Board Members
President/Owner/Instructor
Stacy Foulks PhD
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.
Treasurer
Maria-Adelaide Micci PhD
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
Elena Foulks
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
Alyssa Smith
Alyssa Smith holds a Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology and a Bachelor's in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources. She has been a dedicated volunteer with Island Joy Riders since 2020 and brings a deep passion for animals and helping others to everything she does.
Volunteers and More
Photographer
Bella Walser
Bella is BOI and grew up in Galveston. She moved to Fort Collins, Colorado for school and is now a recent Colorado State Journalism Graduate. She is currently living in Virginia and working in news reporting.
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Photographer
Cole Whitmore
Cole is a multimedia artist from Tempe, Arizona. He's been in many fields, from being a chef to an engineer in the U.S. Navy. He is currently living in Galveston and hoping to expand his photography career and portfolio.
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Volunteer
Grace Morris
Grace is a Follower of Christ, Certified Tourism Ambassador for Galveston, Researcher, Vacation Rental Manager Co-Host, Care taker of many animals as well as a Volunteer for GHS, GHF, and the Bryan Museum. She has 3 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and cares for 2 others.
Volunteer
Ana Marquez
Ana enjoys her time volunteering at the barn! Her favorite horse is Chip she has a lot of fun working with him.
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Volunteer
Michelle
Michelle works for TPWD at Galveston Island State Park. She is a certified angler instructor, tourism ambassador for Galveston Island, piano teacher, and all-around animal lover. Sebastian is her favorite horse.
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Volunteer
Jordan Davis
Jordan is a former enlisted Army soldier. She still rides, and previously trained, and competed in both English and Western. Jordan loves working with kids and all types of animals!
Website Designer
Marketing Volunteer
Savannah Walser
Savannah (Sava) Walser is currently a student at Oregon State University in wildlife sciences. She has been helping at the barn since she was in high school. Savannah helps with feedings and made this website and the current logo.