Our Leadership

Ken Mertens, President

Ken worked 35 years as a Systems Engineer for Blue Cross Blue Shield and then CNA Insurance. During those years he became involved as a volunteer in Community Theatre with his wife Cathy. For 30 plus years, he served as stage manager and technical specialist for many shows. This led to him serving on the Genesius Theatre Board in Hammond in many roles from Board Member to President and then Treasurer. His theatre involvement led to his role as Secretary for 16 years for the Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation (NIETF) where he tallied nominations for the Annual Awards Ceremony. After Ken retired from CNA, he was looking for an organization where he could volunteer. He discovered Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited at a volunteer

Sandi DeVries, Vice President

Sandi is a long-time volunteer at the EEU program, and joined the board of directors in 2010. Sandi particularly likes working with the student riders as a side walker and horse leader, and enjoys watching the progress achieved by our students.

Jeffrey Perz, Treasurer

Jeff's first introduction to EEU was in 2003 when his son was a student rider in the program. Jeff joined the EEU board in June of 2016, and was recently elected Treasurer for the organization. Jeff is also on the board of directors at Members Source Credit Union and the Hobart Chamber of Commerce, and is a frequent volunteer at Habitat for Humanity.

Miriam Hill, Secretary

I was born and raised in England and moved to the States at the age of 22. I currently work as a Realtor and have been involved in the real estate industry for over 20 years. I am a lifelong horse enthusiast and have been fortunate enough to be able to ride throughout most of my life. I have been volunteering at EEU for over 10 years and I never cease to be amazed at the relationship between horse and student - it is truly a place where miracles happen!!

Pam Mellon, Board Member

Pam is a retired school teacher and retired owner of a tax accounting business in Hobart. Pam joined the EEU board in 2009, and served as Treasurer from 2009 through 2022.

Jeff Ewing, Board Member

Jeff is the father of a beautiful daughter who is a long-time rider in the EEU program. Jeff has volunteered with many special needs groups including as a baseball and basketball coach, and as a DJ at special needs dances.

Lucille White, Board Member

Lucille is a retired EY tax partner who was based out of the Chicago office for 23 years. She lives in Crown Point, IN, and has been an EEU board member for 3 years. She also volunteers at Lincoln Park Zoo as a Guest Engagement Volunteer and supports other animal rights charities.

Lisa Way, Barn Manager, Equine Manager, Lead Instructor

Lisa is a long-time volunteer at EEU, and also serves as the Barn Manager, Equine Manager, and Lead Instructor.

Morgan Fields, Instructor-in-Training

Morgan has been a volunteer at EEU since 2008, and has recently embarked on the journey to become a certified instructor in the therapeutic horseback riding program. Morganâ€™s horse (Brees) is also a key participant in the EEU program.

Amanda Geary, Volunteer Coordinator

Amanda is currently a registered neonatal nurse where she loves her job. She has been a volunteer with EEU since 2018 in which time she has helped with the classes and taking care of the horses. She loves seeing the impact the horses have on the students and volunteers alike.

Jim Juarez, Board Member

Jim has been involved with many great organizations servicing as a board member for Calvary Tabernacle, Members Source Credit Union (where he serves as the Vice-Chairman), and the Hobart Chamber of Commerce (where he serves as the incoming President). He has been involved with EEU since 2023 when his grandson began his riding lessons and started serving as a board member in 2024. He also serves as a mentor for people in different stages of their personal and professional development. Jim is an independent insurance agent with Lincolnway Insurance Services who helps local residents and business owners. In his spare time, Jim likes working out, reading, and spending time with friends and family (while corralling two grand kids).

Kevin Owensby, Board Member

Kevin currently works at United States steel as a safe team chairman and has volunteered with many organizations throughout the years. He first discovered EEU during the summer of 2024, where he is currently a side-walker and horse leader. Kevin loves animals and posting them on social media where he has hundreds of thousands of followers. He has a passion for working with others like minded and giving back to the community and making a difference in someone’s life.