
Frankie Silverman-Spina
Julia Singleton
Nova Smith
Marcia Smith
Siana Solarazza
Karin Stanley
Bruce Stuart
Anna Swanson
Jeanette Teta
John Thibodeau
Vickie Thurber
Carol Vietor
Melanie Wagner
Jennifer Warner
Desma Warren
Elizabeth Watkins
Jeannie Wessel
Roxy White
Shelly Wilbur
Dill Kleeman
Supporters
$50,000 - $249,999
Jay M. Cashman
$10,000 - $49,999
Geoffrey and Nancy Caraboolad
Blair Kenney and Kristen Nick Ruozzi
Carol Kenney
Janet McFadden
Louise Reed
John Schaefer and Pamela D. Zilly
John Thibodeau
$5,000 - $9,999
John and Charlotte Klein
McNamara Foundation Three
Susan Peltier
Laura and Brian Plunkett
Belinda Reusch
Alexander and Carol Vietor
$1,000 - $4,999
Appledore Real Estate, Inc.
Randi Baird
Randi Baird, In-kind
Craig and Susan Bancroft
Carol Biondi
Joanne Brine
Ned Brooks
Kimberly Burns
Jesse Burton, In-kind
Caroline Cleaver
Jean Dickason
Donna DiFillippo
Diane Early
Robert and Angela Egerton
James Elliot
Todd Ellis
Beth Fishman
Pamela French
Patricia and Thomas Garbutt
Neva and Howard Goldstein
Patrie Grace, In-kind
Patricia Greene
Mitchell and Cynthia Berman Greess
Deborah Hancock
Beth Harris
Morgan Hodgson and Bill Lake
Kristen Kenney
Robert Kenney
Brian Kenney
Martha Klein
Leelee Smith Klein
Jill Lane
Jessica and Conor Lynch
Meg MacClarence
Wenonah Madison
Chryssa Maragos
Elizabeth Marsh
Martha's Vineyard Savings Bank
David and Arleen McGlade
Laurie McTeague
Andrea Miano
Rebecca Miller
Jessica Millstone
Wendy Murdoch, In-kind
Katherine O’Brien
Dan and Marilyn Lyng O'Connell
Margaret Oliveira
Karen Pontremoli
Ally Reed
Monica Shelton Reusch
Eileen Sandberg
Shoreline Pool and Spa
Andrew Sieg
Marcia Smith
Kathy and Bruce Stuart
George and Joan Thomas
Pamela Thompson, In-kind
Jennifer Warner
Hope Woodhouse
Alfred III and Jill Woollacott
Nancy Bass Wyden
$500 - $999
Norma Barfield
Peter and Susan Bernard
Hilary Blocksom
Sarah Catchpole
Brigid Doherty
Holly Eger
Alysa Emden
Abby Fligor
Joann and Jack Fruchtman
Edwin and Ellen Harley
Jennifer Haskell
Roberta Hurtig, In-kind
Leader Bank Charitable Foundation Corporation
Richard Lindahl
Chris Morse
Omar Rayyan
Walter Ricciardi
Kelly Roan
Julie Skinner
Lynne Brown Strang
Brian Thomas
John Abrams and Kim Angell
Sara and Gene Barbato
Yuliya Bilzerian
Elizabeth Bostrom
Linda Brenner
Ned Brooks
Annchen Brown
Laura Bryan
Christine Buckley
Dawn C. Cieplensky, D.O.
