Meet Our Instructors
Jeannie Knowlton
Hope Springs’ programs are managed by Jeannie Knowlton, Executive Director/Senior Instructor . Jeannie is a member of PATH International and an accomplished horsewoman with over 50 years of experience teaching both able-bodied students and those with disabilities. She has shown the Devon Horse Show, won the prestigious A Level 3 Day Rally, and was a Chief Stable Management Judge for United States Pony Clubs, Inc. All instructors report to Jeannie as our Executive Director/Senior Instructor and are listed below.
E. Dallas Knowlton
E. Dallas Knowlton, Program Director, has a Masters’ degrees in Counseling and Public Health, a graduate certificate in Autism Studies, and has completed Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) seminars. In addition to working as a part-time instructor at Hope Springs since 2008, Dallas works professionally with children with special needs.
Lauren Eder
Lauren Eder joined Hope Springs as a part-time instructor in 2015. She has a Masters in Social Services and is currently working toward becoming a board certified behavior analyst. She's also pursuing her Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning PATH certifications. Lauren started teaching riding at age 15 and has a decade of professional experience assisting children with autism and other disabilities at the Devereux Foundation and the Chester County Intermediate Unit.
Melanie R. McCartney
Melanie R. McCartney, certified by the Huntlea Horse Center, has over 40 years of riding instruction experience, including more than 10 years as a part-time Hope Springs riding instructor. In addition to teaching students with vision and hearing disabilities at Hope Springs, Melanie operates her own equestrian center for able-bodied riders.
Volunteers
In addition, Hope Springs relies heavily upon nearly 60 volunteers to assist riders during weekly therapeutic riding sessions. Volunteers also provide clerical help and staffing at special events.