board of directors and special advisors

kristina flanagan, president

I have committed my heart and energies to COLT because of my direct experience of transformation working with Erica, Joost, their horses and mine. COLT’s vision of reuniting human and equine hearts is alive for me and I cherish the opportunity to support that vision in the lives of others. There are 7 equines on my property today, of all histories and talents. My experience within nonprofit Board work is primarily in the arts, visual and performing. I can think of no greater extension of that history than to the art of partnered horsemanship, available to all in a time of universal healing.

Jonathan Smolowe, VP & secretary

Following a 12-year career at IBM in a variety of sales and management positions (1978-1990), Jonathan joined Bottomline Technologies in 1990 as its original sales executive and the 8^th employee.  In his 18 years at Bottomline, Jonathan delivered an unparalleled record of accomplishment in field sales, sales management and general management.  His success enabled the Company to achieve recognition and industry dominance in numerous domestic and international markets. With his leadership, the company grew from no revenue to a public company with over $130 million in annual sales when he left.  Today Bottomline Technologies grosses $700 million/year.  Jonathan joined White Pine Systems, LLC in 2008 as their EVP, Sales & Marketing. White Pine is the HIT market leader in patient engagement solutions for the healthcare industry.

In 2018, Jonathan bought one of the first Spaulding Decon franchises. Within 3 months, his new venture hit neutral cash flow, and by the 8th month, there was positive cash flow. He is certified in all required areas of expertise. 
Jonathan is a graduate of Princeton University (1974-1978) with a degree in Economics.

Christine Wendel, Treasurer

Christine Wendel, a 2020 winner of the Santa Fe Make a Difference Award, is a person who gives life to every path she walks. Her experience as a board member and administrator of programs directly supporting those struggling with addiction is broad, committed and effective. As co-founder of Recovery Santa Fe, Chris has dedicated her extensive leadership in the field to increasing awareness of recovery, reducing stigma/discrimination and to the annual Santa Fe Rally for Recovery Celebration. 

As a past member and Chair of the NM Behavioral Health Planning Council, Chris offers networks and know-how to support COLT’s sustainability. As a prior Chair and Board member of Santa Fe Recovery Center she is a direct link to programs which benefit from COLT’s equine partners. As a prior member of the federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration, she has a broad view into what is possible. We are so delighted to have Christine’s support for COLT’s success.

Barbara Groth, Special advisor

Barbara Groth is founder and creative director of the Nomadic School of Wonder and former SVP, Creative for Meow Wolf, an immersive art experience company in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Barbara has spent thirty years at the intersection of creativity, emerging technologies and human centered design for the likes of Walt Disney Imagineering, Pixar, Google, X, LACMA, LEGO, Vulcan, Bruce Mau Design, the Museum of Science & Industry and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Since founding the Nomadic School of Wonder in 2015, Barbara leads a traveling troupe of artists, teachers and adventurers who create “adventures in awe” in small towns throughout the world. Each site specific sensory driven adventure is a unique, joyous and spontaneous experience into the unknown. By weaving together nature, art, community and play, the Nomadic School of Wonder aims to restore our limitless imagination, expand our creative potential and deepen our connection to ourselves, each other and to the natural world.