What year did you begin your relationship at High Horses? Joined as a volunteer in 2008 and as a staff member in 2009.

How did you become involved with High Horses? Just having retired from my job at Verizon in 2008, I was thrilled to finally have time to volunteer. Needless to say…I fell in love with the organization and have loved being a part of it for several years.

What is your educational background? I graduated from Boston University with a Bachelors degree in Communication/Public Relations.

What are your current or previous career highlights? I recently retired from the Volunteer Operations Manager position at High Horses and now am working part-time as an equine specialist in mental health and learning.

What are your credentials related to equine-assisted services?  I hold a certification through PATH International as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. I have done training with Sharon Wilsie’s “Horse Speak”, as well as the Masterson Method of body and energy work. I believe in the power of animal therapy. Through the years I’ve visited nursing homes with my dogs and have witnessed how quickly people connect once an animal becomes part of the equation.  I recently began assisting with donkey visits to nursing facilities and other venues for adults and children. 

What impact do you see with equine-assisted services? In a word…connection.  Horses as prey animals are keen “readers” of energy and intent.   They strive for calmness and if we can meet them in a calm “space” we can all benefit greatly from the experience.

Did you grow up around horses? Do you currently have horses? I did not have horses at home growing up.  However, both sets of my grandparents had farms in Ontario, Canada.   I gained experience spending time (especially during the summers) with animals, and found my special place with horses. I now own 2 horses and truly enjoy the time I spend taking care of them, along with 2 dogs, 3 barn cats, 1 house cat and a flock of chickens.

Where did you grow up?  I grew up outside of Buffalo, NY. I went off to college in Boston, Mass. After graduation, I worked in Boston for several years.  When I was ready for a change, I took an in-company job transfer up to Lebanon, NH. I’ve made the Upper Valley my home for over 30 years.  

What are some of your favorite non-horse or therapy-related hobbies? Hiking, biking, getting out with friends and my dogs (and other people’s dogs!).

If a horse from High Horses could speak, who are they and what would they say?  I would surmise that they’d believe they were very fortunate to have landed in a safe space that truly values the horse/human connection.  Kind of like hitting the “lifestyle and career lottery”.