Our Leadership

Ken Mertens, President

Ken worked 35 years as a Systems Engineer for Blue Cross Blue Shield and then CNA Insurance. During those years he became involved as a volunteer in Community Theatre with his wife Cathy. For 30 plus years, he served as stage manager and technical specialist for many shows. This led to him serving on the Genesius Theatre Board in Hammond in many roles from Board Member to President and then Treasurer. His theatre involvement led to his role as Secretary for 16 years for the Northwest Indiana Excellence in Theatre Foundation (NIETF) where he tallied nominations for the Annual Awards Ceremony. After Ken retired from CNA, he was looking for an organization where he could volunteer. He discovered Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited at a volunteer

Sandi DeVries, Vice President

Sandi is a long-time volunteer at the EEU program, and joined the board of directors in 2010. Sandi particularly likes working with the student riders as a side walker and horse leader, and enjoys watching the progress achieved by our students.

Jeffrey Perz, Treasurer

Jeff's first introduction to EEU was in 2003 when his son was a student rider in the program. Jeff joined the EEU board in June of 2016, and was recently elected Treasurer for the organization. Jeff is also on the board of directors at Members Source Credit Union and the Hobart Chamber of Commerce.

Miriam Hill, Secretary

I was born and raised in England and moved to the States at the age of 22. I currently work as a Realtor and have been involved in the real estate industry for over 20 years. I am a lifelong horse enthusiast and have been fortunate enough to be able to ride throughout most of my life. I have been volunteering at EEU for over 10 years and I never cease to be amazed at the relationship between horse and student - it is truly a place where miracles happen!!

Lucille White, Board Member

Lucille is a retired EY tax partner who was based out of the Chicago office for 23 years. She lives in Crown Point, IN, and has been an EEU board member for 3 years. She also volunteers at Lincoln Park Zoo as a Guest Engagement Volunteer and supports other animal rights charities.

Lisa Way, Barn Manager, Equine Manager, Lead Instructor

Lisa is a long-time volunteer at EEU, and also serves as the Barn Manager, Equine Manager, and Lead Instructor.

Amanda Geary, Volunteer Coordinator

Amanda is currently a registered neonatal nurse where she loves her job. She has been a volunteer with EEU since 2018 in which time she has helped with the classes and taking care of the horses. She loves seeing the impact the horses have on the students and volunteers alike.

Barb Young, Board Member

Barb Young, director of the Mike Anderson Chevrolet Event Center at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center, is excited to join the EEU board. She owns Barbara Jean’s Gifts and Gourmet in Crown Point and has been an active member of the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce for 15 years, serving on its board and serving on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations. Barb is also a member of Merrillville’s special events committee and looks forward to supporting EEU in any capacity needed.

Linda Rosas, Board Member

Linda Rosas serves as the Administrative Manager, Building Manager, and Special Assistant to the Town Manager & Town Council for the Town of Merrillville. A dedicated Merrillville/Hobart resident, she is passionate about staying involved in the community she serves. Linda is also an active member of the Ambassador Committee at the Crossroads Chamber of Commerce. With a lifelong love for horses, Linda has dedicated over 20 years to working with at-risk and disabled children and young adults in various capacities. In her free time, she enjoys staying active at the gym and spending time with friends. She is thrilled to join the board of Exceptional Equestrians Unlimited (EEU) and looks forward to contributing her time and expertise to support its