Board of Directors

President - Kate Abjornson

I’m excited to join the Hidden Acres team, bringing my background from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Baking and Pastry to foster creativity and community engagement.

My experience has taught me the importance of creating compelling, visually appealing content that connects with audiences. I’m dedicated to boosting public awareness, providing professional support, and advocating for the barn’s mission through engaging and relevant social media strategies.

My goal is to help viewers better understand and support Hidden Acres, while cultivating a strong, vibrant community.

Vice President - Amanda Lantieri

I began volunteering in November 2024, starting with one shift a week, which quickly turned into two, then more. The barn has since become like a second home, and I am proud to now contribute in a more formal capacity.  

I bring over six years of experience as an assistant barn manager and trainer in Connecticut, working with a wide range of horses, including OTTBs. My nearly decade-long career in postsecondary education (managing a tutoring center, teaching chemistry, and serving as a STEAM education ambassador) has honed my leadership and research-driven problem-solving skills. Additionally, I have over 13 years of small business expertise in accounting, marketing, sales, inventory management, IT, and more.

My diverse background in equine management, business operations, and education uniquely positions me to contribute to HART’s mission and initiatives.  

Secretary - Jamie Martinez

I moved to Port Saint John after living in South Florida for nearly 40 years.  I found HART while looking for ways to be part of my new community in a meaningful way, after the first day of volunteering I was hooked on the horses, the work and people.

I come to HART with expansive experience in mortgage operations, a strong background in organization, compliance, and process improvement.  I have always loved animals of all kinds, and am a dedicated volunteer.

I'm excited to be part of such an amazing community and to bring my administrative skills to the board to help support HART's mission to rehabilitate, rehome, and rescue horses.  And of course, continue to volunteer at the barn!

At Large - Kay Johnson / Trainer

Born and raised in Chester, England, Kay Johnson has been passionate about horses since the age of three. Kay earned her degree in Equine Studies and Veterinary Science from Warwickshire College, England and holds teaching certification from the prestigious British Horse Society.

Following a successful career on the show circuit, Kay’s passion for teaching and sharing her expertise led to the creation of Kay Johnson Performance Horses—a full-service equestrian center that has been in operation for 24 years. Her training philosophy focuses on crafting personalized lessons and training plans tailored to the unique needs of both horse and rider, helping to build confidence

Now based in Orlando, Florida, Kay continues to specialize in the training of thoroughbreds, and help inspire all levels of riders to reach their full potential.

At Large - Shayna Wexler / Social Media Director

Shayna is the Social Media Director at Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds (HART), where she combines her passion for animal welfare with strong communication and organizational skills. With a background in neuroscience and considerable experience in animal training, she brings a unique perspective to equine care, focusing on promoting rescue efforts and supporting HART’s visibility through social media platforms. In addition to assisting with horse care, such as feeding, grooming, and stall cleaning, she manages HART’s digital outreach to engage the community, support adoptions, and raise awareness about off-track Thoroughbred rehabilitation.

Everything we do at Hidden Acres is made possible by the vision and leadership of our board of directors.
Their dedication ensures that our mission to rescue and rehabilitate horses continues strong.

Now, let's take a look at the heart of our operations: the farm facilities.
This is where the real magic happens.
Whether it's a newly rescued horse or one that's been with us for years, every animal receives the best care possible.

Treasurer - Robert Platt

Robert brings a strong financial background to his role as Treasurer at Hidden Acres Rescue for Thoroughbreds. With extensive experience managing budgets in IT for school districts and large businesses, Robert is skilled in resource allocation, cost optimization, and financial oversight.

Now, he is dedicated to applying his expertise to ensure the financial health of Hidden Acres, supporting its mission to rescue and rehabilitate Thoroughbred horses. Robert is passionate about contributing to the organization’s success and making a meaningful impact for these majestic animals.