Team Bios
Libby Porzig
I joined Giant Steps in 2023, drawn to its mission of creating connection, belonging, and opportunity through the human-horse relationship. Earlier in my career, I worked in environmental conservation, and I’ve always been drawn to mission-driven work that centers care and community. At Giant Steps, I am continually inspired by the achievements of the people we serve and the sense of confidence, joy, and connection that horses bring to our participants, volunteers, and staff. It’s a privilege to be in service to this incredible community—supporting the growth, wellbeing, and success of our riders, volunteers, and team through thoughtful leadership and collaboration.
When I’m not at Giant Steps, I spend time with my husband, our dog, and our horses. I compete in three-day eventing and dressage with my horses and also enjoy being curious about the natural world and spending time with friends and family.
Beth Raetz
Hi, I’m Beth and I am the Volunteer Coordinator at Giant Steps! I support our program through volunteer scheduling, recruitment, and retention. My experience with therapeutic riding started as a volunteer in 2016 and I love that I get to support all of our wonderful volunteers in my work at Giant Steps. In my personal life, I love riding horses, playing video games, and hiking.
Sara Silberschatz
I love helping take care of the Giant Steps herd and work hard to keep them happy and healthy. I also help organize and run the Giant Steps summer camp and other special programs. The horses first drew me in to Giant Steps but over time the entire Giant Steps community - staff, clients, volunteers - has transformed me and continue to inspire me every day. When I'm not at the barn, I spend my time baking cookies, playing with my dog, and working hard in graduate school toward a Masters degree in counseling psychology.
Krissy Tukman
I found Giant Steps through a friend who knew I loved horses and was looking to be part of something special.
I volunteered for 2 years before starting the certification process to become an instructor, which I’m in the middle of completing now.
I am really enjoying the experience of not only teaching and being close to our horses, but continuing to learn so much about this amazing organization and all the incredibly hard working people in it!
When I’m not at the barn, I love to be in the kitchen cooking for family and friends!
Julie Larson
I was drawn to Giant Steps in 2009 when I saw an advertisement for a volunteer orientation and learned about the Giant Steps’ mission. Over 15 years later, I am the Program Director and oversee all program operations, including lessons, clients, horses and volunteers. I am also a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and my favorite part of my job is teaching lessons. My greatest reward from my time at Giant Steps has been getting to know our amazing riders, their families, and the generous volunteers who donate their time to make lessons possible. When I am not at Giant Steps, I spend my time with my son, dog, cats and horse. I love to travel, hike, go to the beach, camp and spend time outdoors.
Sue Rickard
I'm a lifelong horse girl, I grew up on a mixed farm in Wales and was member of the pony club until I was 18. I found Giant Steps in 2014 after moving to California with my husband and then middle school aged boys. After volunteering for a year I became an Instructor and subsequently a Mentor of instructors in training and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Giant Steps brings my passion for teaching and learning (I was a high school teacher of French and German in England ) together with my love for horses - a very special place to call work.
Amy Barboro
Riding and just being around my senior OTTB (off the track thoroughbred) “Starstruck” gives me great joy and happiness. The jumps are getting a bit smaller as we advance in our competition careers, but I think we are both fine with that! Likewise being at Giant Steps (since 2008 as a volunteer and then as an instructor from 2009 on) is one of the biggest honors and accomplishments of my life. Working with volunteers, riders and their families to reach riding and other personal goals is a gift that look forward to every week. I am so blessed to be part of this amazing organization!
Nicole DeVito
When not spending time with horses, you will find me somewhere outdoors in my happy place - sailing or paddle boarding on the SF Bay, mountain biking, playing in the snow or just lying in the grass. As part of the Giant Steps family for over 15-years, I teach adaptive riding classes, and facilitate groundwork sessions for clients of varied backgrounds including hospice, memory care and veterans. It is an honor and a joy to partner with our wonderful herd of horses in this unique and soulful work.