Barnabas Staff & Board of Directors
Deana Oddo is a part-time staff member at Barnabas Horse Foundation (BHF) and serves on the BHF Board of Directors. Originally from New Jersey, Deana now resides in Murrells Inlet with her husband, Darin, and their beloved dogs, Cosmo and Luna.
Deana enjoyed a successful 25-year career in finance, where she honed her skills in driving financial performance and growth strategies. Her professional experience continues to inform her approach to problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic planning.
Her passion for horses began in her teenage years, working with breeds such as Standardbred racehorses, Morgans, and Paso Finos. Unfortunately, a horse-related accident disrupted her journey with horses and impacted her confidence. In November 2021, while seeking God’s guidance on her purpose, Deana came across a Barnabas billboard in Murrells Inlet. Feeling a divine nudge, she reached out to join the volunteer team, even though she was still living in New Jersey.
Deana began volunteering at BHF in February 2022 and felt assured she was back on her intended path. By April 2022, she and Darin had found a home near the farm, allowing her to deepen her involvement with Barnabas. When a part-time feeder position became available, Deana eagerly embraced the opportunity to spend more time with the team and the horses that had reignited her passion.
In November 2022, Deana took a significant step in her personal growth by enrolling in Natural Lifemanship Fundamentals with BHF’s own Compliments. This experience helped her heal emotional wounds from her past accident, rebuild her confidence in horsemanship, and enrich her relationships. In 2023, she completed the Intensive with Angel, an experience that fostered profound growth for both her and her equine partner.
Deana is deeply committed to the mission of Barnabas, blending her love for horses and her faith in serving others. She looks forward to continuing her journey, growing her skills, and making a meaningful impact through her work at BHF.