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Naples, FL – Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC), a non-profit organization providing therapeutic horseback riding and other equine-facilitated group services for children and adults with special needs and physical challenges, is pleased to announce the installation of the following new board members: Jason Diefenthaler is the Director of Tax Exempt Portfolio Management with Wasmer, Schroeder & Company (WSC). He began his career with WSC in 2000, working initially as a Credit Analyst and Portfolio Manager. He is a graduate of Leadership Collier. Jason will lend his expertise to the finance committee. Brian McNamara, Esq. is the President of McNamara Legal Services, P.A. which focuses on Wills, Trusts & Estates and Probate Administration. Prior to being an attorney, Brian was a political consultant and served as the Operations Manager for the Naples Historical Society. As a graduate of the Leadership Collier Growing Associates in Naples (GAIN) program and a member of the Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Leadership Counsel, Brian is leading NTRC’s initiative to launch Young Professional Strides, a new young professionals group. He is also a frequent volunteer during riding lessons. Gregory A. Otis is a Senior Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor for FineMark National Bank & Trust. He brings over 30 years of experience in the Trusts and Estates field and community involvement to his new board position and role on the governance committee. He is also a board member for the American Cancer Society of Southwest Florida and volunteers at his church. Melanie Penner began riding horses at the age of four and has been an avid horse owner and competitor ever since. After graduating college in 2013, Melanie worked as a barn manager in Naples and Wellington, Florida, before she and her husband built their own local boarding farm which she now operates. She will serve on the development committee. Bill Swartz, DVM will return to the board after a brief one-year hiatus. He previously served for nine years and helped lead NTRC’s recent campus expansion. Dr. Swartz enjoyed a 40-year career as a veterinarian owning hospitals in Virginia before retiring to Naples where he continues to enjoy doing relief work in various local animal hospitals. He is also a board member of Greater Naples Leadership. Dr. Swartz will apply his years of professional expertise and vast NTRC knowledge to the finance and development committees. He also works with the horses as a volunteer. About Naples Therapeutic Riding Center Established in 1997, Naples Therapeutic Riding Center (NTRC) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization with a mission to improve the lives of children and adults with special needs through therapeutic riding and equine-related group programs. With a dedicated staff, herd of 14 horses and the assistance of 350 volunteers, NTRC provides unique equine-assisted therapies to more than 700 participants per year. Through fundraising efforts, the organization is able to provide this vital therapy to those who need the service most, regardless of income level. Services are provided in partnership with local non-profit organizations and through physician referrals for individuals living with special needs and a range of emotional, learning and developmental disabilities. NTRC is the only Center in Collier County accredited at the “premier” level by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. For more information on programs or volunteer opportunities, visit NaplesTherapeuticRidingCenter.org or call 239-596-2988. ####