Mailing Address: PO Box 240663 Douglas Stewart, Executive Director 2023 to present
Janie Call, Program Director 2010 to Present
“I believe this is a great place to allow [individuals with disabilities] to experience the joy of horses. They have so many challenges; how exciting to be able to give this gift to them.”
I am a PATH certified riding instructor who has been EATA’s Program Director for over 10 years. I have a variety of responsibilities – train and care for the horses, teach independent riding skills to clients with disabilities, and work with staff, therapists and volunteers to keep the summer program running smoothly.
I grew up in Anchorage and was very much a part of the horse world here. My father owned 6-E Ranch, and I learned to ride, show, train and care for horses from an early age. As an adult, I ran a horse retirement program in Washington state.
After completing my BA, I became a high school science teacher. I worked closely with special education students who were included in my classes and came to enjoy their unique gifts. My teaching experience combined with my horse knowledge gives me valuable tools for running EATA’s program.
In addition to my job as Program Director, I have primary responsibility for EATA’s horses. I trailer them to and from Anchorage via the AlCan every summer and pastures them at my ranch in Oregon during the rest of the year. My husband Shawn and I share our retired rodeo horses, Seven and Casper, with the EATA program where they are favorites among our riders.
Mr. Tim Brady, Morning Barn Manager Extraordinaire!
Hi, my name is Tim Brady. I’m usually known as “Mr. Brady” or “Barn Boss” or sometimes I suspect, behind my back, “The Old Guy”. I am a retired Air Force Officer. I served 30 years active duty mostly as a fighter pilot flying F-16’s. What was it like? Well, hard to describe but flying upside down at 300 feet and 600 knots is exciting, possibly beyond your wildest imagination! Better than any video game! After retiring from the Air Force I worked for 9 years at the Alaska Railroad helping maintain locomotives and railcars. Six years or so ago I heard the CEO of the Rainbow Connection, later to become EATA, speak at my Rotary club. She mentioned that they always needed volunteers. I was looking for something to do so I volunteered. You may ask why so let me tell you.
There were 3 main reasons. First, when I was growing up my uncle reminded me of how fortunate I was to have been reared in a loving, supportive, extended family and a community that allowed me to be what I could be. He told me that as an adult I needed to find a way to pay back that debt. Whether as a sport’s coach or involved in PTA or whatever I needed to find something to pay back my unearned good fortune. EATA provided that opportunity. Secondly, I like horses, actually almost any animal. Being around them gives me a sort of inner peace and tranquility. Lastly, the people I associate with. People like Ms. Widmer and Ms. Call and the Board who are committed to helping others reach their potential. People who are willing to put aside personal desires to help others fulfill theirs. People that see opportunity where some see obstacles. They give me hope in mankind and make me smile. Then there are the volunteers, mostly youngsters, who help me with all the mundane tasks of horse care and maintenance. Several have been with me for 5 or more years and I get a few new ones every year. I get to see them grow up and mature. I have learned from them and maybe even they from me, enjoy being around them and they make me laugh.
So it’s easy to see why I choose to volunteer for this program – it is worth my time and gives me deep personal satisfaction on many levels. If you are looking for a worthwhile volunteer opportunity look no further, EATA is for you.
