Instructors and Staff
Harry Swimmer
Founder / PATH Certified Instructor
Pictured here with his wife and Mitey Riders co-founder Marilyn Swimmer, Harry started Misty Meadows Mitey Riders over 20 years ago. His family’s love of horses, a philanthropic spirit, and a curiosity about life’s next ventures, turned out to be the fate-filled formula that triggered Harry to investigate therapeutic riding programs. But it was witnessing the transformation when placing a friend’s seven-year-old disabled daughter onto a horse that propelled the Swimmers to convert their family farm into Mitey Riders. After a successful insurance career, Harry returned to his alma mater, Penn State, to undergo training in therapeutic riding. He also served on PATH Intl.’s (previously named NARHA) national board as VP for 6 years.
Joy Simon
Program Director / PATH Certified Instructor
Joy Simon, the program director of Mitey Riders for all 20+ years, was born and raised in Charlotte where she developed her background in education as well as veterinary and horsemanship. Her special bond with the riders and unending enthusiasm is apparent to all those around her. Joy continues to be the driving force in the operations, creativity and therapeutic results of the Misty Meadows Mitey Riders program.
Lisa O'Connell
Executive Director / PATH Certified Instructor
Pam Perez
Volunteer Coordinator, Program Admin. Assistant
Morgan Helms
PATH Certified Instructor, Marketing Coordinator
Susan Griffith
PATH Certified Instructor, Equipment Manager