Meet Our Team

Meeting the highest standards and guidelines for the highest quality of care, professional service and safety. We are dedicated to providing quality services with significant, measured results.

Marita Wassman, A/CTRI

CEO & COFOUNDER

Marita Wassman is an Advanced Credentialed Therapeutic Riding Instructor and Mentor with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). She brings nearly four decades years of experience in equine-assisted services and 44 years of experience across a wide range of equestrian industries. Wassman’s equestrian foundation was shaped through training and work with distinguished professionals and facilities across the country, including Liz Young Millard of the 1968 United States Olympic Equestrian Team, Otis Brown Stables, Pecan Tree Stables, and the LePere Thoroughbred Training Center. Her background spans hunter jumper, dressage, and thoroughbred foaling and conditioning, as well as the development of riding programs for youth and adults both typically developing and those with special needs. As CEO, Wassman leads the strategic direction and operational performance of Ride On St. Louis, including financial oversight, fundraising, program development, personnel leadership, long-term planning, and community engagement in support of the organization’s mission and founding values. She is a member of PATH Intl. and the American Hippotherapy Association, a certified Applied Whole Horse Hoof-Care trimmer, and has contributed to multiple research studies aimed at quantifying the value and outcomes of equine-assisted services.

BriAnn Session

GRANTS MANAGER
& EQUINE SPECIALIST

A graduate of Webster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication, she has been deeply involved with Ride On St. Louis since its founding in 1998, contributing to the organization’s growth, visibility, and long-term sustainability. As Grant Manager, BriAnn leads a comprehensive grants strategy that has secured over $1 million in funding and strengthened the organization’s capacity to deliver mission-driven services. In her equine leadership role, BriAnn brings advanced skill in equine management, conditioning, and wellness. She is one of only three certified Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapists in the state, providing specialized equine bodywork to support the equine comfort, soundness, and performance. As a certified Applied Whole Horse Hoof-Care trimmer, she is responsible for trimming the Ride On St. Louis herd, ensuring optimal hoof health and long-term musculoskeletal well-being. Her comprehensive approach to equine care strengthens the safety, quality, and effectiveness of the organization’s services. A musician and published artist, BriAnn brings creativity, innovation, and a multifaceted perspective to her work. With her combined expertise in equine science, grantsmanship, communications, and media management, BriAnn contributes a rare blend of analytical, creative, and technical strengths that directly support the mission, impact, and advancement of Ride On St. Louis.

Jeanne Johnson

OFFICE MANAGER
Volunteer*

Jeanne brings more than four decades of professional experience to Ride On St. Louis, following a distinguished 45-year career with Ameren Missouri. During her tenure, she served in roles spanning stockholder and treasury records, payroll and work records, security compliance, revenue, and also served as Manager of the Union Electric Independent office in De Soto. Her broad administrative, financial, and supervisory expertise forms a strong foundation for the operational leadership she now provides in the nonprofit setting. Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Jeanne has held key leadership roles within the electrical and equestrian communities. She is the past Executive Director for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, a former youth advisor for the Missouri Quarter Horse Association, and the former Rodeo Pageant Director for the Twin City Chamber of Commerce—demonstrating a lifelong commitment to service, mentorship, and community engagement. Jeanne now dedicates her service to Ride On St. Louis, where she oversees office operations, billing, and bookkeeping, and plays an essential role on the organization’s fundraising committee. Her reliability, professionalism, and organizational insight make her a cornerstone of daily operations and a vital contributor to long-term sustainability. She also supports special events and mission-critical initiatives with unmatched consistency and heart. Her exceptional service has been recognized widely. Jeanne was honored as the 2018 PATH International Region 7 Volunteer of the Year and received Missouri’s 23rd Annual Show Me Service Volunteer Award in 2024.

Karen Bequette

BARN & GROUNDS CREW

TBA

Rick Wassman

LAND AND FACILITIES COORDINATOR & COFOUNDER | Volunteer*

Rick is a respected leader known for building and guiding high-performing teams, establishing trusted business relationships, and driving strategic growth across both corporate and nonprofit environments. With more than three decades of proven success in solution-based, consultative selling, he has a long track record of exceeding business objectives, developing strategic account plans, and selling complex services to C-level executives at Fortune 500 companies as well as mid-to-large enterprises. His career includes extensive leadership experience with Dun & Bradstreet Information Services, Ernst & Young LLP, and Equifax Commercial. Renowned for his ability to collaborate cross-functionally with senior management in finance, procurement, legal, and risk management, Rick combines strategic vision with a hands-on leadership style that promotes teamwork and delivers impressive revenue and operational results. Additionally, Rick operated his own property rehabilitation and management business. Drawing on extensive experience in construction, woodworking, structural repair, and full-scale home restoration, he managed renovation projects from acquisition through completion. Rick continues to apply his craftsmanship, practical problem-solving, and project leadership to the nonprofit sector. As cofounder Rick has served Ride On St. Louis since 1998, including several years as Executive Director. In this role, he was instrumental in augmenting revenue to strengthen program operations, expand staffing, enhance service delivery, and lead critical structural improvements at the organization’s former facility. His leadership helped broaden and diversify governance and advance the mission and position of Ride On St. Louis for long-term growth and stability. Rick continues to serve Ride On St. Louis as an integral volunteer. He oversees all aspects of property management and maintenance for the organization—managing equipment, supervising structural and facility improvements, maintaining grounds and land resources, and handling ongoing operational needs across the property. Rick brings a comprehensive, hands-on skill set that ensures the facility remains functional and mission-ready. His breadth of experience spanning business strategy, construction, operations, and leadership remains an invaluable asset to Ride On St. Louis.