What year did you begin your relationship at High Horses? I joined the team December 2024!

How did you become involved with High Horses? A friend had seen the posting for a Volunteer Coordinator at High Horses and mentioned it to me. As soon as I looked into the role, it felt like a perfect fit. 

What is your educational background? I have a BA in Psychology from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. I am currently halfway through my MA program for Clinical Mental Health Counseling with Antioch University. I’ll graduate in May 2026!

What are your current or previous career highlights?  I’ve worked in the field of mental health for the past 6 years in various capacities. I worked as the barn manager for a small therapy farm in Minnesota called Hold Your Horses, the start of my love for equine-assisted work! My work has allowed me to meet and partner with so many different kinds of people in different ways.

What impact do you see with equine-assisted services? There is something about the connection between horse and rider that is indescribable until you feel it yourself. The physical ability horses have to show us where our bodies are unbalanced, tight, or or needing to relax is impossible to replicate elsewhere. Emotionally, horses show us what we need most, whether or not we want to hear it! The equine-human partnership is magical and offers us so many opportunities to connect and grow.

Did you grow up around horses? Do you currently have horses? I grew up always loving animals, and when my older cousin went to horse camp, I of COURSE also had to go to horse camp. I started riding when I was 6 and have never stopped. I found ways to work in barns and with coaches to continue my passion. I’ve had my current horse Larry since 2021. He is a goofball and would love to be a lapdog if it was physically possible. Larry and I have evented together for several years and are currently training to compete in 2nd level dressage.

Where did you grow up?  I was born in San Francisco but moved to Minnesota when I was 6. While I love Minnesota for its lakes and hot dishes, I feel so fortunate to live in Vermont now! We moved here in August of 2023.

What are some of your favorite non-horse or therapy-related hobbies? I love to hike with my dog Sika, finding new trails and exploring all that Vermont has to offer. I’m an avid bird watcher, I’ve been known to stand in a field or patch of woods for hours waiting to see a migrating warbler or hear an owl at dusk. I love to read, do puzzles, and stay up to date on all of my true-crime podcasts.

If a horse from High Horses could speak, who are they and what would they say? I am still learning each of the horse’s voices, but so far it’s clear that Gizmo is actually in charge.