Lauren Merchant is a resolute equine professional with over 24 years of experience in horse training as well as rider training. In addition to her roles as a farrier and vet tech at Palm Beach Equine, Lauren volunteers her time to train and care for the many horses at Smart with Heart.

When Lauren is not training or providing care for horses, you can find her in the show ring doing Western and English Dressage as well as Ranch Performance Riding.

Her passion for horses extends to her leadership role on the board, where she has served for many years, further demonstrating her commitment to the equine community and those that it serves.

Jessica Whitmire, CWC, serves as Secretary of SMART with Heart.

Jessica brings a strong background in claims leadership, legal claims management, and team development, with experience guiding teams through growth and transition. She is known for building collaborative environments while maintaining high standards of compliance and service.

A lifelong equestrian, Jessica’s passion for horses has shaped her discipline and leadership style. She actively rides and competes in western dressage, bringing the same focus, partnership, and resilience to her professional and board roles.

She has mentored emerging leaders, contributed to training initiatives, and built lasting client relationships grounded in trust and consistency. Jessica holds a Certified Workers’ Compensation (CWC) designation and remains committed to continued professional development.

She also serves as Vice President of the Sarasota Bradenton Claims Association, supporting industry education and professional growth.

At SMART with Heart, Jessica brings a thoughtful, people-focused approach to governance, supporting the organization’s mission through dedicated service.

Craig DeToma serves as a Director of SMART with Heart.

Craig brings more than 25 years of experience in information technology, cybersecurity, and systems development. As an Applied Cybersecurity instructor at Manatee Technical College, he prepares future professionals while emphasizing system security, risk mitigation, and operational integrity.

He has previously served SMART with Heart as Board President and Information Technology Manager, where he strengthened technical infrastructure, improved system reliability, and supported operational continuity during a critical period. Craig also brings 14 years of experience supporting IT operations with the United States Coast Guard at both local and national levels.

Craig contributes expertise in technology governance, data integrity, and scalable systems, supporting secure infrastructure, effective data management, and operational controls that enhance transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability.

At SMART with Heart, Craig supports the organization’s mission through a disciplined and thoughtful approach to technology and operations.

Dr. Karen Sheller, EdD, serves as a Director of SMART with Heart.

With over 35 years in education and a lifelong passion for horses, Dr. Sheller brings a strong blend of expertise and commitment. As an ESE Behavior Coach for Sarasota County Schools, she leads the STARS unit, provides social skills instruction, develops FBAs and BIPs, and supports staff in classroom management. She also participates in the 2025–2026 Leadership Academy and the Superintendent’s Teacher Advisory Board.

Her equestrian background in includes training racehorses into hunters and jumpers in Upstate New York, with continued involvement in Florida through trail riding.

Her prior work with at-risk youth aligns closely with SMART with Heart’s mission, focusing on confidence, connection, and life skills through equine-assisted experiences.

Dr. Sheller holds a degree in Elementary Education, a master’s in Reading, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, along with ESE and ESOL certifications, and is a trainer in Youth Mental Health and trauma-informed programs.

SMART with Heart is pleased to welcome Dr. Sheller to the Board and looks forward to her contributions as the organization continues to grow.

John Brown serves as a Director of SMART with Heart.

John brings extensive experience in business ownership, operations management, and leadership in the equine industry. As the owner of multiple businesses, including a tree service company employing over 30 staff, he has a strong track record of building and sustaining successful operations through disciplined leadership.

His equine experience includes national leadership roles with the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association and as President of the American Andalusian Lusitano Show Horse Association. He has also led committee work, publications, and fundraising initiatives within the industry.

John has owned and operated a breeding and showing program of nearly 40 horses, with his horses earning more than 47 national titles. He brings deep expertise in breeding, training, and equine operations, along with a focus on best practices and organizational excellence.

SMART with Heart is pleased to welcome John to the Board and looks forward to his contributions as the organization continues to grow.

Katie brings both passion and expertise to her work with horses and riders. A graduate of Houghton University with a BS in Sports, Recreation, and Wellness Management, with a concentration in Equestrian Studies and double minors in Equine Assisted Therapy and Psychology, her academic foundation blends advanced riding and training knowledge with program planning, equine science, and therapeutic applications.

Professionally, Katie has a strong background in barn management, horse care, and adaptive riding instruction. She has experience teaching lessons in both English and Western disciplines, conditioning and training horses, and supporting recreation programs for participants of all ages and abilities. Her work includes creating individualized care plans for horses, coordinating with veterinarians and farriers, and ensuring that equine facilities are safe and well managed.

Katie is certified through the Certified Horsemanship Association as a Level 3 English and Western Riding Instructor and Level 2 Barn Manager, and she is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI). She is dedicated to fostering safe, effective, and confidence-building experiences for both riders and horses.

Janet MacPhee has a career in Nursing, has always loved horses, and was glad to get the opportunity to volunteer at SMART with Heart. When Janet saw the effect the horses had on people, she knew she wanted to become more involved.  So Janet got her certificate as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) and has been an instructor with  SMART with Heart for 3 1/2 years. In her spare time, she goes on trail rides, cares for her horses, and gardens.