Rene Karapedian - President

Rene Karapedian has deep roots in the pet care industry and the local community, with more than three decades dedicated to elevating animal care services throughout Burbank and Glendale, California.

His career began in the mid-1990s with Glendale’s first mobile dog grooming service. He soon founded Pet Rush, a boutique pet shop and grooming business recognized by the City of Glendale as the community’s first Rescue-Only pet store. Rene’s advocacy for animals gained national recognition through organizations such as Best Friends Animal Society and the Humane Society of the United States, particularly for helping champion one of the first local ordinances banning the sale of dogs from puppy mills—legislation first adopted in Glendale and later echoed by communities across the country.

Over the years, Rene built several highly regarded pet care businesses, including Glendale Pet Resort, the city’s first dog and cat daycare and boarding facility, as well as Pet Rush Inn and Double Dog Dare Ya in Burbank—each known for exceptional standards of care and trusted by generations of local pet owners.

Most recently, Rene brought his vision for animal-centered community spaces to life through Silver Saddle Stables, located in the historic Glendale/Burbank Rancho district. Silver Saddle brings people together through meaningful interaction with animals and the natural environment, offering equine learning experiences, wellness programs, and canine services designed to foster connection, confidence, and well-being.

Through Silver Saddle, Rene continues his lifelong commitment to responsible animal care while helping create a welcoming place where people of all ages can learn, connect, and grow alongside horses and dogs.

Karen Pavliscak - Secretary

Karen Pavliscak is a nationally recognized educational leader who has spent more than 25 years creating dynamic environments where people learn, reflect, and grow. She previously served as Associate Head of School for Teaching and Learning at The Archer School for Girls, where she led initiatives that enriched programs and advanced excellence in teaching. As co-founder of Spark Momentum Learning, she partners with schools across California to strengthen instructional practices and support high-quality learning environments.

Karen believes that animal-partnered learning offers a rare opportunity for participants to become more present, aware, and open. At Silver Saddle Stables, she brings together her deep educational expertise with her lifelong love of horses and dogs. Working with the leadership team, she integrates research-based practices into equine- and canine-assisted programming to help participants of every age meet their goals, deepen self-awareness, and experience a strong sense of belonging that extends far beyond the barn.

A lifelong rider and animal advocate, Karen is passionate about the role horses and other animals can play in helping people connect with themselves, others, and the natural world..

Sophia Cluff - Chief Financial Officer

Sophia brings a strong scientific background and an understanding of clinical neurodivergence to Silver Saddle Stables. Through her degree work with an emphasis on neuroaudiology and speech and language pathology, she developed a solid foundation in understanding neurodivergence and the empirical research supporting therapeutic interventions.

Her practical experience in biotechnology includes hands-on research assistance, consulting, attending industry conferences, and supporting product development across projects involving ICSI, CRISPR, neuroscience, and microbiology. Driven by an interest in medicine and evidence-based practice, Sophia applies this analytical and research-focused approach to support the stable's operational planning and organizational strategies.

In her dual role as CFO and Neurodiverse Program Director, Sophia pairs rigorous scientific research with strategic leadership to guide programming. She is also a lifelong horsewoman whose practical background in riding instruction, equine rehab, and neurodiversity-focused programs directly informs her work.

Advisory Board (In Development): Veterinary medicine, workforce development, neurodiversity, and equine-assisted learning