Michelle Wagner
Founder
Michelle has been working with individuals with developmental disabilities since 1990. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Michelle has provided treatment for children, adolescents and adults with a variety of developmental disabilities.
Michelle founded her first business, Advance Kids, Inc. in 2000 providing in home services to consumers with autism. After 25 years in business, Advance Kids now provides in- home and clinic-based services for young children, crisis intervention for all ages and operates three Community Crisis Homes.
Expanding her passion to help others, Michelle ventured out of her comfort zone and founded the program now known as Opportunity Acres in 2013. The Adult Day Program provides an environment where young adults diagnosed with Autism and other disabilities can find their own voice, build their skill set and find their confidence to go out into the world with greater independence. The Non-Public School provides teens with an educational program that focuses more heavily on communication, self-regulation, and job skills than academics.
Time with horses, whether riding, feeding, grooming or just hanging out in pasture has proven to be therapeutic respite for Michelle and she wants to share that joy with others. As a horse owner, she quickly came to recognize how much horses can do for a human being, providing a sense of calm when you need it most, and confidence to do the things you never imagined you could do.
Michelle has been featured in The Business Journal and was also awarded "Business Woman of the Year" by the National Association of Woman Business Owners in 2008 and "2012 Small Business Person of the Year for the Sacramento Region" by the Small Business Administration.
Mark A. Harris
Secretary of the Board
Mark A. Harris is a seasoned Senior Mortgage Advisor with over 30 years of experience in sales, business development, and customer service. With a proven track record in the mortgage industry, Mark is known for his professionalism, commitment to client education, and ability to guide clients through the best financial decisions. Previously, Mark was an award-winning executive in the healthcare sector, working with industry leaders, Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. His expertise in sales and business development, paired with his mental acuity, compassion, and strong work ethic, has earned him long-lasting client relationships and success in his field.
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Mark is also dedicated to giving back to the community, with years of volunteer work in the fight against HIV and AIDS. Residing in the Bay Area for over 25 years, he is the proud father of a daughter in college who shares his passion for horses. Mark and his husband, Aaron, are competitive equestrians in Three-Day Eventing, and together they enjoy property investing, design, art, cooking, and travel.
Andrea Pfieffer
Treasurer of the Board
Andrea has 30 years of experience training horse and rider to their highest potential. She is BHS certified and has made her mark both in the Eventing and Dressage world as both rider and trainer. Her students have enjoyed success at many levels due to her dedication and understanding as a teacher. They range from young riders to adult amateurs to working professionals. She has coached over 15 riders to the advanced level (and even more horses to the advanced level). Andrea was awarded the 2022 Equus Award presented by the Sonoma County Horse Council. In 2024, Andrea was a top ten finalist for Practical Horseman’s Trainer of the year award. In addition, Andrea gives of her time, expertise and her heart serving as the Area VI Eventing Chairperson and serves a Vice President of the Board of Directors for COTS (Committee On The Shelterless).
Aaron Barber
Board Member
Aaron is a seasoned graphic designer and marketing specialist with nearly 20 years of industry experience. Passionate about creativity and collaboration, he excels in marketing, branding, logo development, and all facets of design. Aaron has a talent for developing impactful branding and promotional concepts, creating both print and digital collateral, and fostering meaningful connections with clients, colleagues, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
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Whether working one-on-one or as part of a collaborative team, his goal is to craft a distinctive creative identity that helps others thrive in an ever-evolving, competitive world.
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Outside of work, Aaron is an active 3 day eventing equestrian. His true passion is amongst horses where he’s always found his sense of home. Whether galloping cross-country or sharing quiet moments at the barn, he finds joy in the bond he shares with these incredible animals. Beyond the saddle, Aaron thrives in the great outdoors, hiking through Northern California trails, exploring hidden coastal gems, and chasing new adventures wherever they arise. Aaron is true animal enthusiast, and he has a particular fondness for all creatures, especially those of the feathered variety, and embraces life with a spirit of adventure and curiosity.
Kimberly Messersmith
Board Member
Kymberly Messersmith manages political risk in states on behalf of KPMG. She has an extensive network in state legislative, regulatory and executive offices. Among her responsibilities at KPMG, Messersmith works with firm leadership to manage state public policy strategy; and, supports KPMG’s State and Local Government teams in procurement. Messersmith also coordinates with state CPA Societies and Chambers to craft responses to proposed policy that would impact the profession. Kymberly currently serves on The Accountant’s Coalition (TAC), a national organization, and leads TAC on state tax, privacy and AI issues. Kymberly also serves as a Culture Champion and is a member of KNOW, PRIDE and API BRGs.
Kymberly served two terms on the Board of Directors for Calvary Women’s Services (CWS). The mission of CWS is to provide transitional housing to women in need. Once settled, they ensure women have access to the proper trauma-informed healthcare and educational support they need to take positive steps toward independence. These programs include transitional and permanent housing, personalized case management, life skills and education opportunities, job training, health and wellness services, on-site therapy and daily addiction recovery meetings.
Tommy Greengard
Board Member
Tommy Greengard has established his mark on the sport of Eventing. This professional competitor and trainer grew up riding with Robyn Fisher and has also worked with many prominent professionals such as Ned Glynn, Lilo Fore, Liz Halliday, Tim and Jonelle Price . Beyond riding and teaching he especially enjoys developing horses up the levels. Tommy’s most distinctive trait as a horseman: “compassion for the horse, in and out of the saddle. Horses have good and bad days and you have to love who they are every day.” Tommy was invited to participate in the 2022, 2023, and 2024 Eventing 25 Emerging Athlete Program. In the winter of 2024, Tommy was a recipient of the Amanda Pirie Warrington Grant. And Tommy recently competed in Europe with a string of five horses, with the help of the Holekamp Turner Grant. This was highlighted with a stellar performance at Le Mondial du Lion on That’s Me Z, placing in the top 20 out of 63 riders.