ABOUT US

President/Owner/Instructor

Chair - Lessons/Scholarships

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​Dr. Stacy Sell Foulks is President of the Board and lead instructor at Sandhill Crane Riding School, which she also owns and operates. A lifelong equestrian, she began English riding lessons at age seven and trained in Hunt Seat Equitation under Helen Button, eventually competing in combined training and dressage through high school and college.

She earned her A rating in the United States Pony Club and captained the UC Davis Eventing Team while completing her degree in zoology. She later earned a PhD in neuroscience from UTMB.

With over 50 years of experience with horses and 40 years of teaching, Dr. Foulks brings deep knowledge, passion, and empathy to her work. She blends her expertise in neuroscience with her love of riding to help students of all abilities build confidence, connection, and joy through horsemanship.

Vice President

Chair - Community Outreach

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Mayra is a Medical Doctor and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with 19 years of experience supporting children and adults with special needs. She earned her Medical Surgeon Degree in Puebla, Mexico, and worked as an emergency medicine doctor before shifting to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) after her son’s diagnosis of severe autism and cerebral palsy.

Since 2006, she has worked in the U.S. as a Behavior Interventionist, Parent Trainer, Clinical Director, and now CEO of Beautiful Minds ABA PLLC, an agency she founded in 2023. Her mission is to provide compassionate, individualized care while empowering families and professionals through ABA.

Mayra is an active community leader, serving on the boards of Island Joy Riders and The Arc of Harris County, and volunteering with the Autism Society of Texas. She also leads workshops and has trained over 100 healthcare professionals across Texas and internationally. 

Treasurer

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Born and raised in Rome, Italy, Dr. Micci holds a dual PhD in Pharmacology and Cell Biology and is a faculty member in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at UTMB. A lifelong horse enthusiast, she began formal English riding lessons at 28 and continued developing her skills after moving to Texas.

Her warmth, patience, and positive energy make her a natural at supporting children of all abilities in building confidence and connection through horseback riding.

Secretary

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Elena has been riding since she was little and has been on the Island Joy Riders board for multiple years. Elena also assists in teaching lessons.

Currently, she is in college and on the equestrian team at Schreiner University.

Board Member

Chair - Marketing

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Ashley graduated in 2005 with her Associates of Arts in Paralegal studies. She has 22 years of Legal & Healthcare Administration experience. Prior to joining the Hillcrest Medical Research team, she was a Clinical Research Manager at a busy Oncology site after spending years growing out of role as a Certified Senior Study Coordinator.

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In her free time, Ashley enjoys leading a church woman's ministry, volunteering with special needs, elderly and children, spending time at the beach, bike riding, boating and making memories with her family.

Board Member 

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Derick retired after 35 years as a Law Enforcement Officer. He now works as a Texas Angler Instructor and Ranch Hand. During his career, he founded a nonprofit supporting disadvantaged, special needs, and disabled children.

He enjoys volunteering, fishing, crabbing, boating, bike riding, and spending time with his family.

Board Member

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​I have a Bachelor’s of Science in Marine Biology and Bachelor’s in Business Management with a concentration in HR. I have volunteered with Island Joy Riders since 2020. I have a deep passion for animals and helping people! 

Board Member

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Astrid is currently on the pre-vet track at Texas A&M Galveston, and loves being around animals! Getting to work with the horses always brightens her day!