The Old Lyme therapeutic riding center High Hopes has announced the hiring of two new employees: Claire Gadrow, Development Director, and Michele Krumenacker, Volunteer Director, starting immediately.

“It is an exciting time at High Hopes as we expand our staff,” said Kitty Stalsberg, Executive Director at High Hopes. “Claire brings over 30 years of fundraising expertise, which combined with her love of horses will be instrumental in achieving greater financial sustainability for the organization. Michele will provide strategic and sustainable leadership to volunteerism at High Hopes, and her experience in program management and counseling will support the development of our volunteer team.”

Gadrow is a senior development executive with over 30 years of leadership experience in the areas of strategy consulting, principal gifts and major gifts, planned giving, annual giving and campaign management. She has played critical roles in the success of the comprehensive campaigns ranging from $60 million to $3 billion at Rhode Island School of Design, Connecticut College, Brown University and The University of Rhode Island.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting and Master of Business Administration from The University of Rhode Island.

A lifelong equestrian, Gadrow competed in jumpers under the guidance of her trainers at Hunter Ridge stables. She is also an internationally ranked ultrarunner sponsored by Patagonia and excels at the 100-mile distance. She and her family live in southern Rhode Island.

Krumenacker brings over 20 years of experience in programming, leadership and working with individuals with disabilities. She has been competitively selected to sit on various state committees and to oversee state grant initiates in the field of early childhood development. During her 10 years at the Family Resource Center, Krumenacker oversaw daily operations and was responsible for all aspects of programing which served approximately 200 families per week.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and a Master of Science in Counseling and School Psychology.

Krumenacker grew up on her family farm in Pennsylvania and was surrounded by retired working horses. She spent much of her youth caring for these horses and the other farm animals. Michele and her family, which includes their three dogs, live in Killingworth.

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