Board of Directors
Sujean Chung . PresidentGrowing up in Texas as one of the only Asians in school, allowed Sujean to learn how to move fluidly between two distinct cultures - Korean, at home and church, and American, at school and socially. This bicultural world would serve her well later in life as a teacher in empathizing with her diverse students. Growing up as a PK (Pastor’s kid) also held its own distinct rite of passage. It was not easy, but there were blessings upon blessings that she wouldn’t see or acknowledge until much later in life.
Upon graduation from high school, she went to Texas Women’s University in Denton and started her teaching career after her undergrad. After marriage, she and her husband took hold of an unique opportunity to live and work in S. Korea, helping to start up a new international school. Sujean was the Director of ESL at the school. She designed and implemented the ESL curriculum, and trained and led a team of 40 teachers on best teaching practices. Experiencing life in Korea was truly transformational. After about 5 years, it was time to come home. She decided to try her hand in running her own business called CollegePath International. The business specialized in helping families and students navigate the complex world of college planning, finding the right schools, financial aid, and even helping international students find aid. As her family grew, she transitioned to working part time, most recently at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). While there, she served undergraduate and graduate students as a Writing & Communications Consultant for the school of business. During the pandemic lockdown, she was divinely introduced to Good Reins by one of her many cousins, and was able to secure a spot for her own daughter to attend the Daughter’s program. She says it was an incredible blessing for her daughter. The ministry continues to be an abundant source of blessing for her daughter & family. Some fun facts about Sujean: She has happily gotten back into English riding again after a long break. Her favorite things are sleeping, coffee, delicious foods, and always, her family and friends. The Lord has mercifully and abundantly blessed her. She’s not sure why she’s been so wonderfully blessed with an amazing husband, beautiful kids, friends and family, and a home church, but she is eternally grateful for Jesus. |
Conamore Alexander . Founder & Board Member
Professionally, Cona is a licensed Architect and a Fine Artist. She specializes in designing custom homes, equestrian properties, and creating professional oil painting collections. On any given day she can be found working on creative projects around the house while her children come and go with their neighborhood friends.
The life she is blessed to live today stands in contrast to some of the challenges she grew up with. Aside from divine intervention, it's hard to explain why she lives a life so full of blessing and peace today. She believes God loved her and sought her despite the confusion of her younger years, and gently called her to Himself over time.
"God reached out to me through my love of horses when I was a young girl. There's no way I could have given the gift of riding to myself back then. It's the most expensive sport and we could not afford it, but God provided a way. Those years I spent riding made a huge impact on my life for good. My hope with the Good Reins ministry is to extend that gift to those who would be blessed by it, and to help our students know the love of our Father in heaven. What we do together is so much more than riding, it's giving hope, joy, laughter, confidence, and knowing that you're loved and valued by God no matter what you've experienced. And knowing that He will redeem us, working all of our challenges for good in His perfect time. "
The life she is blessed to live today stands in contrast to some of the challenges she grew up with. Aside from divine intervention, it's hard to explain why she lives a life so full of blessing and peace today. She believes God loved her and sought her despite the confusion of her younger years, and gently called her to Himself over time.
"God reached out to me through my love of horses when I was a young girl. There's no way I could have given the gift of riding to myself back then. It's the most expensive sport and we could not afford it, but God provided a way. Those years I spent riding made a huge impact on my life for good. My hope with the Good Reins ministry is to extend that gift to those who would be blessed by it, and to help our students know the love of our Father in heaven. What we do together is so much more than riding, it's giving hope, joy, laughter, confidence, and knowing that you're loved and valued by God no matter what you've experienced. And knowing that He will redeem us, working all of our challenges for good in His perfect time. "
Gretchen Foley . Board MemberGretchen Foley is the mother of three daughters, the youngest of whom just left for college. She and her husband of twenty six years, Brian, are now learning how to be empty nesters. Raised in a Christian home, she trusted Jesus as her savior at an early age. Over the years she has been constantly amazed at how the Lord continues to reveal Himself and aspects of His character in tender ways, just when she needs them.
Her knowledge of horses comes through her middle daughter, who has been riding competitively for years. She has learned through osmosis, lending an occasional hand to help Blake tack up and care for her horse during lessons or competitions. A former elementary school teacher, she stayed home to raise her daughters. Recently Gretchen started a small home staging business. |
Colton Valentine . Board MemberColton grew up riding and never stopped! In college while studying to become an Engineer, Colton competed successfully on his university's Polo team. These days he keeps his horse Walker on a friend's farm in Ennis, TX. With their enthusiasm and lifelong knowledge of horses, Colton and his wife Naomi have been a wonderful blessing to the Good Reins Ministry.
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Basil Alexander Esq., P.E. Board Member
Originally from Washington D.C., Mr. Alexander is a professional Attorney and Civil Engineer. He currently helps build children's hospitals and works as the Senior Director of Strategic Capital Projects at Children's Health in Dallas, TX.
Elizabeth Lewis, CPA. Board Member - Treasurer
GOOD REINS is blessed to have Mrs. Lewis on our team. She has a daughter who participates in GOOD REINS as a student, and has served as a small group co-leader and Mentor.
"Love is patient, love is kind."
1 Corinthians 13:4
Equine Mentors |
Equine Mentors are horses, and they have a lot to teach us. Through working with them, caring for them, and riding them, we learn how to become calm and effective leaders...it's amazing. Students who learn how to lead a horse confidently are empowered to overcome various life challenges.
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