Dana grew up nearby, and early on found her way to NWS. She began taking beginner lessons with then Head Trainer, Kathy Kerneckel, becoming a floor worker several years later, cleaning stalls, caring for horses throughout her high school years, working as a NWS summer camp counselor, and gaining a wealth of hands-on experience and knowledge in the world of horsemanship. She showed Oxford, even competing at the prestigious Devon Classic – a great personal accomplishment as an adult rider.
Dana has move than 20 years of experience teaching hunter-style lessons to children and adults at all riding levels. She especially enjoys watching her students’ progress, and helping them reach those “aha” moments when horse and rider click. After stints working at a horse farm in Virginia and as a veterinary technician, Dana returned to Northwestern in 2017. She was promoted to Barn Manager in 2023. In this role, she is responsible for lessons, animal care, staffing, community relations, and assisting with the management of the not-for-profit organization. Dana coaches Northwestern’s IEA Team, and was name Coach of the Year for the region 2025. In addition, she serves as the Head Coach for the University of Pennsylvania IHSA Equestrian Team.
Biography
The Northwestern Equestrian Facility (NWEF) has been an important part of the Philadelphia Equestrian History and Community for over a century. Northwestern Stables was built in response to the changing needs of an industrial society. Involved in the evolution of the stable were some of the most influential Philadelphians of the time;
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