Board of Directors
Wendy, President
Founded AAE in 2009. Ms. Digiorno provides the overall direction of AAE and its growth while also working in the environmental consulting industry. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Toxicology from the University of California, Davis, California, in 1988, and she has worked in the environmental consulting industry for over 25 years. A growing interest in real estate, contaminated properties, and the integration with environmental consulting prompted her to pursue a law degree. She completed her Juris Doctorate degree from Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco in 2005, with a Certificate of Specialization with Distinction in Real Estate Law. She has over 35 years professional experience, with success in small business planning, start-up, development, operations and expansion. Ms. Digiorno’s business success began as an office manager in a family business. Concurrently, her passion for playing competitive and semi-professional soccer translated to coaching youth soccer at the competitive, Olympic Development, and collegiate levels. Ms. Digiorno grew up with horses, mostly riding Arabians and Welsh Ponies. She takes great pride in AAE’s outstanding adoption rate (an overall average nearly 85 percent), the ability to function successfully without over-extending resources, and the development of programs beneficial to both animals and humans.
Founded AAE in 2009. Ms. Digiorno provides the overall direction of AAE and its growth while also working in the environmental consulting industry. She received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Toxicology from the University of California, Davis, California, in 1988, and she has worked in the environmental consulting industry for over 25 years. A growing interest in real estate, contaminated properties, and the integration with environmental consulting prompted her to pursue a law degree. She completed her Juris Doctorate degree from Golden Gate University School of Law, San Francisco in 2005, with a Certificate of Specialization with Distinction in Real Estate Law. She has over 35 years professional experience, with success in small business planning, start-up, development, operations and expansion. Ms. Digiorno’s business success began as an office manager in a family business. Concurrently, her passion for playing competitive and semi-professional soccer translated to coaching youth soccer at the competitive, Olympic Development, and collegiate levels. Ms. Digiorno grew up with horses, mostly riding Arabians and Welsh Ponies. She takes great pride in AAE’s outstanding adoption rate (an overall average nearly 85 percent), the ability to function successfully without over-extending resources, and the development of programs beneficial to both animals and humans.
Danielle Benoit, Vice President
Danielle (Dani) Benoit has served on the Board of Directors since 2020. Dani became involved with AAE in July 2014 when she began volunteering at the rescue, helping with feeding, and caring for the horses and other farm animals. Shortly afterwards, she started helping in other areas. Dani has assisted in grant writing, decorating for events and is the first one to volunteer to navigate the dusty barn rafters. Her passion has always been horses and she is excited to help AAE achieve its mission in any way that she can. Since 2015, Dani has been the Auction Coordinator for all major AAE fundraisers, as well as the lead for Giving Tuesday, Big Day of Giving and End of Year fundraising events. Dani is also a lead at the AAE Used Tack Store since it opened in 2017. Dani graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2005. When not working for the horses, she is working as a Technical Manager for the CalSAWS Project and is a leader for a local chapter of a national women’s educational non-profit.
Danielle (Dani) Benoit has served on the Board of Directors since 2020. Dani became involved with AAE in July 2014 when she began volunteering at the rescue, helping with feeding, and caring for the horses and other farm animals. Shortly afterwards, she started helping in other areas. Dani has assisted in grant writing, decorating for events and is the first one to volunteer to navigate the dusty barn rafters. Her passion has always been horses and she is excited to help AAE achieve its mission in any way that she can. Since 2015, Dani has been the Auction Coordinator for all major AAE fundraisers, as well as the lead for Giving Tuesday, Big Day of Giving and End of Year fundraising events. Dani is also a lead at the AAE Used Tack Store since it opened in 2017. Dani graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of California, Santa Cruz in 2005. When not working for the horses, she is working as a Technical Manager for the CalSAWS Project and is a leader for a local chapter of a national women’s educational non-profit.
