Who We Are
ABOUT THE FOUNDER LAURA SPIELMAN Laura Spielman is the founder of The Rosie Project, an equine-based nonprofit organization based in San Diego, California. She was born and raised in New York and received a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Boston University. She has earned multiple certifications in the equine world. Since 2020, she has been focused on her true calling, working with horses and humans to heal and manage emotional and physical trauma. Laura is a Masterson Method® Certified Pracitioner, a Masterson Method® Equine Specialist, a PATH International Certified Equine Specialist for Mental Health and Learning as well as a certified facilitator for the Equine Academy for Learning. Laura founded The Rosie Project Foundation because she is passionate about helping people heal from traumatic experiences. The Rosie Project provides an educational and recreational space for people interested in learning more about our relationships with horses and how it pertains to our relationships in everyday lives. No riding or horse experience is necessary as this is groundwork only. Please contact for more information: [email protected] (858) 688-6324
Colleen Naus
Colleen Naus is a co-facilitator with The Rosie Project, where she blends her passion for transformation with the powerful presence of horses. With a lifelong journey of overcoming family dysfunction and trauma, she brings deep empathy and grounded wisdom to her work—holding space for others to reconnect with themselves through mindfulness, meditation, and the heart-centered coherence that horses naturally offer.
She is a certified HeartMath® Resilience Advantage Trainer and has co-led the EEG division of a research team since 2021 with analysis by UCSD, exploring the effects of meditation on the mind and body. As a longtime host of a weekly meditation group and a graduate of the Mindfulness and Heart Connection Course with the EAL Academy, she is dedicated to guiding others toward deeper awareness and nervous system regulation.
Since 2006, she has owned and operated a private fitness and Pilates studio, where movement, strength, and wholeistic well-BEing are the foundation. She also weaves in her intuitive gifts through astrology, numerology, and tarot—offering a multidimensional approach to cultivating inner strength and heart-centered alignment. At the core of her work is an enthusiasm for empowering others to illuminate their own light and shine brightly in the world.
Whether in a session with horses or a quiet moment of breath and stillness, her work is about creating space—for truth, connection, and lasting transformation. Contact [email protected]
Nicole Trotta
Nicole Trotta – Holistic Healing & Embodied Wellness
After dedicating 20 years to teaching and school administration, Nicole is now devoting her time to empower individuals and groups to explore both their inner and outer worlds. With a profound belief in the transformative power of self-discovery, Nicole creates a sanctuary for clients to reconnect with themselves. Drawing on her expertise in breathwork facilitation, guided meditation, Reiki, and mindful movement, she fosters a supportive environment where each person can navigate personal challenges and uncover a deep sense of belonging. Her integrative, heart-led approach promotes inner peace, self-awareness, and growth, ultimately leading to greater well-being and authentic alignment.
Nicole offers a variety of experiences including individual sessions, workshops, corporate programs, private group events, retreats, and professional development and wellness sessions for educators and school communities.
Breathwork + Horses - Join Certified Breath Coach Nicole Trotta for a transformative experience combining guided breathwork with the calming presence of horses. In these sessions, you will be guided through powerful breath practices designed to regulate the nervous system, promote deep relaxation, and release emotional tension. The horses' intuitive nature enhances the experience, helping you connect more deeply with your breath and create a sense of inner balance and peace. This unique combination offers a powerful opportunity for personal growth, healing, and transformation.
Reiki + Horses
Reiki is a gentle, energy-based healing practice that supports the body’s natural ability to restore balance physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Through light touch or hands-off techniques, Reiki can promote deep relaxation, reduce pain and anxiety, and strengthen the body’s energetic flow. Nicole brings a compassionate, intuitive presence to her Reiki sessions, creating a calm and nourishing space for healing to unfold. Many of Nicole’s sessions are held with the grounding presence of horses. Being with horses encourages regulation, reflection, and authenticity. The horses may approach the client on the table and offer energetic healing, simply by being present. These sessions are always supported by a trained equine professional to ensure the well-being of both horses and humans. The co-regulating field created between humans and horses amplifies the benefits of breathwork and Reiki, inviting deeper awareness, trust, and connection. Contact [email protected]
Margaux Dinerman
Margaux Dinerman joined the Rosie Project Charitable Foundation in 2025 as a Non-Profit Management Consultant. She has worked in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years and has acted as a consultant for various non-profits start up organizations both locally and overseas. In addition to consulting, she has held senior leadership roles as a development professional. She currently works as a full time Philanthropy Director for KPBS, and has also worked at Canine Companions for Independence, Jewish Federation of the Desert, Jewish Silicon Valley and the Butterfly Project to name a few. Margaux currently oversees general operations,fundraising and grant writing for the Rosie Project Charitable Foundation. Margaux loves to travel, is a strong advocate for animal welfare, and loves the arts (music, dance, visual arts). You may contact Margaux about any fundraising and grant opportunities at Margaux@therosieproject,org
Meet the Board
Chuck Spielman
Charles Spielman, President - Mr. Spielman served in the U.S. Army as an Advisor to South Vietnamese forces attached to Military Assistance Command, Vietnam. After returning from Vietnam, Mr. Spielman was employed by Helmsley-Spear Inc. a large National Real Estate firm owning and managing many commercial and residential properties. He is the owner and operator of a private military museum in San Diego called the Hall of Heroes.
