Sharleen Dinneen

Sharleen learned of the Ride for the Cure from Tufts co-worker Nina Kneeland. After the untimely death of her beloved Morgan mare, since she couldn't participate by riding, Sharleen offered to assist the group in other ways. Sharleen has dealt with cancer among family members and friends, and is currently battling lymphona in her long-time canine companion, Dylan.

Amy Jakowski, BS, Senior Scientist Pfizer GRD

In addition to her lifelong involvement with horses, Amy has been working in pharmaceutical research for 25 years. She is a Senior Scientist and Supervisor at Pfizer Global Research & Development in Groton, CT. Her laboratory has an important role in Safety Sciences. Amy has worked to gain the support of her colleagues and Pfizer's Community Affairs Group for the Quiet Corner's Ride for the Cure.

 Nina Kneeland

Nina Kneeland, of Pomfret, CT, is an avid equestrian who is part of the Tufts University Veterinary Clinic staff located in Woodstock, CT. Nina enjoys hunter paces and trail riding all around the Quiet Corner. Her first Ride for The Cure was in 2005 in support of her good friend and riding partner who is a fifteen-year breast cancer survivor and a great inspiration to Nina.. She is privileged to ride for many of Tufts clients who have been confronted with breast cancer. Nina is proud to be a part of the Ride for The Cure.

Diane LeDuc

Diane first rode in the 2005 Ride for the Cure with a friend and decided to make it an annual event. In 2006, her mother was diagnosed with cancer and succumbed within a few months. This provided the motivation to become more involved in fundraising for the Ride for the Cure.

Diane retired from SNET in 2000 after 31 years and relocated to Sterling, CT. She currently works in a Putnam medical office and enjoys trail riding with friends on her Tennessee Walking Horse, Sierra.

Kim Lindell

Kim Lindell is Housing Coordinator of Beyond Shelter, a program aimed at preventing the recurrence of homelessness, at Windham Regional Community Council. An avid equestrian and firm believer in the therapeutic power of horses, Kim has volunteered for the Ride for the Cure since 2001. Kim is engaged in many contemporary women's issues and is thrilled to combine her interests and skills with the Ride for the Cure.

Catharine MacLaren, LCSW, CEAP

Catharine is a cognitive behavioral therapist and the Regional Director for Affiliated Employee Assistance Program in Portland, Maine. Catharine's participation in this event is in honor of her mother, one of the hosts of the ride, who is a breast cancer survivor, and the numerous clients she has had the privilege of working with who have been affected by this disease.

Susan Mortensen

Susan is a Production Supervisor at the Development and Alumni Services Office at Yale University. A cancer survivor since 1997, Sue found out about Quiet Corners Ride for the Cure through a friend at the barn where she boards her horse. This was an opportunity she was looking for to give back support combined with her passion for horses. Sue is an Adult Amateur Dressage rider.

Pamela Townshend, BA, MSN, CNM

Pam practices obstetrics and gynecology in a large, private practice in south central Connecticut and is a Clinical Instructor at Yale University. Prior to her practice of midwifery, she was a consumer advocate for maternal-child health issues, Coordinator of Consumers for Choices in Childbirth and Co-Founder/Director of the Family Childbirth Center in New Haven. Confronting breast cancer almost daily with not only patients, but family and friends, this project offers a real chance to fight back and combines her two passions: women's health care and horses.

Rebecca Wentworth and Copar 1983

Rebecca has lived her life helping others, whether raising her five children in her home town of Union, assisting the sick and injured as an Emergency Medical Technician or as a caretaker for adults with developmental delays, she rarely found time to concern herself with her own well being. This required a drastic change in the spring of 2005 when Becky learned the news that she had breast cancer. As a distraction from her battle against this disease, Becky was able to turn her attention to the Quiet Corner's Ride for a Cure. With her horse of twenty five years, Copar, and family in tow, Becky called on her friends and family and was able to reach the status of Platinum Rider her first year participating. Becky is excited to help in the planning and continued enhancement of this wonderful cause.

Lysa Wilkins

Lysa Wilkins has been riding since the age of 5. Horses have always been an important part of her life. She was thrilled to find a fundraiser that combined her passion for horses with a cause that is so close to her heart, Breast Cancer. Lysa's mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. There are many others in her life whose lives have been touched and forever changed by this disease. Lysa is excited to bring her energy and commitment to the Ride for the Cure!