Judy Graham, Treasurer
Judy has served on the Board since 2020. In September 2011 commenced volunteering for AAE in the administrative area. Throughout her years of volunteer service, Judy had provided valuable experience as a member of AAE’s accounting and photography teams. In addition to her duties as Treasurer, Judy continues to provide important administrative support and her focus covers accounting, horse history files and computer support as needed. Prior to volunteering at AAE, Judy started her volunteer service with Ride & Shine Adaptive Horseback Riding program in March 2003. She was on the BOD and Treasurer for the organization until its closure in 2010. She grew up in Texas where her love for horses began. Judy attended Texas Tech University with a major in Commercial Art and graduated from Merriman’s Business College with an AA degree. Judy and her husband George moved to California in the early 60s. Judy spent 22 of her 30 years at Rudolph & Sletten, Inc. working in mainframe and telecom support. Prior to that she worked as a payroll supervisor and executive administrator. In March 2002 she retired, and she and her late husband moved to Cameron Park, CA. Judy has two children who reside in California.
Judy has served on the Board since 2020. In September 2011 commenced volunteering for AAE in the administrative area. Throughout her years of volunteer service, Judy had provided valuable experience as a member of AAE’s accounting and photography teams. In addition to her duties as Treasurer, Judy continues to provide important administrative support and her focus covers accounting, horse history files and computer support as needed. Prior to volunteering at AAE, Judy started her volunteer service with Ride & Shine Adaptive Horseback Riding program in March 2003. She was on the BOD and Treasurer for the organization until its closure in 2010. She grew up in Texas where her love for horses began. Judy attended Texas Tech University with a major in Commercial Art and graduated from Merriman’s Business College with an AA degree. Judy and her husband George moved to California in the early 60s. Judy spent 22 of her 30 years at Rudolph & Sletten, Inc. working in mainframe and telecom support. Prior to that she worked as a payroll supervisor and executive administrator. In March 2002 she retired, and she and her late husband moved to Cameron Park, CA. Judy has two children who reside in California.
Cori Resha, Board Secretary
Cori has served on the Board as Secretary since 2017. Prior to her involvement with AAE, she served on the Board of another animal nonprofit and has volunteered with various animal rescue organizations for more than 14 years, including providing emergency transportation and first aid for horses displaced by fire. Cori is passionate about horses and has experienced first-hand the healing power of these majestic creatures. Cori is honored to be part of AAE and looks forward to helping AAE realize its full potential for helping horses and people. Cori and her family have adopted several rescue horses since 2006 and has credited the horses with teaching her volumes about horse behavior, training, riding and veterinary care. She and her family currently have four horses. Cori is a land use and environmental planner, specializing in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Following a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Economics from California State University, Sacramento, Cori went on to complete her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.
Cori has served on the Board as Secretary since 2017. Prior to her involvement with AAE, she served on the Board of another animal nonprofit and has volunteered with various animal rescue organizations for more than 14 years, including providing emergency transportation and first aid for horses displaced by fire. Cori is passionate about horses and has experienced first-hand the healing power of these majestic creatures. Cori is honored to be part of AAE and looks forward to helping AAE realize its full potential for helping horses and people. Cori and her family have adopted several rescue horses since 2006 and has credited the horses with teaching her volumes about horse behavior, training, riding and veterinary care. She and her family currently have four horses. Cori is a land use and environmental planner, specializing in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Following a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Economics from California State University, Sacramento, Cori went on to complete her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.
Lori Rothenberg, Director
Lori Rothenberg has served on the Board of Directors since 2020. Lori commenced volunteering with AAE in September 2018 as a ranch volunteer, helping with the feeding and care of horses. Since 2019 Lori has played an instrumental role as the lead organizer of AAE’s Outreach and Education Team. Lori also volunteers at the AAE’s Tack Store, and she helps with new volunteer orientations. Lori has always had a special passion for horses. Lori has a four-year degree in marketing from Bowling Green State University. She retired from the mortgage industry after 37 years. Lori has been married to her husband Robert for 37 years, has two daughters, one dog, and three grand dogs.