Amy Spielman
Amy Spielman is a dedicated philanthropist committed to making a lasting impact through her charitable initiatives and community involvement. Based in La Jolla, California, she has been a passionate advocate supporting organizations that drive meaningful change. With a strong belief in the power of giving, Amy has played a pivotal role in funding and launching programs that empower individuals and strengthen communities. Her philanthropic efforts reflect her dedication to creating a better future through generosity, leadership, and strategic partnerships. She is currently on the boards of Temple Beth-El in New York, Northwell Health System in New York, Civilian Advisory Board for the San Diego Police Department, San Diego Recreation Center, Spielman Family Foundation, and the Vice President of the Hall of Heroes..
Eric Spielman
Eric Spielman, Director - Mr. Spielman holds an MBA degree. He is a seasoned technology executive with expertise as an operator, investor, and founder, specializing in revenue, strategy, and growth.
Angelica Quintero Spielman
Angelica Quintero Spielman, Treasurer Ms. Quintero Spielman holds an MBA and Finance. She is a financial advisor, a founding partner, and a managing director at Manhattan West Asset Management.
Kimberly Luxenberg
Kimberly Luxenberg, Secretary - Ms. Luxenberg holds a Bachelor's degree in Literature. She is a published author and the owner of Jackalope Kreative, a business providing customized promotional items.
Christopher Morris
Christopher Morris, Vice President - Mr. Morris holds a JD degree and is a member of the CA State Bar Association. He is an expert in the field of Civil Rights and served on many non-profit boards.
Frances Stein Kaphan
Frances Stein-Kaphan is an entrepreneur and philanthropist based in New York City and Miami, FL. She is the co-founder, President and director of her own private non-profit organization since 2011 which focuses on enhancing programming and awareness for children’s education, animal rescue and food security’s. These programs have engaged and enriched benefits within the community through her involvement in over 30 organizations. In addition to Frances’s philanthropic work, she has partnerships in multiple companies focused on Real Estate, Health and Wellness and other Investments. Frances continues to balance her professional pursuits with a strong dedication to community service, reflective in her commitment to both philanthropic and business initiatives.
Meet the Advisory Board
Celia Sciacca is the president of Laughing Pony Rescue, which was founded as a non-profit 501(c)3 in 2010. In her lifetime, Celia has been responsible for rescuing over 3000 horses and donkeys from untenable situations and feedlots.
William "Bill" Driscoll was commissioned an Ensign in the U S Navy and accepted for flight school (1969), he received Naval Flight Officer Wings of Gold (May 1970), flew 170 combat missions and became an ace with the shootdown of 5 enemy jet fighters. Bill is a member of the American Fighter Aces Association. One of only now ten living aces as well as one of the highest decorated Naval Flight officers.
Julie Potiker is a mindfulness expert with extensive certifications and teacher training in a variety of tools and methods, including Mindful Self-Compassion. Her new book is “SNAP! From Chaos to Calm.” Through her Mindful Methods for Life program offerings, Julie helps others bring more peace and wellness into their lives. Julie's first book, “Life Falls Apart, but You Don’t Have To: Mindful Methods for Staying Calm in the Midst of Chaos," is now available on audiobook. Learn more at MindfulMethodsForLife.com.
Laura Galinson is the Founder and President of the Galinson Family Foundation, the Price-Galinson Collaborative Fund, the Alternative Families Fund, as well as the Laura Jo Galinson Advised Fund of the Jewish Community Foundation of San Diego. Laura was a photographer for the Associated Press, until moving into the world of publishing. Laura says she learned everything she knows about books from her time working at John Cole’s Book Shop and White Rabbit Children’s Bookstore, two legendary book sellers in La Jolla. From there, she became Assistant to Sandra Dijkstra, regarded by many as the most powerful literary agent on the West Coast, where Laura worked with Janell Cannon to produce Stellaluna. Laura was then recruited to become Senior Publicist at Harper Collins in San Francisco, where she worked until relocating back to San Diego in 1997. At that time, Laura’s father, Murray Galinson, introduced her to Sol Price, and her work in philanthropy began. Among her many contributions to the community, Laura currently provides leadership to the Museum of Photographic Arts (Education Chair and Acquisitions and Development committees); Jewish Women’s Foundation (Board Member), Support the Enlisted Project (Advisory Board and Development Committee), Psych Armor (Mental Health Advisor), and Hillel San Diego (Board Member and Capital Campaign Chair) Words Alive, and Catalyst of San Diego.