Jane Todaro, M.D.

Little Bit Board of Trustees

Jane Todaro, M.D., was first introduced to Little Bit in 1983, during a moment of deep sorrow and reflection. At the time, she was working as a pediatric gastroenterologist, caring for a young child with disabilities who sadly passed away at just four years of age. At the child’s memorial service, the chaplain spoke at length about the joy and comfort the child had found at Little Bit. Little Bit’s impactful work became a central theme of the memorial, and it was clear how meaningful those experiences had been for the family.

That moment remained with Jane. Though she had never heard of Little Bit before, the stories she heard at that service made an impression so profound that she made herself a quiet promise: When she retired, she would find a way to contribute to Little Bit’s work and mission.

Years later, she kept that promise. Jane served a full six-year term on the Board of Trustees and is now proudly serving a second. She describes her role on the Board with humility, as she jokes that her job is to “give them money,” though her involvement has clearly gone much deeper.

Horses have been a lifelong passion for Jane. That love started early, at a summer camp when she was seven years old. Every day, at camp, she passed the barn and begged to ride, but her parents insisted she wait until she turned 10. True to their words, when her 10th birthday arrived, Jane took her first riding lesson in Manhattan and never looked back.

Decades later, her love and passion for horses was as strong as ever, and she bought her first horse. She named him Tommy—formally Thomas Equinas. He wasn’t expensive, and he wasn’t perfect, “The clumsiest horse I have ever seen,” a trainer once said, but he was hers. Since then, horses have remained a constant presence in her life, a source of joy and freedom.

When asked what makes Little Bit stand out, Jane spoke with deep respect for the organization’s consistency and values. She emphasized the care Little Bit shows not only to its clients but to its horses. She explained how stressful and physically demanding it is for the horses to constantly adjust to their riders. Many don’t recognize how difficult and remarkable that skill is.

As Little Bit celebrates its 50th anniversary, Jane sees it as a testament to the strength of its mission and its people. She credits the community’s deep commitment to Little Bit—through donations, volunteering, and unwavering belief in the work. Jane emphasized that the staff, too, deserves high praise. Jane credits the Little Bit staff's devotion, kindness, and hard work with playing a significant role in Little Bit's journey to its 50th anniversary. She further praises the executive directors, explaining that they have been exceptionally well-chosen over the years, making all the difference in the world. Furthermore, she is especially grateful for the generosity of Mike and Phyllis Dunmire, whose thoughtful donations transformed the scope of what Little Bit could offer.

For Jane, the reward of being involved with Little Bit comes down to joy and recognition. While she has countless fond memories from her time at Little Bit, Jane says what she treasures most is not one single moment. Rather, it’s the composite of everything Little Bit is--the kindness, the strength, the community, and the purpose that are encompassed in Little Bit’s work and mission.

Find more 50th anniversary stories HERE.