Christine Campbell
Amanda Clampitt
Caroline Cleaver
David DiFillippo
Brigid Doherty
Debra Dolliver
James Elliot
Erin Estrella
James Feiner
Louise Firestone
Iris Freeman
Joyce and Hugh McCormick Charitable Fund
Linda Gallinaro
Joan Goldberg
Russell Grimaldi
Ellen Guiney
Bonnie Waitzkin
James and Priscilla Warner
Gail Wasson
$250 - $499
John Abrams
Doug Allen, In-kind
David Berube
Laura Bryan
Karen Burke
Annie Cabot
David DiFillippo
Jordan Donaroma, In-kind
Kathleen Ellis
Robert Etherington
Sam Feldman
Pam Findlay
Terry Gulay
Thomas Hallahan
Moss Hanrahan
Deb and Tom Hoffman
Peggy J. Koenig
Gerald Jones
John and Hillary Keene
Patricia Kelly
Parthenia R. and Christopher W. Kiersted
Gail Kittenplan
David Kloss
Jim and Ann Kordahl
Alex McCall
Frank McCulloch
Mary-Kate McKenna
Elias and Chizu Mendoza
Shana Metzger
Gayle Mone
Whitney Moody
Sarah D. Moore
Morning Glory Farm, In-kind
Robin Morrell
Katherine Newman
Deborah A. Nugent
Susan Ostrow
James and Elizabeth Pickman
Reynolds, Rappaport, Kaplan and Hackney
Kasha Ritter
Janice Romanowsky
Joel Roseman
Gail Schargel
Audrey Schneider
Betsy and Richard Sheerr
Val Shelton
Leah J. and Woollcott Smith
Maria and Brian Steck
Kim Syman
$50 - $249
Erica Belle
Douglas Best
Yuliya Bilzerian
Linda Brenner
Annchen Brown
Sheri Caseau
Chilmark General Store
Dawn C. Cieplensky, D.O.
Susan Cole
Mary E. Colpoys MD
Paula Conover
Caroline J. Croft
Cronigs Market, In-kind
Melvin Cutler
Anne Damon
Glenn DeBlase
Debra Dolliver
Megan Donovan
Hara Dretaki and Keith McGuire
Lisa Epstein
Sylvia Farrington
Kathy Finley
Beth Frommer
Marcia Geller
Susan Gilligan
Barry Glass
Russell Grimaldi
Ann and Jeff Harris
Tanya Helm
Dennis Hirschfelder
Catherine Holley
Mary Holmrd
Kin
Suellen Knight
Helen and Richard Kosinski
Terry Kriedman
Susan Landers
Shannon Larsen, In-kind
Elizabeth Lee
Mary Lundgren
Trisha Lyman
The MacKenty Family
Martha's Vineyard Glassworks, In-kind
Caroline Mayhew
Karen Minton, In-kind
Roger S. Moffat
Gail Morey
South Mountain Company
Garrick Mullins
Caitlyn Nassau
Nochi
Rick Nye
Susan Plaine
Rags MV
Patricia M Colbert and Russell Steenberg
Kimberly Schamber
Cynthia Segal
Mary Shanahan
Richard and Lorraine Shelton
Julienne Silverman
Mirra Sims
Karin Stanley
Stop and Shop, In-kind
Michele Swanson
Carla Taylor
Nancy A. Tehan
Patricia Valenti
Cathy Verost
Linda Weltner
Jeannie Wessel
Susie White
Elizabeth S. Winson
Laura V. Wooster
Jenny Young
$1 - $99
Eileen Hut Beall
Sheila Elliott
Roberta M. Goganian
Sarah Holbert
Karen Konkus
Caroline Mortensen-Harris
Nancy Nachbar
Shauna White Smith
Elizabeth Weinstein
Meet the Misty Meadows Team
Save the Date
Misty Meadows Summer Benefit
Sunday, August 2, 2026 from 5:00pm to 7:30pm
Join us for an engaging evening on the farm. Meet our herd, see programming in action, enjoy decadent light bites and cocktails! See islander and Pulitzer Prize winning author, Geraldine Brooks in conversation with a celebrity guest.
Sponsorship opportunities and tickets available April 1, 2026.
Support Misty
©2026 Misty Meadows. design and layout: Anansi Hayes Media. photo credits: Randi Baird, Dena Porter, Shored Up Digital, Misty Meadows Staff