Staff  

Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer

Matthew Moneypenny is our 8th Executive Director and brings an extensive leadership portfolio to the Foundation. A graduate of Vassar College, Mr. Moneypenny began his career at Ralph Lauren in New York City before moving West for a career as an Agent at International Creative Management (ICM), ultimately becoming the Head of International Television at ICM London.  After returning to New York to pursue Pratt Institute's Master of Industrial Design, he was recruited to build a new division of legendary photo agency, Art + Commerce. In 2007, Mr. Moneypenny founded his first company, the luxury image licensing firm Trunk Archive,

Mr. Moneypenny is also the founder and former Chairman & Chief Executive of Great Bowery, the largest talent agency in the fashion industry. He is a member of the Business of Fashion 500, a Style Ambassador for MR. PORTER, a former member of the President’s Advisory Council at Vassar College, a Trustee of Mitchell College in New London, CT and current Trustee of The Anderson Center for Autism.  Mr. Moneypenny has been profiled in The New York Times, various editions of Vogue and GQ, The Robb Report and numerous other independent publications. An avid gardener and historic preservationist based in Rhinebeck Village and NYC, Matthew cites transformational summers learning to ride at Sky Ranch in Van, Texas as a core reason for his interest in Southlands’ mission.

Program Director & Equine Health Manager

Dr. Leah Steinberg is a licensed Equine Veterinarian, holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and Masters in Elementary Education from Fordham University in New York City. Additionally, Dr. Steinberg has a DVM from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine and was a large animal ambulatory practitioner. Leah most recently worked at Ramapo for Children, developing a wide variety of programs largely focused on animal husbandry, permaculture and vocational agriculture supporting neuroatypical individuals in their quest for independence and future employment. Leah is also a former New York City public school teacher. Dr. Steinberg is a mother of three and lives in Red Hook, NY.

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.

Client & Equine Operations Manager

Yan grew up in Eastern Europe and has traveled extensively throughout the US, Europe and Africa and holds a double Bachelor of Arts in African/Afro-American Studies and Anthropology from UNC Chapel Hill as well as a Master of Russian Slavic Studies from NYU. While in Africa, Yan worked with the Kenyan Wildlife Service conducting ground jungle elephant surveys and studying Griot culture, music and traditions in Mali and Senegal. As a child, Yan spent his summers with his great grandmother living in a small log cabin without electricity or running water, while exploring the nearby forests with his dog Nils. His love for nature grew out of long camping and kayaking trips with his family. A father of two, Yan studied wilderness living skills in Norway and Montana, and worked on projects devoted to exposing children and young adults to the beauty and value of the natural world. Prior to his current role at The Southlands Foundation Yan worked as a travel & client relations manager in the luxury travel industry in New York City.

Farrier

(biography forthcoming)