TAA Staff
Stacie Clark-Rogers
Operations Consultant
Stacie Clark has been with the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since its inception in 2012, first as a board member, but she assumed the role of Operations Consultant shortly after in 2014. Raised in Ontario, Canada, she is the daughter of Thoroughbred trainer Joan Clark and owner Peter Clark.
After graduating, she worked in the film and television industry in Toronto. After four years in the field and as an assistant editor, the chance to ride races as a jockey was expiring and her career in television was put on hold.
Stacie rode as a jockey in Ontario and was nominated for the 1994 Sovereign Award as Outstanding Apprentice in Canada. When Woodbine Racetrack expanded its television department in 1999 the cross over to associate producer and racing television commentator was a natural one.
In 2004, as Thoroughbred Retirement Program Manager at Adena Springs, the first ever in-house retirement program was created. Stacie was also directly involved in the implementation and management of the aftercare programs at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park.
In 2013, Stacie co-produced HRTV’s Eclipse Award-winning and Emmy-nominated documentary “Saratoga War Horse.” Stacie has made numerous presentations on behalf of Thoroughbred aftercare throughout North America as well as in the U.K. and Japan.
Emily Dresen
Director, Funding & Events
Emily Dresen is a rider-turned-racer Ocala, Florida native who is passionate about Thoroughbred aftercare.
Previously, she worked at a major breeding farm in Kentucky in Thoroughbred consignment and stallion season sales before joining the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance as the Funding and Events Manager. As TAA Funding and Events Director, she focuses on assistance and development of participating and prospective donors and supporters, while also overseeing all aspects of event planning and management.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in equine business from the University of Louisville. Now, she enjoys spending time with her family on their farm in Paris, KY.
Catherine Flowers
Office Manager
Catherine joined the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in the fall of 2020 as the Office Manager, assisting in the daily functioning of the office. A Dallas, Texas native, she grew up riding off-track Thoroughbreds at a hunter/jumper barn before moving to the bluegrass for college.
She graduated from Asbury University with a degree in equine management and worked for several years at a TAA-accredited facility as the barn manager, media manager, and finally program coordinator. During that time, she helped retrain and rehome over 300 off-track Thoroughbreds, and her appreciation for the breed and the racing industry deepened.
In addition to her love of Thoroughbreds, she enjoys reading, watching NBA basketball, and spending time with friends.
Suzie Picou-Oldham
Inspections Administrator
Suzie Picou-Oldham came to the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in December of 2016 and serves as the Inspections Administrator. She inspects and organizes inspections of organizations around the country and all their facilities for review in the accreditation process.
A lifelong industry professional, she has been a winning jockey, owner and breeder from a family of multiple jockeys and trainers as well. Past positions include stallions season sales and marketing at Dixiana Farm, Spendthrift Farm, Stonewall Farm and Darby Dan Farm. She began her post riding career in advertising and as a photographer for North American racing publications nationally and abroad. She also served as a customer service representative at OwnerView.com and the Thoroughbred Owner Conference.
She is a member of The Thorobreds (women’s group) and Jockeys and Jeans for PDJF.
Jennifer Smith
Social Media Specialist
Roots & Anchors photography
Jen Smith joined the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in November 2021 as the Social Media Specialist. A Kentucky native, she graduated from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s in Secondary Education and Integrated Strategic Communication, focusing primarily on public relations. Since graduating, she has worked in marketing and communications in various industries but is excited to put her skills to work for an industry she has always loved.
Jen’s love of Thoroughbreds began as a child when her uncle introduced her to his 1996 Java Gold colt, Bag of Java, and has only grown since then. She began riding at the age of five and currently owns an off-track Thoroughbred. She competed for years in 3-Day Eventing and currently enjoys watching her OTTB from the sidelines as he and his leaser campaign along the east coast.
Matthew Thacker
Director, Financial Development
Matt joined the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance in the spring of 2021 as the Finance and Data Manager. A graduate of Eastern Kentucky University, he has worked in the accounting profession for nearly 10 years.
Before joining the TAA, he worked as the Finance Manager of US operations for an international manufacturing company. Previously holding roles as Director of Finance and Operations for the Commonwealth of Kentucky and Finance Manager for a global nonprofit.
After serving 5 years in the United States Marine Corps, he relocated back to his home state of Kentucky.
Janice Towles
Accreditation & Grants Manager
Janice Towles has functioned as the Accreditation and Grants Manager for the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance since its inception in 2012. Her main role is to review the accreditation applications that are submitted each year and assist accredited organizations with their accreditation and grant application. Prior to joining the TAA, she was the Manager of Registration Services and the Mail Center at The Jockey Club.
She attended Morehead State University on a basketball scholarship and completed a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in business administration.
Her hobbies include running, watching and attending sporting events, reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
She is a member of numerous associations including The Thorobreds, Morehead State Foundation Board of Trustees, Morehead State University Alumni Association, St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Fayette County Election Office, and Belfry High School Hall of Fame. As well as holding a license as a Notary Public.
