Meet Our Symposium Speakers

Johnson & Wales University

Master Instructor & Equestiran Professor

Dr. Erin Cardea is Master Instructor, Certifier, and Lead Site Visitor with CHA. A lifelong learner, Erin holds Master’s degrees in Equine Science from the University of Edinburgh and Equestrian Education from William Woods University as well as a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University. She is also an Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor through PATH International and holds British Horse Society and German FN qualifications. Erin is currently residing in Rhode Island where she is teaching for Johnson & Wales University and Yellow Horse Therapeutic Riding Program.

Ohio State University Extension

4-H Youth Development Educator

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Kara Colvin is the 4-H Youth Development Educator in Warren County, Ohio. She has been involved with youth horse projects and educational events, serving on State 4-H Horse Committees in both KY and OH, providing leadership for several national events, and is involved with 4-H curriculum development for both livestock and horse project areas. An active AYHC member for over 26 years, she is a passionate advocate for the equine industry, youth involvement, and education.

University of Florida
IFAS Clay County Extension

Extension Agent III, 4-H Youth Development

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Stephanie grew up in the 4-H and FFA programs, and has been blessed to serve as a 4-H Agent for over 19 years.  She specializes in leadership and communication as well as equine and agricultural sciences. Stephanie earned a B.S. degree from the University of Florida and an M.S. degree from Ashford University.

Utah State University 

USU Extension Assistant Professor

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Allie grew up in 4-H livestock and horse programs, developing a passion for goats and horses. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science from Utah State University and a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University,  then became a PATH Intl. Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL). Providing opportunities for participants to engage in meaningful equine experiences that support emotional growth, and personal development has been one of the most meaningful and fulfilling aspects of her professional journey.

Ohio State University Extension

Agricultural and Natural Resources Educator

Janessa Hill is the Agricultural and Natural Resources Educator in Holmes County, Ohio. She specializes in equine and small farm management as well as forages. She has been instrumental in developing educational experiences for horse owners nationwide, focusing on forages and pasture management. A lifelong horse owner, she has extensive management experience as well as being a competitive mounted shooter at the state and national level.

Instructor at Northwest Missouri State University

Ed D Candidate  Equestrian Studies Academic Support  and Graduate Assistant  at William Woods University

C.J. Holthaus teaches in the Language, Literature, and Writing department at Northwest Missouri State University and coaches the IHSA equestrian team. She holds master’s degrees in English and Equestrian Education with 15+ years of coaching experience. An Ed.D. candidate in equine education and leadership, she has presented nationally and produced top Color Breed Congress finalists and Western Dressage World Show qualifiers.

Cornell University

Department of Animal Science

New York State 4-H Equine Youth Specialist

Brieanna Hughes brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as the New York State 4-H Equine Youth Specialist with Cornell University’s Department of Animal Science. With roots deeply planted in 4-H and a career spanning equine management, education, and community leadership, she embodies the spirit of equine advocacy and youth empowerment. Now pursuing her Ph.D. in animal genetics, Brieanna is dedicated to strengthening trust, communication, and excellence across the equine industry.

University of Florida

IFAS Extension

Take the Reins Equine Guided Teen Coaching

Leadership Coach, Facilitator, Speaker

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Amanda Kumiko Kent is a leadership coach working with programs and people who want more than just another binder on a shelf, they want results and that comes from EXPERIENCE. Amanda provides one-of-a-kind experience-based events where participants take action, develop life skills and gain confidence. A former ag. education teacher/FFA advisor, 4-H Youth Development Associate Extension Educator and Miss Rodeo Idaho, Amanda continues to find purpose in sharing the power of horses to teach others.

University of Florida

IFAS Extension Seminole County

County Extension Director and 4-H Youth Development Agent III 

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Shane Michael serves as County Extension Director and 4-H Agent for UF/IFAS Extension Seminole County. He began as a 4-H Agent in 2007, later becoming a Regional Specialized Agent before assuming his current role in 2019. His programs emphasize positive youth development in animal sciences and global citizenship as state coordinator for the States’ 4-H International Exchange Program. He holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Florida.

Utah State University Center for Equine Assisted Services 

USU Extension Assistant Professor

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I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada and had the opportunity to not only ranch in Southern Idaho in the summers but show horses in ranch versatility and reined cowhorse. In college I had the opportunity to ride and train with an FEI dressage trainer in Park City, UT who expanded my understanding of rider biomechanics immensely. I love riding outside in the mountains just as much as I do training and showing in the arena. I'm passionate about combining connection and biomechanics with horses, and teaching people how to feel their equine, not just think about their equine.

University of Georgia Cooperative Extension

4-H Agent

Allison Perkins is a 4-H Agent with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science ,Equestrian/Equine Studies and a Master Of Agricultural Leadership, both from the University of Georgia. She currently serves on the AYHC Promotion, Outreach and Development Committee.

Land O' Lakes Inc., Purina Animal Nutrition

Sr. Scientist, Equine Technical Innovation

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With careers in Extension and equine nutrition, Dr. Share has been involved in equine care and management for over 20 years. Primarily an equine nutritionist, she also collaborates nationally to promote biosecurity and educating the general public on protecting themselves and their animals from infectious diseases. She is passionate about setting horses and humans up for success with practical hands-on learning experiences in real world situations.

University of Florida

IFAS Extension Baker County

4-H Youth Development Agent III

Shaina Spann is the Baker County 4-H Agent. Shaina is an alumna (BS’11, MS’13) of the University of Florida’s Agricultural Education and Communication department. She specializes in school enrichment, animal science, and STEAM. Her passion for teaching has led to a meaningful career in Extension for fifteen years.

Dr. Spears is Assistant Dean of Student Success at the St. Joseph Campus, a neurobiology-trained health sciences educator, EMT, and rural patient advocate. Former NWMSU professor and program coordinator, she blends medical research, rural medicine leadership, and neuroscience-informed horsemanship to advance student achievement and resilient, evidence-based rider development and communities.

The North Carolina 4-H Horse Program Youth Ambassadors are senior 4-H horse program members that has been selected to represent the state program due to their outstanding leadership traits.