Our staff is what makes us different. All of the staff members at Cross Winds Farm are exceptional people, providing clients professional and personal assistance.
Kelly Watson – Owner
Kelly is the owner of Cross Winds Farm. She is a participant in the Northern Illinois Hunter Jumper Association (NIHJA), as well as the co-founder of the”PTS” (A Place to Start) show circuit that was developed with Anita Schadeck of Fields and Fences. Kelly is detail-oriented and dedicated to her clients, providing them with the tools and directions needed to achieve individual goals, always with a personal touch. Kelly is hands-on in the operation of Cross Winds Farm, and her attention to detail is superior. Everything from the quality of the hay and grain to the condition of the footing in the arena is of the utmost importance. Care of horses and clients is her top concern.
Jennifer Heldt
Jennifer has been a part of the Cross Winds family since 1994. She has a wide range of competitive experience, which includes Hunter/Jumpers, Eventing, and Dressage (1st Level). As well as being a seasoned instructor and trainer, she is also a 7th and 8th grade Math teacher. Jen applies her education and knowledge from the classroom to increase student understanding in lessons. She currently travels with our NIHJA and Place to Start (PTS) show teams and loves working with riders and horses of all levels. She has unlimited patience with riders, and a proficiency in training green horses. Jen strives to make each lesson challenging and rewarding so students walk away from lessons with goals for the next lesson. Jen is an integral part of our team.
Anna Watson
Anna has been a part of the Cross Winds team since she was born. She officially became a member of the training team in 2018. Anna gained much of her experience in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings as a junior rider. She enjoys working with our younger students and sharing her love of horses with them. From teaching a rider in their first lesson to helping riders gain confidence as they begin jumping, Anna is committed to making sure students have fun in their lessons while improving their horsemanship skills. Anna is dedicated to assisting in the daily operation of the farm as well as taking care of individual horse needs.
Jessica Derlis
Jessica has been a part of the Cross Winds team since 2009. She officially became a member of the training team in 2018. Jessica recently attended Tribeca Flashpoint College in Chicago and earned a degree in Cinematography. She gained much of her experience in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings as a junior rider. Jessica enjoys teaching lessons to students of any age and helping them meet their individual goals. Jessica is very detail-oriented and enjoys assisting in all aspects of the barn. She is a life-long learner and enjoys continuing her own education to improve her skills and incorporates that into her lesson program.