Brooke Waldron, M. Ed.
Founder, Executive Director, PATH International Certified Advanced Therapeutic Riding Instructor and PATH Certified Mentor
Brooke Waldron is the founder and Executive Director of Sprout. Brooke holds a Bachelors degree in Pre-Veterinary medicine and a Master’s Degree in Education. Brooke is a VA-state licensed teacher and an Advanced Level therapeutic riding instructor through PATH Intl. Brooke believes in the power of horse-human bond and the life-changing aspects of equine therapies. Brooke is a dedicated professional and self-proclaimed “POSSABILITARIAN,” that works to develop the ABILITIES of her students in therapeutic riding and beyond. Brooke is a PATH Intl. Certified Mentor and works to train new industry-leading professionals at Sprout.
Brooke was honored as a “30 Under 30” Top Entrepreneur in Loudoun County and “Woman of Promise” by the University of Delaware for her leadership skills and innovation.
Nancy Davidson, M.T.S
Special Projects & PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist
Nancy is a life-long rider and has been a certified riding instructor for over 14 years teaching hunt-seat equitation to emerging riders. She graduated from Sweet Briar College in 1982 majoring in religion. In 2009 Nancy received a Master in Theological Studies from Virginia Theological Seminary. Nancy completed an independent study that examined our right relationship with animals. She is thrilled to be a part of an organization that helps riders develop a trust relationship with horses through kindness and gentleness. Nancy and her husband Mike have been married for nearly 30 years and have three daughters.
Sarah Coble, CMT
PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Sarah is a lifelong horse lover with a background in Hunter Jumper, Eventing and training off the track race horses. She has been working in the horse industry for over 15 years managing barns in Virginia and Kentucky, and loves her job at Sprout keeping her horse pals happy and healthy. When she is not at the barn, Sarah is usually riding her own horse, an OTTB eventer who likes to remind Sarah he is much smarter than she is. Riding is her first love, but Sarah also enjoys running and triathlons and has worked as a Sports Massage therapist for a number of years.
Anna Koopman
PATH International Driving Instructor
An avid equestrian her entire life, Anna Koopman brings a well-rounded competition-oriented background to the Therapeutic Driving Program at Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Educational Center. As a child she participated in 4-H and Pony Club; competed in eventing and hunters; and was on the Equitation Team at Mount Holyoke College. After college her competition focus has been on Combined Driving and is part of Team Koopman. Since 2003 they have traveled extensively competing in events from Florida to Canada.
In 2010, Anna’s father, Bob Koopman was named as an alternate to the USEF Combined Driving Singles Team. They competed at the World Championships in Patroni del Vivaro, Italy with their Morgan, Whippoorwill’s Keep Dancing (Dancer). In 2011 they traded spots on the carriage and Anna took the reins competing successfully at the Intermediate level. As a way of giving back to the community Anna has recently become certified to teach Therapeutic Driving after being involved with Sprout for a number of years.
Heather Henken
Volunteer Coordinator & PATH International Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Heather came to Sprout as a volunteer in 2012 and the “Magic of Sprout” led her to pursue the Riding Instruction certification through PATH International. She has always been an animal lover and after starting riding lessons as a child, horses have always had a special place in her heart. She has a B.A. in Sociology from The University of North Carolina at Pembroke and has over 12 years of professional equine experience. Heather has worked as a Barn Manager and Groom for both show hunter and fox hunter stables. She worked as a veterinarian assistant for the US Olympic team vet and she is currently a licensed Equine Insurance Agent. When Heather is away from horses she loves to spend quality time with her husband, daughter and 2 dogs. She also enjoys hiking, playing soccer and helping train foster dogs for a fresh start on a new life.
Heather teaches at Sprout because horses have always been a way for her to live in the moment and forget about daily struggles. Horses have inspired her to grow both mentally and physically and she wants to be able to facilitate that feeling of pure joy and personal growth for her students.
Sue Schmieg, PT, DPT.
PATH International Instructor, American Hippotherapy Association Instructor
Sprout Therapeutic Riding and Education Center offers equine movement therapy under the direction of Susan Schmieg, PT, DPT. Sue has been involved with equine related therapies since 1977 at a number of facilities in Virginia and California. Sue received her BSPT from the Medical College of Virginia and her DPT from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is currently licensed in Virginia and has treated patients from neonates through geriatrics in all hospital settings as well as in-home and outpatient settings and was the director of a sub acute neuro rehabilitation unit while in California. Sue recently completed the required training under the American Hippotherapy Association and Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship, International for therapists using equine movement as a treatment protocol.
Maggie Jackson
PATH International Instructor
Mike Carney, aka Beard Guy, became fascinated with horses at an early age. He began his involvement at Sprout while the program was in its infancy and continues to be relentlessly dedicated to our equines today. Mike brings over 30 years of equine management, care and horsemanship to our program and provides top-notch support to the horses that work for our deserving riders. As a fixture in the barn, Mike is the “go-to guy” for all questions about horses, feed, tack, schedules and barn work.
Mike works with his full heart and soul. He has a true love for learning and a belief that horses can help people of all ages and bring great joy to them.
Lynn Bronson
Office Manager
Lynn began volunteering at Sprout in 2012. She lives in Ashburn, Va with her husband John and her son Grant. John & Lynn also have two older sons and now two grandchildren. Lynn met Brooke while Brooke was her son’s 7th grade science teacher. Lynn was born & raised in Northwestern Indiana where she had experience riding horses with her friends. Before retiring in 2011, Lynn was a bank officer at Virginia Heritage Bank and has over 24 years in the banking industry. She now enjoys working at Sprout as the co-office manager.
Miriam Jensen
Office Manager
Miriam is a retired radiological technician and currently lives in Ashburn, Va and has been a resident of Virginia for 12 years. She and her husband have a blended family of 7 kids. She became connected to Brooke while Brooke was her youngest child’s science teacher. Miriam became involved with Sprout as a volunteer five years ago as a side walker and was first exposed to horses through Sprout. She now works for Sprout as a co-office manager.
Tylir Penton
Communications & Marketing
Tylir first became involved with Sprout 5 years ago volunteering her photography for the Sprout Horse Shows. She is an avid equestrian who has competed in various disciplines including western, show jumping, dressage and even vaulting. Her biggest passion is photography and she has been a credentialed press photographer at some of the biggest horse events in the region.
