Founder / Executive Director / Physical Therapist
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.
Treasurer
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.”
Secretary
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.
Board Member
Lauri joined Emerald M with years of experience as a physical therapist and a particular love for working with children. Throughout her career, she worked in a variety of settings, with pediatric inpatient rehabilitation being especially meaningful to her.
Through this work, she gained a deep appreciation for the role mobility and independence play in healing, and for the powerful connection between the mind and body. But what she has witnessed at Emerald M has given her a new perspective on what is possible when traditional therapy is combined with the movement, connection, and partnership of the horse.
Lauri brings that professional experience, along with a deep belief in the Emerald M mission, to the Board. “At Emerald M, I’ve witnessed healing and growth at a much greater level than elsewhere throughout my career. By adding horses to physical therapies, Lisa and her staff can achieve healing that extends well beyond traditional therapies. I am excited and honored to be a part of ensuring that Emerald M can continue serving its clients and community.” For Lauri, being part of Emerald M is about helping protect and grow a place where children can experience progress, confidence,
and healing.
When she isn’t working or volunteering with Emerald M, Lauri and her husband, Wes, can usually be found at a baseball field, cheering on their two sons.
Board Member
Board Member
Kathy Somoano brings more than 36 years of executive leadership experience and a lifelong passion for developing people, building relationships, and creating meaningful experiences. After a successful career, Kathy founded Radiant Living Co., where she brings her experience as an entrepreneur, business and life coach, event planner, and community connector.
She brings to the Emerald M board a strong business and
financial perspective, a natural ability to connect people, and, most importantly, a heart for serving others and helping organizations grow their impact. Kathy’s connection to Emerald M is deeply personal. Her daughter, Brianna, grew up at Emerald M as a participant, where she developed confidence, independence, and a
strong sense of connection. As a wife of 30 years and mother of five, Kathy understands the profound impact that a supportive community can have on individuals and families.
Her desire to serve on our Board comes from seeing that impact firsthand and wanting to help Emerald M continue creating opportunities for others to grow, thrive, and discover their own strength.
Board Member
With a background in nursing, Sadie brings a natural understanding of caring for others. But it’s her creativity, organization, and ability to bring people together that have made such an impact at Emerald M. She has become an integral part of our fundraising
efforts, helping organize events and using her talents for social media to share the Emerald M story and connect our work with the community.
Sadie’s deep roots in Dade City give her a special appreciation for the people and families we serve. She understands the importance of community, and she brings that same spirit of generosity and connection to everything she does for Emerald M.
Most importantly, Sadie believes in what happens at the farm. She has seen the heart behind the work and the difference Emerald M makes in the lives of children and their families, and she is always ready to roll up her sleeves and help make the next great
thing happen.
After your purchase is complete, an Emerald M Team Member will be in touch to discuss personalization of your horseshoe. Thank You!