Bonnie Lea Instructor Becomes Certified Trainer

11:08AM / Friday, March 15, 2019Print Story | Email Story

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Lisa DeMayo of Bonnie Lea Farm has become a United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) certified trainer.

This title is obtained through equine professional recommendations, Safe Sport Training, continuing education and examination.

This USHJA certification formalizes DeMayo's years of experience in instruction, riding and training. She obtained her Massachusetts’ Riding Instructor License at 16 years old. With more than 50 foals born at Bonnie Lea Farm, she has a vast experience with training young horses and also retrains older horses. Over the years, she has ridden in clinics and lessons with George Morris, Frank Madden, Rodney Jenkins, Greg Best, Julie Winkel, Leann Kelly, Tom Curtain and Dan Kelly.

A graduate of Boston College's School Of Education, DeMayo believes strongly in continuing education. She is a Massachusetts certified animal control officer and a graduate of the Streetwise MBA program through Interise, Boston University.

Her riding students range in age from 6 years old to over 80 and she is also the coach of the Williams Equestrian Team. Her students have different goals with some competing and some riding for pleasure. The common traits among her riders include a passion for horses, proper equitation and safety, and horsemanship. She reminds her riders that "every ride is a training ride and we must remember to care for the horses before ourselves. The trust and respect created between horse and rider is the backbone to developing as an equestrian, no matter the discipline."

DeMayo offers lessons, leasing training, boarding, clinics, shows and summer programs at Bonnie Lea Farm. For more information, visit the website.

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St. Stan's Students Spread Holiday Cheer at Williamstown Commons

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
12:50PM / Sunday, December 21, 2025

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Students from St. Stanislaus Kostka School in Adams brought the holiday spirit to Williamstown Commons on Thursday, delivering handmade Christmas cards and leading residents in a community caroling session.

"It honestly means the world to us because it means the world to them," said nursing home Administrator Alex Fox on Thursday morning. "This made their days. This could have even made their weeks. It could have made their Christmas, seeing the children and interacting with the community."

Teacher Kate Mendonca said this is the first year her class has visited the facility, noting that the initiative was driven entirely by the students.

"This came from the kids. They said they wanted to create something and give back," Mendonca said. "We want our students involved in the community instead of just reading from a religion book."

Preparation for the event began in early December, with students crafting bells to accompany their singing. The handmade cards were completed last week.

"It's important for them to know that it's not just about them during Christmas," Mendonca said. "It's about everyone, for sure. I hope that they know they really helped a lot of people today and hopefully it brought joy to the residents here."

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