More about our Mental Health Coaching Journey

I am a certified trauma recovery coach, a certified equine-assisted learning coach, and a certified equine specialist for equine-assisted psychotherapy. I have been a horsewoman my entire life; I've always loved horses and found every opportunity I could to be around them when I was little. Around the age of eleven, I discovered Montey Roberts's book, The Man Who Listens to Horses. He describes how he learned the language of these beautiful creatures, and from then on, I wanted to learn to do that too. I got a paper route to pay for regular lessons and was gifted my first horse at twelve. Through the years, I have regularly taken lessons in various disciplines, attended many clinics (some by big-name trainers like Warwick Schiller, Buck Brannaman, Chris Cox, Pat Parelli, and Clinton Anderson), and competed successfully, all while having a great love for communicating and connecting with my horses. Throughout 2020, I studied Warwick Schiller's methods and principles by becoming an online subscriber. Learning from him and listening to his Journey On podcast rekindled that passion in me and I wanted to go beyond communicating with my horses. I wanted to learn even more about the inner workings of horses and all the diverse ways we as humans can learn to partner with them.

 I began my professional journey into the mental health and equine-assisted field in 2015. I earned my first EAP Equine Specialist & EAL Coach certification with EAGALA in 2016. In 2021, I decided to launch myself to the next level by becoming involved in the two-year dual certification process with Natural Lifemanship. I've learned so much about how our brains work, how to regulate, how to grow self-compassion, how to connect up close and from afar, how people attach in relationships, and how to heal in the context of relationships with both horses and humans. Most of all I loved learning that we can work on healing and re-parenting ourselves in a way that isn't overly invasive. I completed my Natural Lifemanship dual certification in 2023. During this time, I also discovered the IAOTRC and just knew this coaching specialization was made for me! They not only require students to meet the standard of "trauma-informed" they push beyond and equip us to be "trauma trained."  I am so proud to have achieved certification as a trauma recovery coach and become a part of this amazing community! I wanted certifications that went beyond being a certified life coach. I feel so privileged to have had the opportunity to maximize my learning by becoming a mental health coach with multiple amazing trauma-informed associations that respect the equines deeply. With these certifications, I can offer online coaching as well as in-person equine-assisted experiences.

Over the years of all my eclectic learning, I have gathered a wealth of knowledge about the effects of trauma on the mind, the body, behavioral tendencies and relational patterns. I am passionate about connecting the dots on what is happening to us now, when/who/where it came from, and what we can do about it in an empowering way that doesn't retraumatize us. Creating understanding for our mind and body can help us to collaborate with ourselves rather than engage in cyclical internal warfare. What started as my own healing journey has flourished into guiding others and giving support to them on their path.

In 2019 I was able to purchase my very own horse facility. I knew it was meant to be when I discovered that a ranch where I had taken many riding lessons and cleaned stalls as a kid was for sale. The location was too perfect! Very soon after, I launched my equine-assisted psychotherapy program with my LCSW partner and equine-assisted learning coaching program. I quit my sixteen-year job as a hairdresser in just a couple of months because the programs grew so quickly. 

At the beginning of 2024, the horse facility had to be sold due to an unforeseen divorce process. I packed what I could into my two-horse trailer and moved to the Sacramento California area. I spent the rest of the year doing my personal healing work, seeking more professional training and creating a plan for how I would be able to return to equine-assisted work without having ownership of my own facility. I have had the privilege of meeting an entirely new community of horse people. I even got to meet Warwick Schiller and his family! I have been inspired and led to shape a new path forward. I will now be contracting with local barn owners to allow me to work with clients with my herd as well as travel out to meet people where they are with their horses to help them heal the connection with their horses. I want to help people along in their healing journey, and I believe much growth could come from learning to work with their horses therapeutically.

On a personal note, I am a Christian woman who loves God and loves people! I welcome people of all faiths. For people who believe as I do, I am happy to bring scripture and our shared love of Christ into your session. For curious people, I am very comfortable with sharing the amazing story of Jesus and introducing people to the peace of the Holy Spirit. For those who do not believe the same as I do, I will gladly keep it to show you the connection, care, and support that you need without pushing my spiritual beliefs on anyone. You won't find any shaming Bible thumping here!

 All are welcome, come as you are!