WHO
WE ARE

BEST is a nonprofit organization committed to supporting the health and well-being of the dedicated workers in the barn areas, or 'backstretch,' at Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga racetracks.

We offer on-site counseling, primary healthcare services, access to health insurance, and case management support, all designed to meet the unique needs of these essential workers.

It Started with a Cup of Coffee.

Our first official mark

How a simple act of connection in 1989 built the foundation of

the Backstretch Employee Service Team.

A Spark of Connection

In 1989, an exercise rider noticed his fellow NY backstretch workers were homesick and quietly struggling. He began bringing them coffee to spark conversation, small, daily moments of empathy that became the very foundation of BEST.

Expanding the Care

As the needs of this unique population became clearer, BEST expanded. Two primary healthcare clinics were added, designed to accommodate the demanding schedules of backstretch life. Through medical services, mental health counseling, and substance use programming, BEST grew into a full health and human services agency.

The Power of Community

To bring celebration and dignity to the workers who make racing possible, Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson helped expand our mission through the Backstretch Appreciation program. More than three decades later, BEST remains rooted in that first cup of coffee, dedicated to caring for the people who care for the horses.

Support Our Mission

Leadership.

Executive Director

Nancy Underwood

Nancy has been the Executive Director of BEST since January 2024. With over 10 years of nonprofit leadership experience, she leads the organization's efforts to provide vital health, education, and social services to the backstretch community. Nancy is dedicated to building partnerships and expanding programs to meet the evolving needs of workers, ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve.

Operations Director

Paola Cardenas

Paola oversees daily office operations and leads strategic fundraising efforts at BEST. Previously, as the Health Benefits Coordinator, she gained a deep understanding of the backstretch community and forged strong connections both on and off the track. Paola enjoys city life, loves to travel, and is passionate about animals.

Benefits Director

Vivian Muniz

Vivian has been with BEST since 2006, overseeing Health and Human Services for backstretch workers at Belmont Park. Her dedication to the backstretch community is deeply personal, as helping them navigate their challenges gives her a strong sense of purpose. In her free time, Vivian enjoys cooking Puerto Rican and Italian cuisine and spending time with her family.

Care Services Director

Danielle Alvarez

Danielle oversees mental health, substance use counseling, and educational services for backstretch workers. Fluent in Spanish, she ensures vital programs like substance use treatment and ESL education are accessible to all. Danielle also leads outreach at Belmont and Saratoga, collaborating with community partners to enhance services.

Board of Directors.

Iris Roberts

Co-Chair
Associate General Counsel/Director of Compliance for NYRA

Ms. Roberts' interest in racing began in law school when she attended her first race in Saratoga. Since that time, Ms. Roberts has spent her career at NYRA helping to ensure the safety and integrity of the sport from within. Prior to being appointed to the BEST board in 2019, Ms. Roberts collaborated with her NYRA colleagues to improve the living and working conditions in the backstretch by helping to implement new dormitory health and safety measures. As Board Co-Chair, Ms. Roberts works to continuously build a seamless and mutually beneficial relationship between BEST and NYRA.

Aron Yagoda

Co-Chair
Owner/NYTHA Board Member

Mr. Yagoda is the Executive VP of Streit’s Matzos, a family business since 1925. A lifelong NYRA race attendee, he’s active in the Thoroughbred industry as an owner, breeder, and pinhooker. Passionate about racing, Mr. Yagoda spends his free time supporting industry causes, serving on the NYTHA board, and running social media campaigns for injured jockeys. His love of racing and care for others make him a great fit for the BEST Board.

Daniel Summers

Vice Chair
Senior Director of Administration
Daniel is the Senior Director of Administration at NYRA, where he leads efforts to streamline key tasks. A thoroughbred owner, breeder, and fan, he co-owned Mind Your Biscuits, a two-time New York-bred Horse of the Year. With family ties to training and his role at NYRA, Mr. Summers is committed to ensuring top care and support for backstretch workers.

Najja Thompson

Secretary
Executive Director, NYTB

Najja is the Executive Director of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. (NYTB), advocating for New York-breds and promoting the economic impact of breeders and racing. He joined NYTB in 2020 after nearly a decade at NYRA in marketing, communications, and HR. Thompson also serves as president of the Turf Publicists of America and sits on several boards, including NYRA and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. A Florida State University graduate, his passion for racing began with his uncle, a small breeder, leading him to pursue a career in the industry.

