Berardino Baratta is an accomplished leader in technology and advancing manufacturing, with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. As the CEO of MxD, the digital manufacturing and cybersecurity institute, Berardino works with the U.S. Department of Defense and a nearly 300-member ecosystem to drive economic prosperity and support national security by increasing U.S. manufacturing competitiveness.

Through MxD’s diverse array of projects and partnerships, Berardino oversees critical efforts to enhance digital readiness and cybersecurity across the manufacturing sector, prepare the workforce for the advanced manufacturing jobs of the future, and ensure resilient and secure supply chains in an era of increased geopolitical disruption.

Berardino’s diverse experience includes recent roles as Vice President of Projects and Engineering and Sr. Director of Technology Strategy for MxD. Prior to joining MxD, Berardino was CEO of Potentia Analytics, an AI healthcare startup, and held multiple positions at Freescale, including General Manager of Freescale Semiconductor’s Multimedia Applications Division. He began his career with Metrowerks Corporation, a leading provider of Software Development tools, where he led engineering through its growth from startup through acquisition by Motorola Corporation. Berardino received his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) from McGill University.

My name is Debbie Cooper. I do the billing for our students and our veterans; I do the scheduling for our student riders; I find scholarships as needed, and I am the fundraising assistant. I am also a board member of SES. I am retired after thirty years with the Illinois State Police Crime Lab. I have been married to a wonderful man for 45 years. I have one beautiful daughter and two lovely grandchildren.

Rachelle Gray is the secretary for the board of Specialized Equine Services (SES), does fundraising for SES social media posting, and assists the volunteer coordinator.  Rachelle has been a LPN since 2002. She has worked as a med-surg nurse at a family practice and a psychology and pulmonary disease office. In 2009, she became a stay-at-home mom to care for her son Tommie, who has cerebral palsy. She is married and has two sons. She joined SES in 2012 as a parent to a rider when Tommie started riding with SES.  Rachelle also co-founded a support group in Southern Illinois called Southern Illinois High Five Society for children and adults with disabilities and their families.   She loves crafting, decorating, and putting on galas and events.

Patricia Nardini is a co-founder and past president of Specialized Equine Services (SES), an organization that focuses on improving the quality of life for people through the healing power of horses. Before Patricia’s involvement with SES and her passion for horses began, she had a career as a Certified Financial Planner, Field Trainer, and District Manager for Investors Diversified Services (IDS), an American Express company, for many years. Prior to IDS, she worked for Trans Union as an outside salesperson in the Chicago suburbs and on the National Staff, where her responsibilities included setting up new markets and supporting Trans Union Service bureaus.

After working for IDS and; TransUnion, Patricia established a small business called “Patricia’s Gourmet Sweets and More” in downtown Glen Ellyn, where she offered gourmet chocolates and creative gift baskets. While she loved the city, her decision to move to Southern Illinois marked a significant change in her life, and it opened new horizons and opportunities for personal growth.

Patricia began her journey with horses by volunteering at Giant City Stables in 1998, where she learned about horse care and how horses can have a positive impact on people’s lives. During her time here, Patricia worked as a wrangler and actively participated in various lessons, clinics, and pilot programs that helped develop SES. Her dedication to improving people’s lives has been a central mission throughout her life.

Adrianne is an Army Veteran. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Adrianne has a background in Human Resources and non-profit office management. Currently, she is a case manager with the Salvation Army, SSVF Program. Adrianne has a passion for assisting fellow veterans and individuals with disabilities. She is married with one daughter. Her hobbies
include fishing, hunting, and anything that supports her daughter and community.