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
As a Physical Therapist, I understand the value of mobility, independence, and how the mind-body connection affects healing. At Emerald M, I’ve witnessed healing and growth at a much greater level than elsewhere throughout my career. By adding horses to physical and mental health therapies, Lisa and her staff are able to achieve healing that extends well beyond traditional therapies. I am excited and honored to be a part of ensuring that Emerald M is able to continue serving its clients and community.”
Lauri has practiced Physical Therapy in a variety of settings, her favorite being Pediatric Inpatient Rehab. She and her husband, Wes, spend most of their time at the baseball field watching their two sons play.
Board Member
Rich’s path to Emerald M started with his being the parent of a participant. Once we found out he was an accomplished artist, we invited him to lead a painting party for us and some of our donors. That soon turned into a painting party for a mom’s group and then participants. We have been fortunate to have Rich donate some of his masterpieces as Derby Day auction items and we have one hanging in our Ansley’s Army of Angels Learning Center.
Rich and his wife Lora came to Emerald M looking for something more for their daughter, 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.
Board Member
Julie is the Operations Manager at Henderson Outdoor. She excels in optimizing operational processes, managing complex projects, maintaining high standards, and fostering a culture of efficiency and enthusiasm. She is creative, collaborative, and innovative – skills that greatly benefit our board.
Although Julie is new to our board, she and her husband, Brandon, have supported our mission for several years by donating one of the most popular items to our Derby Day auction, a custom-made rifle.
After your purchase is complete, an Emerald M Team Member will be in touch to discuss personalization of your horseshoe. Thank You!