Board Members
The Board of Directors of Emerald M are a talented and knowledgeable group of individuals who clearly understand and are committed to the mission of Hope, Renewal, and Growth- through the use of equine assisted therapies. Each board member is willing to share their professional expertise and time to facilitate, maintain, and develop the programs we offer to our communities.
We are indeed fortunate to present:
Lisa Michelangelo, MPT
Executive Director / President / Founder
“When I realized there was a facet to my profession where I could combine my love for horses with my love for Physical Therapy, I was all in.”
Lisa graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1998 with a Bachelors Degree in Health Sciences and a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy. She began her professional career in Florida where she has practiced in a variety of settings for nearly 21 years.
Motivated by her love of horses, Lisa extended her education by attending the Level 1 Hippotherapy Course through the American Hippotherapy Association. That was the beginning of Emerald M. In 2014, with support and encouragement from her husband and two daughters, Lisa decided to combine her passion for physical therapy with her love of horses.
“Many times, incredible things happen here that we cannot always explain. Emerald M is a bridge. Our participants come here seeking physical and/or emotional help. When they arrive, many don’t have a clear picture of what they want to accomplish or how to get there. Over time, they see hope, they have found people to guide and support them, and they begin setting clear goals. We provide Hope to anyone who walks through our gates.”
Lora Clements
Board Member
Lora has enjoyed more than 30 years of professional experience in a variety of environments including healthcare staffing, real estate law, sales, and insurance, working in both public and private sectors. Being the product of a military upbringing, Lora is extremely adaptable and has never met a stranger.
Her husband, Rich, is a successful artist who you can often find leading painting parties at the farm. His artwork is also displayed at Emerald M’s very own Ansley’s Army of Angels Equine Assisted Learning Center.
Lora and Rich came to Emerald M looking for something more for their daughter, Violet, to help her better manage her mind and body. After the family’s first meeting with Lisa, they knew that God led them to Emerald M for a purpose.
“Violet has grown so much in the two years she has been receiving services at Emerald M. She is more confident, has great balance, and is better able to manage her emotions with ease. Serving on the board is an honor and a privilege. I am humbled at the opportunity to help Lisa and the team realize their vision and achieve their mission at Emerald M.”
Chuck Savko
Treasurer
“Lisa Savko Michelangelo, Executive Director of Emerald M, is amazing! Of course I might say that but she truly is amazing in our region. She sets a goal and one way or another, she makes it happen, regardless of how much work and effort is required.”
Chuck is a retired businessman who has learned that skills transfer. He is an entrenapeur. As a retired businessman from Columbus, Ohio, and after selling his businesses, he relocated to Wesley Chapel, Florida. Now anxious to contribute to Emerald M, he continues to apply many of the principles of business management to his work on the Board.
Now retired, Chuck and his wife Gina, proud parents of two daughters and grandparents of four grandchildren, are witnesses to the extraordinary vision and capacity of the Executive Director Lisa Savko, their daughter. “Lisa and her amazing volunteers bring hope and a renewed sense of self and growth to numerous children. I am witness to the fact that miracles happen.”
Barbara Robinson
Secretary
“I am inspired by the amazing impact Lisa and her team have on the entire community they serve. I believe in the mission of Emerald M and am proud and excited to serve on the board of this incredible organization.”
Barbara is Vice President at XanEdu, an education technology and publishing company whose mission is to serve the education community in partnership with affordable and accessible course materials in any medium. The goal is to make the cost of education more affordable for every student.
Barbara is responsible for strategic planning, developing partnerships, creating new products, sales and marketing. She spent many years in the classroom as an adjunct professor at Fort Hays State University and a K-12 educator in both Florida and Kansas public schools. Following a successful career at Pearson Publishing she joined XanEdu as an Account Executive. Her wide array of creative and technical skills makes Barbara a valuable asset to the Board.
“Learning and listening to Lisa’s passion, love, and dedication for the Farm, her family, and her community, makes me very excited to be part of such an incredible organization!”
“Emerald M. a center for Hope, Renewal, and Growth has so much to offer the community of people it serves. My goal is to share this amazing farm with all of the Tampa Bay area and increase the number of people it serves and the amount of community support it receives.”
Barbara resides in Tampa with her son Nicholas and dog Samson.
Leanne Henderson
Board Member