James Ferraro

Treasurer

Originally from Arizona, third-generation horseman James trained under Hall of Fame trainer Allen Jerkens and has been based in New York since 1977. His top stakes horses include Board Eligible, Double Dee’s, India Halo, and Lorccan. A member of the Trainers’ Committee for the New York Backstretch Pension Fund Trust since 2005, Mr. Ferraro is dedicated to the health and safety of his staff and advocates for all backstretch workers through BEST.

Chad Brown

Member

While growing up in Mechanicville, N.Y., Brown frequently attended the summer meet at nearby Saratoga Race Course with his family. He got his first experience around horses during high school working with Standardbred trainer Paul Kelley at Saratoga Raceway. While he was a student at Cornell University, where he was headed toward a career as a veterinarian, Brown worked summers for Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey. By the time he graduated from Cornell, Brown had decided that he would rather train horses and continued working for McGaughey.

Christopher Cipolla

Member
General Manager, Horse Racing DraftKings Inc.

A passionate horse racing fan and former owner, Chris has been with DraftKings since 2018 and now leads its horse racing division, DK Horse. Previously, he worked on DraftKings' Government Affairs team, helping pass laws on fantasy sports, sports betting, and online casinos. An attorney, he has also worked for the Town of Harrison and managed his own practice. Mr. Cipolla leverages his legal and industry expertise to support and promote BEST’s mission.

Leah Gyarmati

Member
Horse Trainer

Leah started working with show horses at a young age and joined Hall of Fame Trainer H.A. Jerkens as an exercise rider and assistant in 1981. She later became a jockey and established her own training stable in 1998, producing multiple Grade 1 winners and Breeders' Cup competitors. Her extensive experience helps the BEST Board address the unique challenges faced by backstretch workers.

Edward J. Messina, Ph.D

Member
Owner/Breeder

Dr. Messina is an award-winning researcher and professor at New York Medical College. His passion for thoroughbreds led him to explore breeding and pedigrees using his research skills. Wanting to give back to the sport he loves, Dr. Messina has served on the NYTHA Board and its subcommittees. His medical expertise and love of racing make him a valuable consultant for BEST's medical programs.

Nicole Rudolph

Member
SVP, Corporate Risk Solutions

Nicole has over 23 years of experience in the insurance industry, specializing in large Property & Casualty programs. At Corporate Risk Solutions, she leads the Stewardship practice and drives business growth strategies. Formerly NYRA’s Director of Risk Management, she has served on the BEST Board since 2015. Her expertise in risk, insurance, and horse racing strengthens BEST's support for backstretch workers.

Zachary Richards

Member
Area Leader of Marketing, Fry Cook & Cashier / Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers

Zach is the Area Marketing Leader for Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, overseeing marketing, PR, sponsorships, and community partnerships. A lifelong horse racing fan, he previously worked at Keeneland Racecourse and in NYRA’s Marketing Department. His marketing expertise and industry connections help BEST refine its messaging and broaden its reach.

Davis J. Klein

Member

Davis is an Equine Biometric Specialist for the New York Racing Association (NYRA), where he helps advance the health, safety, and performance of racehorses. A Louisville native and lifelong racing enthusiast, his passion began in childhood summers at Saratoga.

He gained early industry experience interning with NYRA in 2016 and working at Kentucky’s historic Hermitage Farm, deepening his knowledge of equine care and management. Davis returned to NYRA full-time in 2021.

He holds a B.A. in Business Management from the University of Denver and a graduate certificate from the University of Louisville’s Equine Industry Program. Dedicated to the future of racing, Davis brings both business acumen and equine expertise to BEST’s board.

Katie Neer

Member

Katie brings extensive experience in government affairs, regulatory policy, and nonprofit governance to the BEST Board. As Founder of KND Group LLC and Of Counsel at Dickinson & Avella PLLC, she advises businesses, trade associations, and nonprofit organizations on regulatory compliance, public policy, and strategic planning. Katie previously served for ten years on the Board of UHPP, including two years as Board Chair, where she helped guide organizational strategy and governance initiatives.

