What year did you begin your relationship at High Horses? Joined as a volunteer in May 2022 and as a staff member in July 2022.

How did you become involved with High Horses?  I started learning the ropes and volunteering while shadowing Sara Lamie, PT, in the spring of 2022 and was hired to work Friday afternoons starting in July 2022.

What is your educational background? I completed Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Part 1 from the American Hippotherapy Association in 2022 and earned my Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant from River Valley Community College in 2016. I continue to learn from my coworkers every day when I’m at the farm and pursue further education so I can keep growing as a therapist.

What are your current or previous career highlights? Joining this crew at High Horses has been wonderful and formative! This team is awesome, and it’s so good to be doing this work with them.

What are your credentials related to equine-assisted services? I completed Hippotherapy Treatment Principles Part 1 from the American Hippotherapy Association in 2022.

What therapeutic credentials do you have outside the realm of equine-assisted services? I’m a  Vermont licensed physical therapist assistant, a NASM certified personal trainer, and an Evergreen certified dementia care specialist.

What impact do you see with equine-assisted services? My clients typically have some difficulty with movement, especially walking. When they get on a horse, their connection with the horse and the walking movement of the horse can help the client’s body move in an especially therapeutic way. This often results in an improved ability to move after their mounted activities. This is hugely impactful on their lives, they gain strength and function through this interaction with the horse.

Did you grow up around horses? Do you currently have horses? I did not grow up with horses, but I love visiting with our herd whenever I’m at the farm.

Where did you grow up? I started on the NH side of the Upper Valley (Canaan, Lebanon), but have lived in Hartford, VT for the last 21 years.

What are some of your favorite non-horse or therapy-related hobbies? I love working out to fun music, dancing when I can, running a little, walking in the woods with my sweetie, hanging out with friends, and completing small mechanical or technical projects.