Caring for the people who care for the horses
OUR MISSION
BEST is a nonprofit organization that is devoted to meeting the health and social welfare 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.​
30 Years of Support
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 // Assistant Teacher
Paola Cardenas // Benefits Coordinator
Stella Cardenas // Outreach Coordinator and Case Manager
Kristy Wong // Office Manager
Stephanie Garthwaite, LMHC, MSW// Substance Abuse Counselor
Gladys Llerena // Benefits Administrative Assistant
Juana Maria, MSW, CASAC // Substance Abuse Counselor
Vivian Muniz // Benefits Director
Victoria Palacios // ESL Teacher, and Citizenship Class Teacher
Luisa Garcia-Soler // ESL Teacher
Saratoga
Samira Bazoni // Client Care Coordinator
Judy Beck, LCSW-R // Clinical Social Worker
Jeselle Brandebourger // Language Service Coordinator
Robert Dufort // Transportation
Julio Pantoja, CASAC-G // Substance Abuse Counselor
Josephine Serravento // Dental & Vision Benefits Coordinator
Sheriza Serravento // Program Assistant and Special Events
Roger Sousa // Volunteer Coordinator
Board of Directors
Officers
Andy Belfiore | Co-Chair
Project Manager, THA
Iris Roberts | Co-Chair | Secretary
Associate General Counsel, NYRA
Jimmy Ferraro | Treasurer
Horse Trainer
Members
William Alempijevic | Member
Executive Director, NYTHA
Chad Brown | Member
Horse Trainer
Tom Durkin | Member
Retired Track Announcer
Nicole Rudolph-Katz | Member
SVP, Corporate Risk Solutions
Leah Gyarmati | Member
Horse Trainer
Vanessa Rodriguez | Member
Community Relations & Public Affairs, NYRA
We Need Your Support Today!