Our Team
Meet the team at ClearWind Farm
Allison Pappas
Allie Pappas holds an MSW concentrating in Sustainable Development and Global Practice, as well as a certificate in Animal-Assisted Social Work, and has been trained in Natural Lifemanship. She brings over a decade of experience working as an equine professional, in addition to roles in veterinary medicine, office administration, and traditional social work settings. She especially enjoys aiding in the discovery of harmony between human and non-human animals! Allie is ecstatic to now be combining her knowledge and passions for social work, animals, and the environment in her work with the horses, riders, and community at ClearWind as an equine assisted learning practitioner, an equine specialist in therapy, a riding instructor, and an equine consultant.
James Jefferies
James Jefferies is an experienced horseman and barn manager whose warmth, professionalism and expertise add an additional dimension of comfort to the farm. The farm could not run as well as it does without his dependability, work ethic and calm manner. He has been a cherished friend and has worked with Matt and Suzanne for nearly 16 years.
Hannah Prince Sawyers
Hannah Prince Sawyers, originally from the mountains of Virginia, considers North Carolina home today. Her love of horses began when she was young; growing up on a farm, the horse barn was one of her favorite places to be found. Hannah’s passion for animals is one of the things that drew her to ClearWind, and the community she found when she arrived is the reason she says she stayed! In her spare time, Hannah enjoys spending time with her friends and family, being outside, or working on one of her many hobbies.
Sadie Hoffman
Sadie Hoffman is a superb animal handler and barn hand whose attention to detail and steady work ethic bring a polish to the facility making it all the more welcoming to horse and humans alike.
Brooke Weeks
Brooke Weeks began riding at age 8, and developed her passion for horses in middle school when she got her first horse. She attended St. Andrews University, earning a degree in Therapeutic Horsemanship, as well as a degree in Business Management. Brooke is a Snow Camp, NC native who has a love for all animals!
Alexis Dumain
Alexis Dumain began her partnership with ClearWind Farm as a horsemanship intern, as part of an independent study she completed on the connection between women and horses. By working with Frost, one of ClearWind’s equine partners, she reconnected with her childhood love of horses and developed her natural horsemanship skills. Alexis is a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, studying Psychology and Creative Non-fiction Writing. She is passionate about using storytelling to connect with others and gain insight into ourselves.
Abby Ward
Abby Ward is a final year MSW candidate at UNC. Starting as a volunteer, she quickly fell in love with ClearWind and their mission, and is overjoyed to return as a graduate intern. She will be working alongside other members of the team to increase equitable access to our programs. As an avid animal lover, Abby can often be found hugging Muffin the horse or talking to Oscar the cat!
Barb Ford
Barb Ford is the farm’s bookkeeper, office manager, and resident “jill of all trades”. She brings to ClearWind over 35 years experience in a variety of settings, including advertising, marketing, software, and newspaper publishing. She has a love of plants and gardening and is enjoying sharing that at ClearWind.
Matt and Suzanne Case
We started ClearWind Farm shortly after we married in 2000, drawing upon Suzanne’s long career with horses and Matt’s then-new career in counseling. We have moved locations and evolved our approach, and in 2018 built our own facility. We have learned a lot in the 20+ years of providing equine assisted therapy, caring for horses and working with each other. We are proud of the facility, the people who work here, and the quirky herd we have gathered. We will continue to learn and evolve our programs and projects, and look forward to partnering with like-minded individuals and agencies in the area.
