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
Paul Ruchames, LCSW
Executive Director
Nancy L. Underwood - MA
Saratoga Program Director
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
​
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
​
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