Instructor
Year started at GMTRC: 2023, but have volunteered several times over the last decade.
Instructor Certification(s) and date(s) earned: CECTH – 2021, Total number of years instructing therapeutic riding: 6
Other TRC work: Triangle Therapeutic Riding – Reinholds 2016 – present
Other program work: Weekend Instructor and barn worker at Underhill Stables from 2014 – 2019
Other employment information: I am an Occupational therapy practitioner currently working for Austill’s Educational Therapy Services in the public school system. I have been working in the therapy field for almost 30 years and have worked in acute care, short-term rehab, as well as long term care and most recently school age.
Where did you grow up (city/state): Lititz PA
Education: I graduated from Warwick High School and Penn State University with an AS in Occupational therapy. I believe that learning is a lifelong journey and enjoy opportunities to continue my education through books, courses and clinics for my careers in both Occupational therapy and equine assisted activities.
Name of horse(s) you own and/or ride on a regular basis: I have been blessed over the years to be able to ride many great school horses at the barns where I have taught. I enjoy taking lessons to improve my riding skills and communication with the horse.
What do you like best about teaching therapeutic riding and what does it mean to you? It means a lot to me to be able to share and teach horsemanship and riding skills to people of all abilities. Horses have a great ability to give feedback about a rider’s position, as well as the rider’s verbal and nonverbal cues. The movement of the horse provides input to the brain and body that can’t be replicated by any other activity. Seeing the smiles and an increase in self-confidence when a goal or new skill is tried or achieved is so rewarding to watch.
A few interesting facts about yourself: Family: God has blessed me with 3 amazing boys who all live locally. I also have a fantastic daughter in law and 3 grandchildren who are the light in my world. I have an aunt in TN and a sister-in-law in Ohio who both have a heart for horses as well. I have 2 brothers, sister in laws and nephews who live out of state. My parents have been and continue to be some of my biggest supporters!
I grew up with my parents leasing camp horses each winter. I took lessons and leased a horse as a teenager and did some hunter jumper shows. I enjoy listening to music, dining out, spending time in nature and time at the beach. Family time, friend time and horse time is the best time! I am excited to be a part of the GMTRC family.
“Every behavior is a kind of communication.” – Paul Watzlawick
This is true for people as well as horses.