Riding instructor Zoe Lirakis has been working with physically and developmentally delayed children as well as at risk teens for a many years. Having grown up on the farm, she has been around and on these horses for most of her life. Zoe has been riding for 15 years, competing in many different disciplines with the Curly horses. Zoe is certified in CPR, First Aid, CPI- which is a de-escalation technique used by many human service or social work professionals, and is familiar with the Challenge by Choice teaching method. She also carries certification in riding instruction from NARHA.

Owner of Top O' The Hill Farm, Betsy Lirakis, has been breeding American Curly Horses since 1985 with attention put on a well rounded horse with good conformation and personality while maintaining the integrity of a very rare breed. She has experience with working with people with persistant and chronic mental illness and facilitated a local support group for relatives/spouses/parents of the mentally ill in Vermont, an experience which lends a sincere understanding of disabilities in that area.