Hello! My name is Michelle. I am a wife, a mother, and a lover of all things horse-related. I grew up on a farm in southwest Minnesota and have horses most of my life. Along with horses, I have always had a passion for psychology and helping others in their journey through life. I graduated from USD with my bachelor's of Science in Psychology and have worked as a Social worker and a Behavior Analyst, working with individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health struggles. Despite this love of how the brain works and helping people overcome their struggles in the business world, I always felt I was meant to do something more. I remember my mother asked me many years ago, when I was in my early 20’s, “what would you do if you could do ANYthing?”. Without hesitation, I said, helping people with horses. However at that time, this was simply not an option. But even at that age, I knew my horses had something to offer others, especially others who had struggles to overcome. When I was a kid, I was always having my friends over so I could teach them to ride and share the enjoyment of horses. I loved offering them something so magical that they couldn’t get anywhere else. While I didn’t understand it then, watching them find a sense of empowerment, joy and self-confidence was absolutely inspiring!
Furthermore after years of showing horses, being a 4-H member myself then graduating from high-school, I took on the role of a 4-H horse project leader for several years. This, teaching and helping kids find their own strength, set goals with their horse and over coming struggles was one of my most favorite memories. I LOVED it!

I have often said, those years of spending every waking moment on a horse was the reason I stayed out of trouble, it kept me grounded and got me through so many tough times, as an adolescent. I spent so much time with my horses, they were always there for me without any judgement. I told my horses all my deep dark secrets during the many hours I spent in their presence. Their calm, gentle and warm presence was my therapy every day. It gave a me a sense of purpose, joy and responsibility that I would have never got anywhere else.

After high school, I went off to college, got married and had children. Despite having a wonderful childhood the next stage in my life was not so wonderful. This first marriage was not the happily-ever-after I had planned for. My husband was a very angry and abusive alcoholic. I lived those years in survival mode. My life became smaller and smaller, simply living one day to the next and trying to figure out how to get through that day without setting him off again. After almost ten years and with the help of an amazing family and wonderful friends, my children and I left. I thought that I was free, but unfortunately scars do not heal the minute you leave. It took me ten years to get to that point and it would take me at least that much time to heal. I am still healing today.

 After yet another failed marriage due to alcoholism, I can finally say I have found an amazing man who has reminded me everyday of what love is supposed to be and what God has meant for me. Through out all those years, I always thought about and tried to create a Equine assisted program however, God said “wait, not yet”. Finally the time came and things simply fell into place and I could think of nothing else. God was calling me. He had given me the experience (personal and professional), the knowledge/education, and the passion to create a place where I can pay it forward, encourage, and assist those who need help finding that empowerment and peace. This isn’t a just a “job” for me, this is something far more! This is an honor and I am so excited to go to “work” every day.

 I don’t tell you all this for sympathy, I tell you this, in hopes, that it will inspire you to see there is hope and God does have a plan for each and every one of us. While I couldn’t see the purpose in the moment, I can now. I would love to help you find that purpose for you as well.

 

My Accomplishments, Experience, Trainings and Credentials:

 * Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology

 * Worked in the Mental Health Field for over 16 years (Social Worker, Case Manager, Behavior/Positive Support Analyst, