Our Staff

Laurel Manning, Executive Director

Laurel Manning is our executive director at Park Horse Project. Laurel dreamed of a place where all the things she enjoyed most about life could come together and act as a catalyst for her own altruistic ambitions. A place where she could harness the healing power of the horse and transform & empower the lives of those facing unique challenges. Laurel Manning is the visionary, founder and Executive Director of Park Horse Project in the quietly tucked away beauty of El Monte Valley in Lakeside, Ca.

PHP is a groundbreaking organization dedicated to providing equine therapy for individuals with Parkinson's disease and those affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, using research based methods to achieve, measure and celebrate our client's goals.

Her commitment to driving positive change and fostering an inclusive environment is evident in every aspect of her work.

Laurel Manning brings over 20 years of leadership expertise to PHP. She is accomplished in the fields of speech communications and artistic directing.

Having been an active member of the equestrian community and horse owner for years, she has a profound understanding of the powerful miracles such partnerships can yield.

Eileen LeBlanc, Executive Horse Trainer

Eileen Leblanc brings 50 years of equine experience to Park Horse Project, as well as a background in physical fitness and kinesiology. She is a horse teacher, who is always learning from their subject, growing and evolving, rather than a trainer, who imposes their own technique. She is renowned for bringing troubled, abused and otherwise disenfranchised horses back to a state of homeostasis. She is our equine-centric guru. She has seen and done it all, from starting foals, working with top of the line thoroughbreds, being the head trainer at some of the most respected horse rescue facilities in California to restarting horses and their owners.

Eileen has drawn upon her experiences to revolutionize the horse/rider dynamic, redefining the art of equine partnership, and defying traditional training methods. She has authored her own system of equestrianism titled, "Know Thy Horse,” which has been influenced by her Cherokee ancestry, using the language of the herd, working with instincts, instead of trying to change them.

Lena Dougherty, PATH Int'l Certified Instructor & Mentor

Lena was born and raised in San Diego, Ca. When she was born her small family resided in one of the cottages afoot the ocean beach pier, #13. She was a competitive ice skater, a ballet student, and her recreational activity was horses. Her aunts raised and trained horses and they took her under their wing.

In her adult life these skills manifested in playing both professional and unprofessional roller derby where she was called. "LOVELY LENA, DAMEZ BLONDE. OR BRAWLERINA." She also pursued physical fitness training earning accreditation through UCSD's program which entailed classes with the man who authored the ACE fitness test.

As her kids got older she rediscovered her love of horses. She loves to help others. Implementing empathy and kindness in our daily lives is the way we honor our existence here on earth. That is how she found her role as a therapeutic horsemanship instructor.

Lena believes that through teaching others you learn about what others are going through and you also reinforce what you already have learned. Teaching is something we all do in our lives out of love and respect for ourselves and others.

Sabrina Marie, Ranch Administrator

Sabrina brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to River Oaks Ranch. Graduating from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a minor in Sociology, Sabrina has a strong academic background in understanding the complexities of the criminal justice system and its societal implications. Sabrina possesses a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and communities from a human rights perspective. Her genius is in finding an ethical, fair and humane resolution to conflict.

She is a proud mom, and a supportive military wife. As an animal lover and rescue volunteer, she has fostered over 40 cats.. . That's not a typo…forty cats!

Sabrina has always loved horses. She has ridden trails in Wyoming and wrangled horses for 'Saddles in Service,' here in San Diego, Ca.

Like so many young girls, she wanted a horse of her very own and while that dream did not materialize in her youth, she now manages over 20 horses and other magical creatures on our ranch.

At River Oaks Ranch, her problem-solving skills, high standards, love of animals and ethical approach to conflict resolution helps make our team cohesive in heart and in practice.

Shelly Lewis, Executive Administrator and Volunteer Coordinator

Bio Coming Soon

JC, Ranch Manager