Our Volunteers
Phyllis Jacoby (and her dog, Jester)
Phyllis Jacoby (along with her dog, Jester) comes to A Farm for Annie every day — rain or shine — to assist with feeding horses and chickens, moving animals to and from their daytime turnouts, cleaning pastures, and anything else that's needed!
Before retiring in Port Townsend, she was a veterinarian in Texas.
Polly Thurston (and her dog, Pippi)
Polly Thurston has a history of working with animals. She worked as a field ecologist and wildlife biologist; had a short stint as manager of an animal shelter; and has given workshops integrating art, animals, and ecological concepts. Polly obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Field Ecology and Masters degree in Environmental Leadership—both degrees focusing on Art and Animals. She also has years of experience as an environmental educator, gardener, and elder caregiver. She has volunteered walking dogs for the Humane Society, helped develop the docent program with the Jefferson Land Trust, and was a volunteer (and on the board) in the early years of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center.
As an artist—storyteller, puppeteer, poet, among other mediums—her art always centers around compassion for other species and the planet. She is handy with tools and likes to build things, thus has participated in building shelters for the horses, maintenance/repair of fences, and other structures. Polly has always been an animal lover. She says, "Caring and being around animals—feeding, brushing and talking to them—is the best thing ever!"
Amy Carlson
Amy Carlson comes to A Farm for Annie to groom the horses! Through shedding season in spring to mud season in fall, she helps ensure the horses receive love, attention, and a good cleaning.
Amy's family had two horses and a colt until she was five years old. She's always had dogs and cats, but never had the opportunity to develop a personal relationship with a horse until she found A Farm for Annie in her retirement. "Spending time with the farm residents is a lifelong dream come true!"
Alison E Potter
Alison began riding at the age of three under the tutelage of her aunt Lory, a former riding instructor and trainer. Growing up in the East Bay, Alison rode with Gay Talmey and Heidi Cowley before heading to college to earn a B.S. in Animal Science. During college, Alison was an assistant trainer for Barbara Beans-Slade at Franktown Meadows in Reno, NV.
She continued her career with Barbara for several years thereafter, and incorporated continuing education participation in extensive clinics with well-renowned horsemen, before starting the next leg of her journey at The Pebble Beach Equestrian Center. PBEC proved to be an excellent venue to gain experience with a large riding school, summer-long camp sessions, and a multitude of year-round horse shows. Six years later, Alison ventured out on her own and started Alison Potter Training at Cypress Stables, where she continued to teach and continued success with her students in the show ring.
After much deliberation, Alison chose to leave Monterey to continue her lifelong quest of learning and growing and joined the team at Kelly Maddox Training in Northern California, where she expanded the riding school program and developed a successful schooling show series for KMT, which eventually led into horse show management, another passion.
Alison specializes in starting children and adults with the proper foundation; focusing on safety, confidence and clear communication with the horse, while developing a balanced seat. She believes in teaching her students excellence in riding, as well as, comprehensive and complete horsemanship skills, with an emphasis on FUN. Alison believes in a lifetime of learning, which is something everyone experiences when working around and riding horses.