Type Of Business:
Healthcare and Public School Community
Marketing Area:
Idaho, Western Wyoming
Expertise:
Thirteen Years of Experience, Professional, Medical, Educational, Hippotherapy, Therapeutic Riding, Aquatic Programs, Sensory Integration, MANDT Certification, Autism and Behavioral Programs with Love and Logic Focus
Major Product/SVS:
Individualized and High Quality Healthcare Services, Occupational Therapy and Hippotherapy for Clients
Favorite Business Publication:
AOTA's Quarterly Sensory Integration Newsletter, STRIDES, Hippotherapy Magazine
Hobbies/Sports:
Dressage, Hunter-Jumpers, Rock Climbing, Camping and Hiking, Reading, K-9 Activities
Favorite Personal pulications: Practical Horseman, the HORSE, Equus, Whole Horse Journal
Reading murder or psych thriller mysteries
Education Degrees:
Bachelors Degree in Occupational Therapy, Colorado State University (1993), MANDT Certification; Associate of Equine Science; certification with Pet Partners from Delta Society
Affiliations Awards:
American Occupational Therapy Association; Idaho Occupational Therapy Association; North American Riding for the Handicapped Association, ; Sierra Club; Awarded Outstanding Agency of the Year, Idaho Parents Unlimited (2002); American Heart Association; American Hippotherapy Association; AQHA; APHA
Place of Birth:
Santa Maria
Children's Names:
None unless you count my pets as children:
Rebel - the golden retriever that knew 60 signs and 90 voice commands and was used as a therapy dog
Shadow Dancer - an abused rescue mare that became a one-person horse that competed in dressage and was in the ribbons.
ND - a Scottish collie cross that adopted us and is now 13 yrs old
Fox - a black border collie X that adopted us
Jack - the newest addition, a yellow lab that loves to chew
Shogun - retired 27 yr old gelding from therapy, shows, trails...
Work History:
Done a variety of jobs:
Retail management, horse training, riding lesson instructor, occupational therapy (hospitals, out-patient, schools, behavior programs, home health, contract and as employee), cleaning stalls at stables...
you name it, I have probably done it....
Career Achievements:
Refer to affiliations and awards
The one achievement that I hope happens, or two, I guess is:
1) that I was able to make a difference
2) that my being here mattered
Spouse's Name:
Robert Steven
Highlight of career?:
Highlights are difficult...there are so many wonderful things that have happened in both my career and with my clients. The highlight that comes to mind first, was when we were providing hippotherapy at the Madison County Fairgrounds indoor arena with the support of Madison Memorial Hospital and Integrated Therapies. We truly changed peoples lives during those summers.
Charity:
National Wildlife Federation, Defenders of Wildlife, Oceans (save our waters), HAVE FUN organization (recreational program for children with disabilities), churches, Men's refuge
Number Of Years In Profession:
14
Number Of Years In Current Position:
8
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
Recognizing that life offers a continual opportunity for continuing to educate myself.
Determination, energy, goal development, personal interests of causes that mattered to me.
I had a difficult childhood and young adult life, a serious car accident and serious surgeries. These things, while seeming tragic at the time, provided avenues of dedication to appreciating life, family, friends, and those less fortunate.
How Did They Get Involved In Profession:
I was seriously injured in a car accident which resulted in 2 years of rehabilitation. To be honest, I never thought I would be working with people let alone children. It was the last thing on the interest survey I was given.
This was the best thing that had happened to me. I absolutely love this job I fell into. I enjoy all the lives that I have the opportunity to change and family dynamics I affect.
Extended Bio Profile:
NA
I am currently trying to downsize as I just turned 50 years old and am trying to experience a 40 hr work week. I am taking riding lessons and learning to ride, train, and show hunters over fences.
I am also trying to assist others in the community to get an indoor arena up for development of new programs for hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, aquatic programs, and recreational activities.