Our Training Team
Experience shaped by a lifelong connection to horses.
The Cranberry Acres training team brings together decades of riding, coaching, farm management, and horsemanship experience. Each trainer offers an individual perspective while sharing a thoughtful approach to rider development and horse care.
Julie Kelly
Founder, Owner & Trainer
Julie Kelly is the founder and owner of Cranberry Acres Equestrian, bringing more than 30 years of riding and teaching experience to the farm. During her junior career, Julie competed at major equitation finals before continuing her professional development at leading show barns throughout Massachusetts.
After taking time to raise her three children, Anna, Thomas, and Brooke, Julie opened Cranberry Acres Equestrian in 2013 with a clear vision: to pair the quality and experience of a top show program with the personal atmosphere of a family farm.
Under Julie’s guidance, Cranberry Acres riders have earned ribbons and wins at equitation finals, Pony Finals, and IEA National Finals. Her experience and long-standing connection to the sport continue to shape the farm’s approach to instruction, competition, and rider development.
Kate Roncarati Paul
Trainer & Head Coach, Northeastern University Equestrian Team
Kate began riding at age seven and competed on local and rated circuits throughout her teenage years. She later served as captain of the Mt. Ida College Equestrian Team before beginning her professional career with Julie Kelly at Fieldstone Farm.
After spending time in California to focus on her family, Kate returned to teaching and developing riders. Her coaching experience includes young beginners, amateur adults, and advanced equitation competitors. She has also trained a first-place IEA team in Zone 1 New England.
For the past five years, Kate has served as Head Coach of the Northeastern University Equestrian Team. During her tenure, she led the program to its first national title. At Cranberry Acres, Kate brings a polished and experienced approach to helping riders develop from their earliest lessons through advanced competition.
Emily O’Brien
Trainer & Farm Manager
Emily O’Brien grew up on the South Shore and began riding under Julie at Fieldstone Farm and Grazing Fields Farm. After graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, she continued building her equestrian experience through positions at several local farms and with SmartPak Equine.
Emily taught beginner lessons part time for several years before joining the Cranberry Acres training staff full time in the summer of 2020. She now teaches beginner and intermediate riders while also serving as Farm Manager.
In addition to her teaching and farm-management responsibilities, Emily oversees the Working Student Program and helps facilitate the Cranberry Acres IEA program. Her varied role allows her to support riders both in the saddle and through the hands-on horsemanship and responsibilities that are part of daily farm life.
Kristina Andrews
Trainer
Kristina grew up on a 12-acre boarding facility, where horses were part of everyday life. She began riding at four years old on her Shetland pony, Trigger, and competed locally throughout her riding career, primarily in the hunter and equitation rings. She especially enjoys working with green horses and ponies, helping them build confidence and develop into their roles.
Kristina’s equestrian background later intersected with her passion for photography. During 13 years in SmartPak’s Creative department, she produced and photographed photo shoots, combining her knowledge of horses with her creative experience. She has also photographed weddings, families, and portraits through her business, Darling Kay Portraits.
Kristina lives in Hanover with her husband, son, two dogs, miniature horse Skittles, medium pony Fiona, and several chickens. Her life at home and at the farm keeps her closely connected to the equestrian world both in and out of the saddle.
Amy Autorino
Trainer
Amy began riding in grade school in western Massachusetts, where she developed an early foundation in horsemanship and barn care. She continued riding at Virginia Tech as a member of the university’s IHSA team.
After college, Amy taught English overseas before returning to the United States, where she continued her career in public education and earned a master’s degree in special education. During the pandemic, she returned to the equestrian world, first working as a stable hand and later serving as barn manager at a small barn in Canton.
With support from Cranberry Acres, Amy completed her apprenticeship and earned her instructor’s license in March 2026. She believes that groundwork and flatwork are essential foundations of good horsemanship and especially enjoys working with beginner riders as they develop their skills, confidence, and individual potential.
Amy Buccafusca
Trainer
Amy Buccafusca grew up in Marshfield, Massachusetts, where she developed her foundation in riding and horsemanship while working at Riverwind Farm under Carl Catani. She later taught at Grazing Fields Farm under Kathy Fletcher, continuing to build her experience as both a rider and instructor.
After earning a degree in criminal justice, Amy joined the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department. She spent 16 years with the department’s Mounted Unit, where she also served as the unit’s trainer. This role allowed her to combine her professional career with her lifelong equestrian background.
A single mother of three daughters, Amy brings to Cranberry Acres a distinctive combination of teaching experience, practical horsemanship, and mounted-unit training.