Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Staff
Alexis Arbaugh
Marketing Coordinator
After growing up in the Hunter/Jumper world, working and riding as a professional, Alexis decided to take a break to explore the Thoroughbred Aftercare community. As the Marketing Coordinator she assists in story development and marketing campaigns for Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
With both an Equine Riding/Training and Marketing degree from The University of Findlay in 2022, she graduated with a wealth of knowledge that she was ready to take into the industry. Alexis found her love of Thoroughbreds at college where she broke, retrained, and rehabbed ex-racehorses. When she moved to Kentucky, Alexis worked as a riding professional at one of the elite Hunter/Jumper barns in Lexington. At that barn she focused on the development of horses and riders for shows and competitions.
Outside of the barn and office, Alexis spends her time with family and friends. She enjoys traveling, trying new things, and relaxing.
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.
Samantha Smith
Director, Marketing & Communications
Samantha Smith is a passionate professional in the Thoroughbred horseracing and equine industry. Currently the Director of Marketing and Communications at Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, her expertise spans industry initiatives, graphic design, marketing, and brand strategy.
With a background in animal science and biology from the University of Kentucky, Samantha began her journey as a veterinary technician at Hagyard, fostering an in-depth understanding of equine care. Her subsequent six years at The Jockey Club honed her expertise in industry dynamics. Samantha’s other career highlights include her role as Director of Marketing and Communications at The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., where she leveraged her graphic design skills and strategic insights to elevate the organization’s presence and brand strategy. Her freelance graphic design work has contributed to her industry journey, supported by her independent graphic design LLC, where she offers consultancy and freelance services within the field.
Beyond her professional life, Samantha finds fulfillment in riding her rehomed Thoroughbred, expressing her creativity through art, gardening, and exploring new horizons through travel. Her diverse interests and genuine passion for the industry inspire her dedication to fostering positive change and making a meaningful impact on equine welfare and the horseracing community.
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.
