About the SCPA Board of Directors
The Board is responsible for oversight of the SCPA site including its operations, programming, fundraising, community outreach, and community relations as they relate to our mission. As such, our members represent a diversity of interests such as residents of different parts of the canyon and LA and riders of different disciplines. Our members also intentionally possess a wide variety of skill sets including legal, financial, and non-profit backgrounds. Because of the diversity of backgrounds and perspectives, we commonly have lively conversations, but what holds us together is a common passion for the future of the SCPA equestrian site.
The board meets every 4-6 weeks to review finances, the SCPA site’s needs including personnel issues, project proposals, and to review any concerns from stakeholders including members, trainers, affiliated programs, and neighbors.
The term length for board members is two years for a maximum of 3 consecutive terms totaling six years. New members are sought by board members when there is a need for a particular skill set or to replace a member who is leaving. If you believe you or someone you know should be considered for a future board post, please feel free to send a letter explaining this to us.
Interested parties can review SCPA Board Minutes to gain a basic idea of discussions at a given board meeting or newsletters to keep up to date on all things site related.
For confidential communication with our Board of Directors, please email: scpaboard@sullivancanyon.org
To view our Board Meeting Minutes click HERE
Brenda Miller, Board President and Treasurer
Brenda is a resident of Sullivan Canyon along with her husband, 2 horses and their assortment of English labs and rescue puppies. She is a hunter/jumper rider and enjoys sharing the camaraderie of the sport with fellow horse lovers and neighbors. Having donated her time to organizations serving underprivileged communities around the world, she is convinced of the unifying nature of her two biggest passions - horses and jazz - to break down barriers and bring people together!
Cathy Moretti, Secretary
Cathy grew up riding on the east coast where her first equine companion was a retired race horse. She is the former President of Greyhound Friends, the first rescue organization in the country. Of the Canyon, Cathy says: “I’m so grateful to have found my way to this treasure that is the SCPA and I cherish the friendships made with supportive, like-minded members who also value our organization.” You can find Cathy on site just about every day with her beautiful chestnut mare, Dippy.
Peyton Wilson, Director
Peyton Wilson is a Santa Monica native and has been riding since she was 2 years old, beginning with the infamous Egon in Malibu. Her father and uncles rode at Sullivan Canyon in the 80’s - and Peyton has been riding at Sullivan for the past 10 years. Peyton is also a member of the Leadership Council at the Nature Conservancy and believes in the power of nature and animals to connect all of us. When not riding, Peyton directs commercials and documentaries, with a focus on creating heartfelt and sincere stories.
David Ravins, Director
David has previously served several terms on our board yet decided he still has much to give to the SCPA and we are thrilled to welcome him back. He moved to the canyon at just six years old and watched his father along with past Board members and neighbors develop the very site we call the SCPA today. David was instrumental in originally implementing the school field trips to the site and is going to champion our outreach programs once again. He keeps his connection to horses operating Ravins Equine Transport.
Melanie (Mel) Kaplan, Director
Melanie lives in Sullivan Canyon with her husband Josh and children Ella and Maxwell. While it was her daughter Ella who lead Melanie to horses, she soon found her own love and appreciation for riding that the SCPA open space made possible. Melanie maintains an acupuncture and healing practice in Brentwood, which has taken her away from riding but with kids soon off to college her re-entry is imminent. Mel has served on multiple school boards, the board for Harmony with No Limits and previously served as the SCPA board president. Josh and Melanie are philanthropically involved in the LA Philharmonic, NRDC and a variety of other charitable organizations. Fulfilling the mission of preserving this most special open space in Los Angeles for generations to come is what calls her to serve again on the SCPA.