A Saratoga resident with a deep appreciation for horse racing and the people who make it possible, Katie is committed to supporting and advocating for the backstretch community.

Kevin Wright

Member

Kevin is the Medicaid Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Division of Finance and Rate Setting within the New York State Department of Health’s Office of Health Insurance Programs, a position he has held since 2023. He brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare finance, Medicaid, and public-sector health programs, with expertise in healthcare funding, rate setting, and fiscal policy.

A longtime horse racing fan, Kevin began attending races with his family on Long Island in the 1970s. He has called the Saratoga Springs area home since 2005 and regularly attends the races during the Saratoga season.

Kevin’s healthcare and health insurance expertise, combined with his longstanding connection to horse racing and Saratoga, makes him a valuable addition to the BEST Board and its mission to support the backstretch community.

Danielle Bricker

Member

Danielle is the Racing Manager for Mike Repole’s Stable, a position she has held since 2022. She began her career with Todd Pletcher, working in several roles including hot walker, barn foreperson, and sales manager, gaining hands-on experience across different areas of the Thoroughbred racing industry.

With a deep passion for racing and firsthand experience working alongside horsemen and backstretch staff, Danielle brings a strong understanding of the people and daily work that make the sport possible. She is committed to supporting the backstretch community and contributing her industry experience to BEST’s mission.

Monica R. Marrochello

Member

Monica is a longtime advocate for the Thoroughbred racing community and has served as a member of BEST’s Advisory Council. She brings experience in nonprofit development, donor relations, and community engagement, including her work with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, where she supported donor outreach, foundation research, and fundraising initiatives.

A Thoroughbred racehorse owner and passionate supporter of the racing industry, Monica has a deep appreciation for the people who make the sport possible. Her experience working with racing-related nonprofits and her commitment to the Thoroughbred community make her a strong advocate for BEST and its mission to support backstretch workers.

Matthew E. Neuringer

Member

Matthew is a Partner at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, where he advises public agencies, developers, lenders, and investors on major infrastructure, energy, transportation, and public-private partnership projects. His work includes advising organizations such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City Health + Hospitals, and the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York.

Matthew also served for more than a decade in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps, where he provided legal counsel to military leaders and soldiers and served as lead trial counsel and a legal advisor.

A Saratoga Springs resident, Matthew brings his legal experience, leadership background, and commitment to the community to BEST. He is passionate about supporting the organization’s mission and the backstretch workers who are an essential part of Thoroughbred racing.

The BEST Team.

Belmont

Francisco Barrera // Outreach Advocate

Stephanie Garthwaite, LMHC, MSW // Mental Health Counselor

Gladys Llerena // Health Benefits Coordinator

Juana Maria, CASAC-G, MSW // Substance Abuse Counselor

Leyda Medrano // Administrative Assistant

Nazim Nagir // Transportation

Hanna Podhorna // ESL Teacher

Saratoga

Judy Beck, LCSW-R // Clinical Social Worker

Erin Fleming // Office Assistant

Silvana Lee // Medical Coordinator

Lisa Murray // Program Assistant

LeaEt Ordon // Transportation

Terra Ou // Content Creator

Pro Bono Team.

Brad Fischer

Mr. Fischer, Of Counsel at Orrick, NY, leverages his experience as a former state regulator and U.S. regulatory counsel to address legal issues in the gaming industry. A Saratoga Springs resident and horse racing fan, he helps BEST navigate complex legal challenges and advance its mission.

David Weinraub

Mr. Weinraub, co-founder and managing partner of Brown Weinraub, New York's top lobbying firm, previously served on Governor Mario Cuomo's senior staff and held key roles in state government. He brings his creativity, judgment, and network of policymakers to help BEST expand its program and secure funding to support backstretch workers long-term.

Erin Callahan

Ms. Callahan, a Member at Bond, Schoeneck & King, brings her experience in labor and employment law to help BEST navigate legal matters and support its mission. A Saratoga Springs community leader, she brings her legal expertise and commitment to the community to BEST’s work on behalf of backstretch workers.

WHO
WE ARE

It Started with a Cup of Coffee.

Our first official mark