Meet our staff at Rivendell Farm

Head Instructor, Lisa Kelly

"NARHA" certified. Lisa has been involved in therapeutic lessons for over seven years. Lisa has a BS Degree in Recreation and Leisure with an Emphasis on Therapeutic recreation. Her vast experience includes lessons for able bodied individuals as well as those with mental and physical challenges. Lisa has been a member of the Special Olympics committee for many years as well as having served as a Special Olympics coach. She is CPR and First Aid certified by the American Red Cross.

Lisa, who lives in Durham, is committed to making her passion for horses a full time profession. Her dedication, knowledge and drive assure she will accomplish this goal.

Instructor, Maureen Zinser, MA, CCC/SLP

Maureen is a valued member of the Rivendell team. She is energetic, enthusiastic, and greets everyone with a warm smile. Maureen graduated from NYU with a masters in Speech Pathology and Audiology. She has worked with pre-school aged children for the last ten years. She is certified by the American Speech and Hearing Association and is licensed by the Connecticut Health Department. Maureen also holds a teaching certificate and is a registered member of the “AHA” and “NARHA”. It is her passion that drives her to succeed. Maureen lives in Durham and enjoys trail riding in her free time.

Barn Manager, Erin Cecchini

Erin is a recent graduate of Cazenovia College with a business management and equine studies degree. She has been riding and showing horses her entire life. A very impressive show career includes winning the AQHA World Champion Youth Trial in Fort Worth Texas in 2001. Going on to win many other World titles in Trail, Equitation, and Horsemanship, as well as earn her membership into the Cazenovia College Equestrian team for Hunter Seat. Erin is knowledge and enthusiastic, her love of the horses and the sport are evident in everything she does. She is an asset to our team.

Owner, Lisa Passavant

Rivendell Farm is a lifelong dream for Lisa. Riding, working, and showing horses since she was nine years old, Lisa recognizes the bond that develops between children and horses. It is that, coupled with her desire to let the magic of horses reach into the hearts of all, challenged and able bodied alike which serves as the guiding hand for our mission. An open heart and a willing spirit are all she asks of the riders. The rest will happen on its own.

Owner, Roger Passavant

Rogers's commitment to Rivendell Farm is evident in everything he does. Responsible for the entire property as well as individualized horse care, his meticulous attention to every detail and knowledge of property maintenance create the magical beauty that is "Rivendell Farm". Tending to the rolling lawns, grass pastures, and riding arena's are secondary only to the care he gives each horse and attention he gives to each person. Loved by the "kids" and respected for all who know him, whether he is working on the property, working with the horses, or coaching the local soccer teams, Roger gives 100% to everything he does. His favorite saying; "30 days at Rivendell fixes everything".

We would all love to meet with you in person!