Instructor
Instructor certification and date earned: PATH/ Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Intl. -Registered Instructor 1/1/2013; ESMHL Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning Certification 4/1/2018
Year Started at GMTRC: After I drove a friend’s daughter to her riding lesson at GMTRC in 2010, I was inspired! I began volunteering the following week for horse-prep, side-walking, and as a horse leader.
Other employment information: My work history is in marketing and communications in the travel and (ancient) technology industries, as well as with other non-profit organizations. More recently I worked as an emergency substitute teacher and tutoring aide for Hempfield School District in the middle school resource, emotional support, gifted, and physical education classrooms.
Education: BA, Miami of Ohio University, Oxford, OH
Where did you grow up? My childhood home is Indianapolis, IN
Favorite horse at GMTRC? All of them! I spend a lot of time schooling Bailey and Lucky so I do have a special love our funny Haflingers!
What do you like best about teaching therapeutic riding at GMTRC: Our students, of course! But also how staff knowledge and careful preparation lead to the celebration of deepening relationships, skill development, increasing independence, and goals achieved. Therapeutic riding requires teamwork. Riders, parents, caregivers, horses, volunteers, staff, our Board of Directors, our financial supporters, Worship Center, and professional organizations all help us to maintain the highest standards for our program. The dedication of everyone involved with GMTRC amazes me.
A few interesting facts about yourself: I have lived in IN (3x), OH, CT, TN, IL, and PA, and traveled the world for work. These experiences taught me to trust God, work hard, and to be open to new people, experiences and opportunities. When not at a horse barn, I can be found hiking or biking the local trails with friends, family, and our golden retriever, Megan. I also enjoy tennis, water sports, and competing with family or friends in anything, just for the fun of it!
Family: My husband Mark and I have three terrific adult children, Katherine, Emily and Erich. Our extended family lives in CO, TX, SC, IN, MS, VA, and PA, so we have lots of fun places to visit!