Staff  

Barn Director

Jenn D’Agostino ran Southlands’ barn and ground operations for over two decades and has recently returned to her post after a nearly 15 year hiatus while raising her daughter and working for the Rhinebeck Independent School District.

Foundation Accountant

Jessie Boyle joined Southlands with over 15 years of experience in accounting and financial management and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration & Economics from the State University of New York. A seasoned accountant and entrepreneur, she has worked extensively with non-profits and small business, ensuring financial transparency, sustainability, marketing and strategic growth. In addition to Southlands, Jessie owns & operates two marketing companies; one with a focus on small business marketing and the other working with higher education. The blend of agendas has given Ms. Boyle a unique understanding of both financial oversight and brand development. She is passionate about supporting mission-driven organizations and committed to maintaining the financial health of Southlands.  Jessie is lifelong resident of Clinton, NY and mother of four.

Office Manager

Sue Haug has been in service, management & operations for many decades. After a few years in hospitality, running an inn, a full service restaurant and managing a division of a grocery story, Sue began work at the Culinary Institute of America, initially signing on to work in their Financial Aid Office. As the college expanded, Sue was tapped to manage their newly built Student Recreation Center, a job she held for over 30 years. Sue joined Southlands in the wake of the pandemic and has been running our office for almost 4 years. Originally from Ghent, Ms. Haug now lives in Staatsburg with her husband, daughter and three dashchunds.

Assistant Barn Manager

Emma Mearkle rode her first horse at age 4 at a small barn near her childhood home on Long Island, developing a life-long love of horses and ultimately earning a spot on the SUNY New Paltz Equestrian Team. Emma completed her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology in 2023 and is currently working on her PATH certification, a nationwide program training specialists in equine therapies. Ms. Mearkle enjoys working with children, teaches introductory lessons to some of our youngest riders, was our Nature Camp Director in summer of 2023 and 2024 and then promoted to the full time position of Assistant Barn Manager. Emma also leads our equine assisted programs with The Anderson Center for Autism and teaches riding lessons to participants from Ramapo for Children.

Farrier

Hilary Cloos is equal parts vet, blacksmith and mechanic and has been Southlands’ preferred farrier for many years (Ms. Cloos also works with other noted clients around the Hudson Valley). Hilary holds a BS in Physics from Harvard and a Farrier Certificate from Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Ms. Cloos rode her first horse at age 7 on Cape Cod and was a member of Harvard’s Equestrian Club team. Hilary lives in New Paltz, NY with her husband and when not looking after horses, enjoys running, biking, hiking and practicing her French horn skills.