Executive Director

A woman with long brown hair and glasses standing outdoors in front of a wooden gate, wearing a white t-shirt with the words 'Sterling Strengthening Communities' and a logo.

Teresa Davis

From a very early age, horses have always played a major role in every stage and milestone in Teresas life. As a 4th generation farmer, Teresa has been in or around a barn her entire life, embracing the healing power of animals from an early age. She first rode a horse on her family farm at age 3, encouraged by her mother who passed on a deep love and profound respect for horses and a clear sense of what it means to truly understand them.

As a teen, Teresa volunteered at therapeutic riding programs, helping instructors and supporting riders who needed steady encouragement. Those experiences led her into a decade of work with developmentally disabled teens and adults, where she came to understand how much horses can contribute to emotional regulation, trust-building, and a sense of agency. Teresa provides a level of experience and expertise that only comes with time, and can only be earned through hard-won experience.

Across more than ten years of formal instruction and barn management, Teresa has taught riders of all ages, coordinated lesson programs, and supported families who rely on structured, supportive environments. She is a PATH International certified therapeutic riding instructor and an AAHS certified riding instructor, combining professional training with decades of lived barn experience.

Her work at Sterling Stables grows directly out of that background: an approach rooted in calm leadership, attention to individual needs, and a belief that time with horses can help people find confidence, presence, and connection.

Board of Directors

  • Maggie Wilhite

    Chair, Board of Directors

    A proud homeschool mom of five, she spends her days juggling lesson plans, snack requests, and the beautiful chaos of a full house. Her husband insists on turning her into a horseback rider—whether she asked for that life or not—but she’s learned to hold on, laugh through the bumpy moments, and enjoy the farm life one trot at a time.

    Still, her heart belongs to the beach, where the sun, salt air, and rolling waves feel like her true happy place. Fueled by coffee (just kidding Truly’s), grace, and a little sass, she’s raising her crew with love, adventure, and just enough humor to survive it all.

  • Alan Smith

    Treasurer, Board of Directors

    Alan served over 35 years in the United States Air Force, including more than 20 years on full-time active duty. During his distinguished career, he spent 18 years as a heavy equipment operator and 17 years as an operations superintendent, retiring in 2021 with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

    Alan is married and has two children and one stepchild—one currently attending law school in North Carolina, one working in Pennsylvania, and one living and working in the United Kingdom.

    In his free time, he enjoys hunting and fishing. Had his military career taken a different path, Alan would have pursued his passion for the culinary arts, aspiring to become an executive or pastry chef.

  • A woman smiling outdoors in front of a wooden barn, wearing a white t-shirt with 'Sterling Stables' logo and text, and light blue jeans.

    Sarah Abramowitch

    Secretary, Board of Directors

    Sarah grew up in northeast Ohio and came to Pittsburgh for graduate school, where she and her husband met and then chose to stay and raise their two children, now both in their teens.. She has homeschooled them from the beginning, navigating the usual academic work alongside the practical demands of managing celiac disease and type 1 diabetes in the household.

    Most of her time is split between teaching, coordinating daily routines, and keeping the family’s schedule moving. She loves being outdoors and is often out on a long walk, tossing a frisbee for their Border Collie, or playing with her three cats. In recent years she’s taken up horseback riding. And at home, there’s usually a fresh cup brewing in her slowly growing “coffee shop” on the kitchen counter—a small ritual she enjoys more than she expected.

  • A man with a beard wearing a white t-shirt with the logo and text 'Sterling Stables' and a gray cap, standing in front of a wooden structure.

    Kolder Furka

    Member, Board of Directors

    Kolder owns America Roofing and Made in America Concrete, where he works directly with his crews and manages day-to-day operations. He has a reputation for showing up, putting in long hours, and keeping jobs moving without a lot of fuss.

    He and his wife Brittany, owner of Harvey’s Sweet Shoppe, have two children. Outside of work, he spends most of his time outdoors. He rides dirt bikes, gardens, and gets together with friends and family when his schedule allows. He’s not drawn to idle time and usually has a project going, particulary growing his at home garden.

  • A middle-aged man wearing a white T-shirt with 'Sterling Stables' logo and text, standing outdoors in front of a wooden barn door.

    Mark Thomas

    Member, Board of Directors