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Caring for the people who care for the horses

OUR MISSION

BEST is a nonprofit organization that is devoted to resolving the health and social needs of the several thousand barn area ("backstretch") workers of the Aqueduct, Belmont, and Saratoga racetracks by providing on-site counseling and primary healthcare services, access to health insurance, and case management assistance.​

34 Years of Service

OUR VALUES

Quality of care

BEST is committed to providing

backstretch workers with the highest standard of care and medical expertise, empowering them to live healthy and well.

Respect

Honesty

Community

BEST makes the individualized needs of the backstretch workers our top priority, always taking their wishes, rights, and traditions into consideration.

BEST performs our work with the highest regard for personal dignity and professional ethics.

BEST facilitates connections 
among backstretch workers and the community at large, fostering a sense of belonging and
shared experience.

MEET OUR PEOPLE

Leadership
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Paul Ruchames, LCSW

Executive Director

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Nancy L. Underwood - MA

Saratoga Program Director 

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Frank Caruso

Controller

The Team

Belmont

Francisco Barrera, CPRA // Assistant Teacher 

Paola Cardenas // Office Manager

Leyda Medrano // Administrative Assistant

Stella Cardenas // Outreach Coordinator and Case Manager

Kristy Wong // Consultant

Stephanie Garthwaite, LMHC, MSW// Substance Abuse Counselor

Gladys Llerena // Health Benefits Coordinator

Juana Maria, MSW, CASAC // Substance Abuse Counselor

Vivian Muniz // Benefits Director

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Saratoga

Judy Beck, LCSW-R // Clinical Social Worker

Jeselle Brandebourger // Client Care Manager

Robert Dufort // Transportation

Josephine Serravento // Dental & Vision Benefits Coordinator

Sheriza Serravento // Assistant Director of Saratoga

Roger Sousa // Volunteer Coordinator

Board of Directors

Officers

Iris Roberts | Co-Chair  

Associate General Counsel, NYRA

Co-Chair

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Najja Thompson | Secretary

Executive Director, NYTB

Jimmy Ferraro | Treasurer

Horse Trainer

Members

Dan Summers | Member

Senior Director of Administration

Tom Durkin | Member

Retired Track Announcer  

Lauren Evans | Member

Nicole Rudolph-Katz | Member

SVP, Corporate Risk Solutions 

Leah Gyarmati | Member

Horse Trainer

Chad Brown | Member

Horse Trainer

Aaron Yagoda | Member

We Need Your Support Today!

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