My name is Allie, I am originally from New Jersey and moved out to San Diego 15 years ago. Which was the best decision I have ever made! As soon as I arrived in San Diego, the first thing I did was find a therapeutic riding center to start volunteering for as I had been volunteering for 8 years at one in New Jersey. I started volunteering at Helen Woodward Animal Center and later became a therapy instructor. Here is where I met RAD co-founders Katie Cram and Wayne Jackson. In my spare time, I love to travel, explore San Diego, go to Disney, read and go to musicals and concerts.
About Allie Sarnataro
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My career is within the therapeutic horseback riding industry. I love everything about therapeutic riding! I was hooked from my first day on the volunteer job. I worked my way up in therapeutic riding, first becoming a volunteer, an instructor, then Program Coordinator, next Program and Volunteer Director, Board President, and now I am the Executive Director for Ride Above Disability Therapeutic Riding Center. Although it is not in my comfort zone, I have learned to love everything that comes along with the Executive Director role,
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Dreams do come true. If you have a passion in life, don’t be afraid to pursue it.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still working for RAD.
Allie Sarnataro & Our Community
Q: What are a few of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Kaminski’s, Board and Brew, Smokin J’s
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
15 years, I have been working in Poway!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Tony Rubino
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
The way Poway stands strong for their community and really supports each other, the businesses, and all of the people.
Q: If you could choose anyone alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would you meet for this lunch?
MacKenzie Scott
For Fun
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
I don’t really watch too much TV or movies, but probably Friends and The Birdcage.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I used to dislike reading, and now I’ve read over 135 books in 3 years.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The Zoo, New Balance sneakers, anything Disney-related.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
The students at RAD, the volunteers giving their time, and all of our staff.
Q: What community organizations and/or local nonprofits do you admire/support?
There are so many wonderful nonprofits in San Diego and Poway. I had no idea!! The Zoo is one of my favorite nonprofits.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
Work hard, play hard.
Q: Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Relaxing, comfort, fun
