Our Team
CJ Wilson, Founder/Lead Trainer
CJ started riding horses when she was four and grew up riding 3-day eventers. At 17, she was working as an assistant for a saddle seat trainer and eventually for his daughter until she was 26. After learning the intricacies of training, she moved to Northern California to manage a riding stable full of jumpers, dressage, and western horses. Eventually the racetrack called to her, she worked for three years as an assistant trainer in Northern California before returning to Los Angeles. CJ worked another three years as an assistant trainer at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, and Del Mar before switching focus to being a vet tech at the non-profit equine hospital at Santa Anita Racetrack for two years. She spent another 2 years at the track as a vet assistant.
As the trainer for WPH, CJ brings with her 41 years of experience with horses, 28 years of work experience, and 10 years of experience with thoroughbred racehorses at the track. It is her dedication and true love for these animals that she works each day to ensure their future is bright.
Elisabeth Hower, Monty Roberts Certified Trainer
Elisabeth loves working with horses and riders of all levels. She is a Monty Roberts Certified Instructor, and focuses on the relationship between horse and handler over ribbons. She believes it’s not only what you can ask your horse to do, it’s who you are while you’re asking. With a foundation in Equus psychology and non-violent training, Elisabeth is equipped to help green or traumatized horses and people as well as those more established in their journey.
Elisabeth grew up in Pennsylvania riding Off Track Thoroughbreds and showing as a hunter/jumper on the A circuit through college. Her first rescue and restart experience came at the age of 16 with a gelding she would have for more than 17 years. Since moving to California in 2012, she adopted two more OTTBs, restarted them and resurrected her show career. In 2020 she began working as a trainer for Win Place Home, fulfilling a childhood dream of helping former racehorses find a second chance. For her, working with CJ and advocating for the thoroughbreds is a calling, and she grateful every day for the opportunity she’s been given.
Elisabeth was offered a scholarship to study at Monty Roberts’ Flag is Up Farms in Solvang, and worked with feral and remedial horses, as well as untouched Mustangs. In 2022 she became certified as a Monty Roberts Instructor, the fastest Instructor to ever complete the program. Keep an eye on the Win Place Home Classes page for upcoming events and clinics.
For Elisabeth, the relationship between horse and handler is paramount. She believes in sound horsemanship built upon communication and patience, and that if we listen closely, the horse will tell us everything we need to know.
Michelle Stepanian, Treasurer
Michelle has loved and cared for horses her whole life. Her first ride was when she was 5 years old and she has had many more rides since then. Michelle owned quarter horses for over 10 years but after losing them she didn't think she could open her heart again to another horse..and then she met the sweetest OTTB while visiting Win Place Home. A friendship developed with CJ Wilson and in turn a wonderful bond with that sweet horse, Bilbo. Michelle adopted Bilbo 3 years ago and now boards him at Birtwick Park. While there she spends her extra time helping with the Win Place Home horses. Michelle has worked as a Health Clerk for the last 11 years at a Middle School where she lives in La Verne. She also enjoys spending time with her husband and her 23 year old daughter. Michelle is excited to serve on the board of Win Place Home in support of this amazing charity.
Kristen Perkins, Board Member
Kristen Perkins has over 20 years being an advocate in the community. After receiving her M.Ed. she chose to share her love of math in a Title I school. There she helped students fill in gaps and realize each one of them was capable of success. She’s served on the parent school board as Treasurer and VP of Spirit Store where she handled everything from design, budget and volunteer coordination. She’s been a wildlife rehabber for the county for the last 5 years and volunteered delivering Meals on Wheels for over 17 years. She most recently was the Director of Development for Meals on Wheels Montgomery County where she oversaw a 150% growth of the department during her tenor. She’s been married to Sam for 25 years and is the mom of 2 wonderful children - Megan who is a double major in Environmental Science and Psychology at Wesleyan University and Graham who is a Freshman on the varsity tennis team. She was able to realize one of her dreams of having her horses on her property, The Misfit Farm - where all are welcome. Between caring for the Misfits and the need to be a champion for Graham, who has dyslexia, Kristen decided to start her own grant writing business, KP Grants and Funding Solutions, to allow time to make sure everyone’s needs are met. From the big picture visions to the meticulous details, Kristen has enjoyed and thrives helping non profits expand their mission.
Kris Zimmerman Salter, Board Member - Talent & Events
Kris fell in love with horses about 25 years ago when a friend asked her to go on a trail ride. Within 6 months she owned her first thoroughbred and ended up with a small herd of 3. She's had many adventures on horseback including show jumping, trail riding & cross country trips to Scotland, New Zealand & France.
Her first horse passed a few years ago & she thought that chapter of her life was over. She is a local neighbor to WPH & stopped by one afternoon when she met an adorable chestnut that had just come off the track with a tendon injury. She asked how she could help & started volunteering with his enrichment. She not only fell in love with this horse but also with what WPH does & how they care for & give these new horses a best chance of finding forever homes where they will thrive. She ended up adopting this fabulous chestnut and keeps him at the WPH property. She is passionate about helping the charity in any way she can to raise funds & spread the word about their goals.
Board of Directors
Stefanie Sam, Secretary
Stefanie is a seasoned tech professional by day, while dedicating all of her free time to her passion for equestrian pursuits. Commencing her volunteer service at Win Place Home in 2021 with no prior equine experience, Stefanie has since developed her expertise and now holds a lease for an Off-the-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) named Lincoln. Before her involvement with Win Place Home, Stefanie demonstrated her commitment to community service through volunteering with esteemed organizations such as Guide Dogs for the Blind and local food banks.
LaToya Blakely, President
LaToya joined Win Place Home in 2022 after discovering the organization through an Instagram post. At the time, she was contemplating riding lessons and seeking new volunteer opportunities. The prospect of learning more about horses while contributing to a meaningful cause drew her to WPH, where she quickly fell in love with the horses, the people, and the mission.
With a rich history of volunteerism dating back to her days in middle school as a candy striper at a local hospital, LaToya's commitment to giving back has remained steadfast. Her diverse volunteer experiences include mentoring children, providing support to the unhoused by offering meals and services, and working with various animal shelters.
Professionally, LaToya brings over a decade of legal expertise to the table as an attorney. Additionally, she is involved in entrepreneurial pursuits and is eagerly anticipating the opportunity to leverage her multifaceted skill set in advancing WPH's goals and mission.
While LaToya hasn't owned a horse yet, she has future plans of having a ranch and horses in the picturesque landscapes of Colorado.
