2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Alessandra Sorrento, LICSW, EAGALA MH & ES, PATH Intl. CTRI Instructor
Alessandra Sorrento, LICSW (she/her), is the Executive Director of Gallop to Success. A lifelong equestrian and licensed clinical social worker in Vermont and New York, she earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Columbia University and a certificate in Child and Family Therapy from New York University. Her experience includes working with children, families, and adults in schools, hospitals, and community agencies in NYC and Vermont. Before moving to Vermont, she taught therapeutic horseback riding at Gallop NYC. Alessandra specializes in equine assisted social work, serves as the Vermont networking coordinator for Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, and has led workshops on animal assisted therapy for social work organizations and agencies.
Executive Director, Board Member 2023 - PresentValerie Gray-Shemeth, RN, MS, CCM, CDMS
Valerie Shemeth has served with Gallop To Success since its founding over ten years ago as a co-founder, Executive Director for nine years, and now as a Board member. A double master’s level nurse, medical case manager, and lifelong horsewoman, Valerie owns a horse farm with twenty horses and offers year-round public horse activities. Inspired by her love of horses and passion for helping children, she created Gallop To Success to support at-risk youth through the healing power of horses. Valerie has decades of nursing experience across New England, working with patients of all ages, and currently serves as a catastrophic case manager. She also spent over twenty years as a college professor in emergency and critical care programs and helped author a curriculum now used nationwide.
Founder, Board Member Emerita 2023 - PresentLaura Devlin, MSW.
President, Board Member 2013 - 2020 and 2022 - PresentLaura Devlin, MSW is an original board member of Gallop to Success since 2013, and currently serves as President. She has been gratified to assist hundreds of young people achieve their dreams of horsemanship and farm life through the GTS program. In Laura’s social work career, she provided dual diagnosis treatment and domestic violence services to families in Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York. Laura currently lives in Florida but her heart remains in Vermont.
Scott Burg, MA.
Scott Burg is a clinician, researcher, and educator dedicated to supporting child and adolescent mental health. Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Scott has focused his career on helping individuals and schools create compassionate, connected approaches to behavioral challenges and student dysregulation. He previously served as a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at Southern Vermont College and a Research Associate in Child and Adolescent Health at University of California, San Francisco. Scott also partners with an educational research lab at Teachers College focused on improving educational practices. He holds an M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University and B.A.s in Psychology and Sociology from University of Wisconsin–Madison. Outside of his professional work, Scott is a musician, tennis player, skier, outdoorsman, and proud father of twin daughters.
Treasurer, Board Member 2023 - PresentMelissa Baum, Secretary of Gallop to Success, is an experienced elementary educator dedicated to supporting children’s academic and emotional growth. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Education and Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College. Throughout her career, Melissa has had the privilege of teaching children ages three through thirteen in both public and private schools across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Montana, Vermont, and Florida. She is deeply committed to helping children reach their full potential and to making a positive impact in her community. Melissa continues that commitment through her work with Gallop to Success.
Melissa Baum, MS.
Secretary, Board Member 2024 – PresentKatie is a Vermont native with a background in African history, education, and community development and is the Community and Belonging Program Manager at Burlington’s Racial Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Office. She holds a bachelor’s degree in History and African Studies from St. Lawrence University and earned her MA in African History from Michigan State University. Katie has dedicated several years to living and working in East Africa, focusing on community development and research. She also contributes her time as a volunteer with the Association of Africans Living in Vermont (AALV), working with youth in their programming. In addition to Gallop to Success, she serves on the boards of the South End Arts and Business Association (SEABA) and Hope Works. In her free time, Katie enjoys hiking with her dog, Beau, reading, spending quality time with family, traveling, and exploring new foods!
Katie Greene, MA
Vice President, Board Member 2023 - PresentChristalle Chambers, BS.
Christalle Smith is an experienced equine trainer from California and the owner of Healing with Equine Essence, a therapy barn dedicated to enhancing mental well-being through the healing presence of horses. Passionate about equine-assisted programs, she specializes in creating transformative experiences for individuals and groups, blending her expertise in horse care with a deep commitment to mental health. Through her nonprofit, Healing with Equine Essence, she designs and leads innovative programs that foster leadership, connection, and personal growth. With a heart for both horses and people, she strives to make equine therapy accessible and impactful for all who step into the barn.
Board Member 2024 - PresentAngela Walsh is an East Coast native with a deep love for animals, especially dogs, horses, and cats – the bigger, the better. A retired registered nurse with six years of experience in equine therapy and a background in animal behavioral science, she is passionate about the healing connection between horses and humans. She values lifelong learning and personal growth, always seeking knowledge and happiness. Whether exploring new ideas or spending time with her beloved animals, she embraces life with kindness, curiosity, and a warm heart.
Angela Walsh, AA.
Board Member 2025 - PresentAlaina Cimonetti
Alaina is a sophomore at the University of Vermont pursuing a degree in Marketing and Equine Studies. She has worked with nonprofit equine rescues for years and has also worked with disabled students as well. She is very passionate about helping those in need and using her skills for good. She designed and created the website and logo for Gallop to Success and is thrilled to be apart of such an amazing impactful organization.
Intern 2026-2027