At 4 years of age Coryn and Babak’s eldest son, Kamran, wanted to learn the basics of recreational horseback riding but they had a difficult time finding anyone to teach him at such a young age. They had the great fortune of connecting with Terry Snow, who was teaching therapeutic riding lessons to individuals with disabilities. She agreed to provide Kamran a recreational riding lesson and what occurred next changed the course of their family’s life forever. They hadn't foreseen it, but when They observed their son playing with one of Terry’s riders with Autism, they saw a need for a community which could bring together those of all abilities where everyone would be celebrated. Kamran "got it" and Coryn and Babak hoped others would too. The Bina’s believed that inclusive programming for the entire family (and community) was needed in the area. Vision, strategic planning and development was their passion; however, they knew this was a massive undertaking and asked Terry if she wanted to join their family on this journey, she agreed, and the vision and mission of BINA Farm Center was set in motion.  Terry served as Program Director and Coryn as the Executive Director, foregoing any salary for 8 years to ensure scholarship funds were available. In 2017, when Terry retired from her full-time job in the school system and from teaching at BINA, she moved to the Cape. She enjoys spending time with her husband, grandchildren and dogs. Terry’s, impact will always be felt at BINA.

In 2017, Coryn retired as Executive Director and she and Babak both continue to volunteer their time and energy focusing on Founder and Co-Board Chair responsibilities. Kamran and their youngest son Aidin, have been involved since the inception and even host the annual Horsing Around at the Mandarin gala. Coryn and Babak believe this organization and all of those involved, have been one of the best gifts they could have shared with their sons. Their family will forever be thankful to all of the BINA participants, volunteers, staff, horses and everyone who has supported BINA’s mission. In fact their belief in the mission has grown stronger since the inception due to how many lives have been positively impacted by the team at BINA.

Coryn and Babak are incredibly proud and honored to have Chessy Stufano serve alongside them as Executive Director of this very personal organization. Like Kamran, Chessy just “gets it” and Coryn and Babak believe she is the best leader for BINA Farm Center and best partner any founder could ever wish for. They are also incredibly fortunate to have had the support from Sarah Summers, Director of the Karen Stives ‘68 Equestrian Center at the Dana Hall School, who has served on the board since the inception.

At BINA, it’s personal. Every child that is nurtured at BINA, every achievement by a participant, be it a veteran or vocational student, is a victory. As parents or guardians watch their children achieve milestones that otherwise could have gone unnoticed, we believe everyone at BINA Farm Center is living a quote that Coryn and Babak cherish and is on a paperweight Terry Snow gifted to their family when they began this journey.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi