DIRECTORS
Virginia McCarthy,
President of the Board & CEO
I’ve been a social worker in the field for 10+ years with experience in mental health, early intervention programs & geriatrics. I have a Bachelors in Psychology. My passion for horses goes back to when I was a child & stayed with me into adulthood where I acted on the passion & began volunteering, learning, teaching, managing & experiencing the truly powerful effect of nature, especially horses with humans.
In 2015 this endeavor took shape from lessons to a therapeutic approach incorporating a partnership with an occupational therapist & training through PATH Int. From there the mission has been to partner with the community to assist people of all ages & abilities to experience horses.
Ronda Beery,
Vice President & Secretary of the Board
I am retired from 35 years in the grocery retail industry where I managed a successful team through leadership and customer service. I am a lifelong horsewoman whose passion for horses has included owning, showing, and learning about horses through many different ventures.
In 2018, while recovering from Breast Cancer, I began to look for a way to give back to the community. Barn Yard Equine has given me a chance to serve my community while continuing to learn about the magnificent connection between humans and horses.
Luane Merkley,
Volunteer Coordinator
I am retired from a lifetime of being a 911/Dispatcher & Dispatch Supervisor. I worked at agencies in Montana, Arizona & the Oregon Coast.
I retired from Law Enforcement and moved to Mesa, AZ, with my husband to care for his aging parents.
I have enjoyed volunteering in leadership positions for Gilbert Fine Arts & The Miss Gilbert Pageant.
My lifelong experience and love of horses lead me to Barn Yard Equine and the opportunity to put all of my skills to the best use.
Dean Beery,
Treasurer /CFO
I have an extensive financial background with over 23 years of experience and would like to use my skills to assist your organization.
I am an Accountant by profession and possess a broad range of financial skills including budgeting, inventory control, audit and financial reporting. I also have a bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from Arizona State University.