Elizabeth Zarkos– President
Elizabeth has been in love with horses since she remembers having a conscious thought. When she was in college she helped to rescue a horse named Ginger, and with the purchase of Cleopatra from a feedlot, Elizabeth knew that she had to do something to help end horse slaughter in the United States. She is the current president and a founding member of Hanaeleh. Email Elizabeth
Lori Bocchicchio– Treasurer
Lori dreamed of riding horses since she was a child, but until her daughter started riding lessons, Lori and horses were distant strangers. Several unfortunate riding experiences convinced her that horses were not to be a part of her life. Meeting Cleo, one of Elizabeth’s rescued horses, however, was proof positive that Lori wanted to be a part of Hanaeleh. Email Lori
Jocelyn Jazwiec – Vice President
Jocelyn has been with Hanaeleh since December of 2014. Having loved horses since she was a young girl, she was looking for an opportunity to work with them and learn as much as possible. Now completely hooked on horses, she devotes her Saturdays to Hanaeleh. Her remaining spare time is spent with cats and giving time to the human community in need as well. She currently manages our Instagram page. Email Jocelyn
Nikki Kasmai- Secretary
Nikki joined Hanaeleh as a volunteer in November 2014. She always wanted the chance to be around horses and was delighted to learn about Hanaeleh and their wonderful work. She loves having the opportunity to help out with the adorable horses, sheep, cats, chickens, and rooster that call Hanaeleh home. She looks forward to continuing to volunteer and learning more about equines. Email Nikki
Kathi Kruse– Marketing/Social Media Chair
Kathi came to Hanaeleh in 2012 looking for a way to help animals in need. Kathi is a strong horse and animal advocate, helping to educate the public about equine welfare. You’ll see Kathi every weekend at Hanaeleh, taking pictures and caring for the horses. She manages our Facebook Community, our website and our online fundraisers. Email Kathi
Charlotte Glass– Volunteer Coordinator
Charlotte joined Hanaeleh as a volunteer in May 2021. She has always loved horses but never had the opportunity to work with them before finding Hanaeleh. She’s new to our rescue but she brings her love for all animals and her caring spirit with her every Saturday, rain or shine. She enjoys knowing that she is helping our Hanaeleh residents feel safe, cared for, and loved. Email Charlotte
Eric King– Board Member At Large
Eric joined Hanaeleh in 2018 knowing nothing about horses but inspired by the challenge of learning to work with such noble and intelligent animals. He regards the ongoing journey of accruing knowledge and improving skills, building relationships with the horses, and camaraderie of fellow volunteers to be the most satisfying aspects of the time he devotes to Hanaeleh. Email Eric
Ayla Anderstrom – Fundraising Chair
“I came to Hanaeleh in February 2024. I volunteer because it allows me to give back to these beautiful souls that have given me so much in my life. Horses are my safe place, my sanctuary and if I can help be their safe place, their sanctuary in a world that failed them, it brings me great joy.” Email Ayla
Molly O’Neill – Assistant to The Vice President
“I found Hanaeleh online in 2019, I was trying to get back around horses after moving to Orange County. I started by taking one of Elizabeth’s summer courses. Then volunteering on the weekends. Then weekends + weekdays. Then adopting a horse and joining the board. It’s been a great ride with more to come!” Email Molly
Emily DeJohn– Assistant Trainer
Emily has been a volunteer with Hanaeleh since May 2012. She completed the Hanaeleh’s Summer Internship Program, taught by Elizabeth, and has been a volunteer ever since. She has always wanted to work with horses and she is currently studying to get her degree in Animal Health Science. She devotes her free time to caring for the horses at Hanaeleh.