Board of Directors
The Board of Directors are leaders in the community - serving in public service, business, and education - dedicated to advancing the mission, vision, and legacy of Deborah Dows.
Michele Tugade, Ph.D., Board President
Professor of Psychological Science at Vassar College and Chair of the NASA Human Research Program grant review panels. Michele rode at Southlands during her college years, and returned to riding as an adult. She co-directs the equine-assisted mental health programs at Southlands in partnership with community organizations. She has always been drawn to the horses, natural landscape, and rich history that make Southlands such a special place.
Mary Ellen (Mel) Dean, MD, Vice President
Nephrology specialist practicing in the Hudson Valley, and Clinical Assistant Professor at Truro College of Osteopathic Medicine. She owns and operates Fiddlehead Farm, a micro-farm in Rhinebeck, NY, and has expertise in agriculture and farm management and operations. Mel has been a rider at Southlands for many years, and has helped with community programs, fundraising, and the annual gala.
Eve D’Ambra, Ph.D., Secretary
The Agnes Rindge Claflin Professor of Art History at Vassar College where she teaches ancient art and archaeology. She first came to Southlands for lessons for her daughter, but stayed on to ride the ponies. Inspired by Southlands’ history, and invigorated by its people, animals, and land.
Florien Bouwmeester, MBA, Treasurer
Provides financial and strategic advisory services to not-for-profit hospitals and health systems across the US. Florien and her family love Southlands for the wonder of its horses, the beauty of the land, the amazing legacy of Deborah Dows and the incredible guidance and support of the training staff.
Nicola Atherstone, Marketing & Fundraising Committee
Previous Executive Director of the Starfish Greathearts Foundation, an international charity supporting vulnerable children in South Africa, where she now serves on the board. She brings experience in fundraising, event planning and communications to The Southlands Foundation Board. She project managed Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Centennial Celebration in Bryant Park, NYC in 2004. She grew up riding on a farm in South Africa.
Suzanne Battenfeld, Finance Committee
Suzanne has dedicated several years of service working at IBM in Marketing. In addition, her family owns and operates the Battenfeld Christmas Tree Farm in Red Hook, NY. Suzanne grew up riding at Southlands, where her family rode as young children as well. Today, she continues to ride and enjoy her horse Witano, and has been a dedicated supporter of The Southlands Foundation and its mission.
Amanda N. Miller, Esq., Fundraising & Marketing Committee
Local attorney whose practice focuses on real estate transactions. Prior to opening her own firm, Amanda was a partner in a New York City law firm that focused on commodity futures and antitrust class action litigation. Her children have attended the Southlands Nature Camp. Amanda is interested in Southlands' rich history and its relationship with the local community.
Robert Nieuwenhuizen, Finance Committee and Buildings & Grounds
Management & Technology Consultant at McKinsey & Company. Robert is a committed handy-man on the side. He supported two daughters who joined Southlands at a young age and greatly enjoyed life at the barn for many years. He is focused on the maintenance and beautification of our buildings and grounds.
Tatiana Serafin, MA, MFA, Marketing & Fundraising Committee
Editor, Journalism Professor at Marymount Manhattan College, and co-host of global news podcast, The Doorstep, with Carnegie Council for International Affairs. Lover of nature and animals, especially Southlands horses. Advocate of open spaces and environmental justice. @tatianaserafin on Twitter, Instagram
Sara Thompson, Esq., Marketing & Communications Committee
Sara worked several years in public service as an Attorney in the Dutchess County District Attorney’s office. She grew up in Missouri, where she learned to ride in the saddle seat discipline. She rides regularly at Southlands, and supports the community programs. She appreciates The Southlands Foundation mission, which provides people of all backgrounds the opportunity to connect with horses, nature, and history.
Hendrik Uyttendaele, MD, Buildings & Grounds Committee & Fundraising
Founding partner and physician at Hudson Dermatology, PC a private medical practice with multiple locations in the Hudson Valley, NY. Enthusiastic about all things nature such as gardening and horsemanship, as well as the history of the Hudson Valley.
Elise Quasebarth, Buildings & Grounds Committee
Founding partner of Higgins Quasebarth & Partners LLC, an historic preservation consulting firm in New York whose practice includes the rehabilitation of historic properties and the construction of new buildings in historic districts. At Southlands, the people and the horses inspire her life, and she delights in late December sunsets over Big Field.