Meet the Team: The Hearts Behind the Mission
At Celestial Riding Academy and Celestial Equine Connections, our staff is more than just a team of equestrian experts—we are a dedicated group of individuals united by a shared passion for the transformative power of horses. Following our lifelong dream of making a lasting impact, we have brought together a team that blends professional expertise with a deep-seated commitment to human wellness.
Every member of our staff is chosen not only for their skill in the arena but for their heart in the community. We believe that to help our students and clients "feel and do their best," we must provide mentors who are as compassionate as they are capable. Whether they are guiding a rider through their first trot or facilitating a breakthrough in our wellness and therapeutic programs, our team is dedicated to fostering an environment of safety, confidence, and growth.
We are proud to introduce you to the instructors, therapists, and facilitators who make the Celestial experience possible.
Sarah Hendrikse
Sarah brings over 27 years of riding experience and 17 years of teaching and ownership expertise to her role as Executive Director. Her equestrian journey began in Pony Club, where she developed a rigorous foundation in horsemanship across disciplines like Dressage, Eventing and competitive trail riding. Before co-founding Celestial Riding Academy, Sarah managed large-scale stables of up to 40 horses, giving her a profound understanding of equine behavior and complex facility management.
Under her leadership, Celestial Riding Academy has seen substantial growth, expanding from 10 to over 60 regular weekly students. Sarah has spearheaded the development of diverse offerings, including our IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association) Team, monthly adult camps, and a comprehensive digital curriculum featuring video content and study materials. Her operational expertise ensures the academy remains a thriving center for learning and fun.
Driven by a lifelong dream to create an impact bigger than the arena, Sarah is the creator of the Celestial Equine Connections non-profit program. With bachelor’s degrees in both Business Management and Accounting, she provides the organization with high-level financial oversight, including over 12 years of bookkeeping and budget management experience. As the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, she translates strategic vision into daily operations, managing everything from staff training to mission-driven culture building.
To support the academy’s holistic mission, Sarah is also currently completing certifications as a Yoga Instructor, Meditation Instructor, and Health and Wellness Coach. Her unique blend of hands-on equestrian mastery, financial acumen, and administrative leadership provides a rock-solid foundation for our non-profit's success.
Executive Director & Founder
Mark Hendrikse
Mark brings a unique blend of creative talent, business acumen, and hands-on equestrian experience to our non-profit mission. Originally from South Africa, Mark’s diverse career spans graphic design for championship racecars to high-end sales and marketing management. Since co-founding Celestial Riding Academy alongside Sarah, he has fully immersed himself in the equine world, handling everything from daily horse care to assisting with "Belles and Boots" adult camps and horsemanship lessons.
As the Chief Fundraiser and a key staff leader, Mark is the driving force behind the organization's financial growth and long-term sustainability. He is responsible for developing comprehensive fundraising strategies that encompass individual giving, corporate sponsorships, and grant management. With a powerful ability to connect with people, Mark oversees donor stewardship, ensuring our supporters feel valued and informed about the impact of their contributions. From strategic grant writing to the execution of major galas, Mark’s diverse background ensures that our programs have the resources they need to thrive and expand.
Development Director & Co-Founder
Chrissy Garrison
Chrissy brings decades of educational expertise and specialized learning credentials to our team, combining a passion for student development with a lifelong dedication to horses. A recently retired public educator, she holds a Master’s Degree in Literacy along with certifications in Elementary, Social Science, and Special Education. Her critical endorsements in Dyslexia and Gifted Education ensure our programs are structured to meet the specific academic and behavioral needs of diverse learners.
As a key staff leader, Chrissy is responsible for designing, managing, and delivering our core nonprofit services. She is currently working toward her PATH International Certification and Horse Powered Reading Certification, directly connecting her literacy expertise to our equine curriculum. In her role, she oversees program planning, implementation, and staff training, while also tracking outcomes to evaluate our community impact. Her unique blend of academic mastery and equestrian experience makes her a vital asset to our mission of holistic healing and education.
Program Director & Co-Founder