Lori Rothenberg has served on the Board of Directors since 2020. Lori commenced volunteering with AAE in September 2018 as a ranch volunteer, helping with the feeding and care of horses. Since 2019 Lori has played an instrumental role as the lead organizer of AAE’s Outreach and Education Team. Lori also volunteers at the AAE’s Tack Store, and she helps with new volunteer orientations. Lori has always had a special passion for horses. Lori has a four-year degree in marketing from Bowling Green State University. She retired from the mortgage industry after 37 years. Lori has been married to her husband Robert for 37 years, has two daughters, one dog, and three grand dogs.
Dana Schumacher, Director
Dana Schumacher has served on the Board since 2020. Dana has volunteered at AAE for five years in various capacities and currently serves on AAE’s Community and Donor Relations Team. As a youth growing up in the Midwest, Dana rode horses on her uncle and aunt’s farm in Iowa. Post retirement, she renewed her lifelong love of horses by volunteering at a horse rescue in Colorado prior to her AAE volunteer services. In 2021, Dana adopted a Quarter Horse she had been sponsoring for many years. Dana has previously served on the boards of nonprofits in Pennsylvania and California. Dana holds BA and JD degrees and she retired from her employment as a legal services attorney in 2016 after 35 years of working in the legal field.
Dana Schumacher has served on the Board since 2020. Dana has volunteered at AAE for five years in various capacities and currently serves on AAE’s Community and Donor Relations Team. As a youth growing up in the Midwest, Dana rode horses on her uncle and aunt’s farm in Iowa. Post retirement, she renewed her lifelong love of horses by volunteering at a horse rescue in Colorado prior to her AAE volunteer services. In 2021, Dana adopted a Quarter Horse she had been sponsoring for many years. Dana has previously served on the boards of nonprofits in Pennsylvania and California. Dana holds BA and JD degrees and she retired from her employment as a legal services attorney in 2016 after 35 years of working in the legal field.
Mindy Wilke-Douglas, Director
Mindy Wilke-Douglas has served on the Board since 2021. She leads AAE’s Community and Donor Relations Committee and supports AAE’s various fundraising campaigns. Mindy’s first connection with AAE was in 2017 when she adopted two horses from AAE. Mindy also served on the board of the Prospector Soccer program and managed multiple youth soccer teams over the years. She was also active in church and school organizations as well as 4-H and Grange. Mindy has over 30 years of experience in the Biotechnology industry where she specialized in building Commercial Operations teams for various Cell Therapy companies. Mindy and her husband, Rick, have lived in El Dorado County since 1984 where they raised 3 daughters in Shingle Springs.
Mindy Wilke-Douglas has served on the Board since 2021. She leads AAE’s Community and Donor Relations Committee and supports AAE’s various fundraising campaigns. Mindy’s first connection with AAE was in 2017 when she adopted two horses from AAE. Mindy also served on the board of the Prospector Soccer program and managed multiple youth soccer teams over the years. She was also active in church and school organizations as well as 4-H and Grange. Mindy has over 30 years of experience in the Biotechnology industry where she specialized in building Commercial Operations teams for various Cell Therapy companies. Mindy and her husband, Rick, have lived in El Dorado County since 1984 where they raised 3 daughters in Shingle Springs.
All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc. is a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Contact
Phone: (916) 520-4223
Email: info@allaboutequine.org Location: Pilot Hill, CA
Visits By Appointment Only Mailing Address: 2201 Francisco Dr. 140-174 El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER
All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Federal Tax ID #: 27-0384523
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Volunteer SHIFT Calendar(must have completed New Volunteer Orientation)
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GNP Top-Rated Nonprofit
2014-2023 
Voted #3 Best Place to Volunteer in El Dorado County/Foothills!
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