Amy Chirinos
President
Amy Chirinos has been actively involved with Bakas Horses for Handicapped since joining the program in 2005. Christina, Amy’s daughter, is a talented rider who loves to participate in all of the activities at Bakas. Amy is the owner of Amy Chirinos Photography and she can be found tirelessly working to promote the Bakas Horses for Handicapped program throughout the Tampa area.
Jolie Smith
Vice President
Jolie Smith has two daughters that ride at Bakas. Both love the horses and Bakas summer camp. Jolie has worked for Aetna for 20+ years, and is currently a Medical Economics Manager, doing financial analyses on Medicare health care spending. The Smith family has several rescue dogs and cats. Jolie also volunteers as a girl scout leader for older girls, but is passionate about the Bakas Horses for Handicapped program. Jolie’s education includes a B.S in Biology from the University of Virginia and Masters in Health Administration from Medical College of Virginia.
Eileen Davis
Treasurer
Eileen Davis is the aunt of three special needs riders at Bakas. Eileen has worked as a preschool teacher, elementary school aide and in the retail industry. She has also been actively involved in Girl Scouts as well as numerous PTA organizations. Eileen has dedicated countless hours to Bakas at the many events for the riders along with performing her duties as treasurer. In her spare time, Eileen enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her family.
Michelle Letter
Secretary
Michelle started as a volunteer at Bakas in 2021, helping with barn chores, and as a horse handler and side-walker. A nurse by training, the thought of helping adults and children with disabilities through equine therapy seemed like a perfect way for her to give back to the community. After also volunteering at a number of parties, horse shows, summer camp, and Special Olympics events, she decided to become more involved on the Board of Directors. In addition to her duties as Secretary, she continues to volunteer most Saturdays, as well as contribute to local magazines and social media in order to spread awareness about Bakas. When not at Bakas, Michelle runs a successful medical-legal consulting business, and spends time with her family, travelling to her hometown of New Orleans, attending concerts, watching sports, and with her rescue greyhound, Phoenix.
OPENING
Communications Secretary
Tamara Blackhurst did an amazing job as the Communications Secretary. Are you next?