Brady Team
Sarah Meakin
EXECUTIVE Director
sarah@bradyriding.org
Riding a horse before she could walk and volunteering since she was 12, Sarah knows well the awesome and dynamic force of health to mind, spirit, and body that horses can embody. With a strong background in music, creative writing, event planning, and charity, Sarah has dedicated herself to the work and virtues of Brady’s life-changing programs. Sarah holds an Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) certification from Greg Kersten’s OK Corral Series.
Hugh Meakin
FOUNDER & BOARD PRESIDENT
hugh@bradyriding.org
Born in England, a Harrow School alumnus, and University at Trinity College Dublin graduate, Hugh made San Francisco his home in 1971 when he married the love of his life, Melba, with whom he co-founded James S Brady Therapeutic Riding in 1987. During the 1980’s into the early 2000’s, Hugh and Melba produced the landmark equestrian events, the San Francisco Grand Prix (show jumping) and Polo in the Park on Golden Gate Park’s aptly named Polo Field.
Michele Tobin
PROGRAMS/Trainer/instructor
Michele is an accomplished equestrian, bringing more than 40 years of riding experience to Brady. Having been immersed in equitation and shown hunter jumpers since age four, Michele competed on the NorCal circuit until a few years ago. She loves teaching and continually developing the Brady horses’ skills to meet the programs’ ever growing needs. Michele’s certifications include Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) from OK Corral Series; Instructor of Riders with Disabilities; Animal-Assisted Therapy, Advanced Equine Training, and Equine Behavior & Management from Animal Behavior Institute (ABI); and Mindfulness Levels 1 & 2.
TORA CHUNG
DIRECTOR, STRATEGy
tora@bradyriding.org
Tora brings her love for animals and background in corporate communications, HR, and media production to Brady to guide the organization as it grows its outreach and adapts to the ever-changing funding landscape. She leads the Strategic Planning Committee and loves using digital storytelling to share Brady’s mission in ways that connect, engage, and inspire action.
PHIL MEAKIN
BARN MANAGER
Phil is the owner of Tal-y-Tara Tea & Polo Shoppe, which he is currently converting into a full restaurant. He has a BS in Industrial and Product Design from SFSU and has two lovely kids with his wife Sharon. When not at the barn fixing something or shuttling his kids to and from their many activities, he can be found in their kitchen testing out mouth-watering new recipes.
ELIZABETH WELTZIEN
PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR
elizabeth@bradyriding.org
Elizabeth is a San Francisco native and recent graduate of the University of Oregon, where she studied public relations and sociology. At Brady, she combines her passion for children, animals, and storytelling to support the organization's communications and share its mission with audiences across the Bay Area and beyond. As PR Coordinator, Elizabeth enjoys spending time at the barn and getting to know the Brady community firsthand, as she believes the most meaningful stories come from experiencing the program alongside the people it serves.
Diana P. Mesa Florez
Digital Communications Coordinator
Diana is a Business Administrator and Communication Strategist with a Master's degree in Strategic Communication and a background in SEO, email automation, and multi-channel campaigns. Driven by community impact, she uses strategic messaging to connect brands with the people who need them most. Currently, she supports Brady Therapeutic Riding’s mission through digital marketing and communication strategy.