Our Board
Steady Leadership
Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center is governed as a single, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization by a volunteer Board of Directors. Our directors are parents of children with disabilities, leaders in their fields and advocates for what Rainbow does. Through their leadership, guidance and support, Rainbow is able to deliver on its promise to use equine assisted activities to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.
LAUREN PETERSON — President
Lauren Peterson is the Executive Director of the Peterson Family Foundation. In this capacity, she has served on many Boards in the DC Region. Her interests range from education for At-Risk Youth to Health and Human Services. Current board responsibilities include: Teach For America (Capital Region), Venture Philanthropy Partners, INOVA Cancer Institute Advisory Board, Secretary for the Washington International Horse Show and most recently became the President of the Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center Board. Lauren is an avid horsewoman and enjoys training and competing her show jumpers.
PAULA CAMPBELL MILLIAN - Secretary
Paula joined the Rainbow Board in 2021. She has a law degree from the University of Virginia and an economics degree from Southern Methodist University. After practicing securities law for many years, she was in the legal recruiting business until her retirement a few years ago. She has served on several boards over the years. She grew up riding and after a 20-year hiatus returned to the sport several years ago. She learned of Rainbow when looking for the next act for her retired fox hunter, Bentley, who is now a fixture in the program and is thrilled to serve on the Board.
RON KNECHT — Vice President
Ron Knecht joined the Rainbow Center Board in January 2012. He chairs the Facility Development Committee. Ron is retired and has a long term interest in supporting the physically and intellectually challenged. Ron applies his background in the military and industry to further Rainbow’s growth. He lives in Nokesville, Virginia.
FRANK ABRAMCHECK — Member
Frank Abramcheck, our newest member, joined the Rainbow Board in September 2023. Frank is a retired executive, having worked with several firms serving both Federal and State Government clients and plans to utilize that experience to expand his long-standing interest in Rainbow. Frank and his wife Carla share responsibilities for their farm in Marshall, Virginia.
SANDRA SURABIAN — Member
Sandra Surabian joined the board in September 2022. She and her husband are retired Air Force Officers. After retiring from the Air Force, Sandra became a CPA and started her accounting firm in Haymarket, VA. She and her husband have three adult children and live near Bull Run Mountain, where they enjoy hiking with their dogs and are volunteering for local organizations providing services to veterans and engaging in environmental protection. Although not a horsewoman, Sandra loves all animals and has seen the benefits of equine-assisted therapy in the veteran community. She is thrilled to be involved with the impressive and impactful program at Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center.