What year did you begin your relationship at High Horses? I volunteered from March 2018 to December 2019, and joined the staff team in May 2024.

How did you become involved with High Horses?  I was a remote worker for many years and I was looking for nearby opportunities to contribute to the world outside of my work and home.  I found High Horses right in my town of residence and eagerly signed up to volunteer in lessons and for events.

What are your current or previous career highlights? My career has focused in the health insurance and the third party benefits administration industries, which I worked in for almost 20 years. This field has allowed me to work with a variety of people, in a number of capacities from customer service to strategic financial planning with employers, clients, and brokers. Seeking a more fulfilling career, I made the change from the corporate world to High Horses which allows me to be part of a community of common values and goals, in a truly giving environment.

What impact do you see with equine-assisted services? Volunteering as a leader/side-walker previously, I had the pleasure and honor of witnessing and participating in the activities associated with equine-assisted services. I’ve seen firsthand the sometimes extreme and profound positive effects in the physical, emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing of our guests and clients and also the horses.  It is truly amazing and inspiring to see and a blessing to be a part of.

Did you grow up around horses? Do you currently have horses? I bought my first horse when I was 15 after saving my babysitting money for 2 years.  I grew up working with my own horses as well as other people’s horses and was actively involved in 4-H and horse riding clubs as a teenager.  I attended horseback riding summer camps and participated in shows and fund rising trail rides and began training when I was a teenager as well.  In addition, I worked as a professional in groom and barn management at a variety of public and private equine facilities in Vermont as a young adult.  I currently have 2 horses; Topic whom is a 27 year old Belgian/Tennessee Walker cross and Finn who is a 14 year old Halflinger/Quarter Horse cross. I have had Topic for over 15 years and we got Finn for my family to learn to ride and work with horses.

Where did you grow up? I am a Vermont native and grew up in Central Vermont.

What are some of your favorite non-horse or therapy-related hobbies? I am a semi-professional graphite pet portrait artist.  I also love photography and am an outdoors woman.  I bushcraft, hunt, fish, forage, and garden. I grow, hunt or forage much of my food and medicine.  Drawing, picture taking, picking berries, weeding, mindfulness in the middle of the woods are all extremely therapeutic to me.

Anything else you would like to share about family or special interests? I have a husband and 3 teenagers; my 2 step sons and my daughter, whom also volunteer at High Horses. We have many animals including dogs, cats, ducks and a rat.

If a horse from High Horses could speak, who are they and what would they say? Vinnie would say “Everyone tells me I am so cute!”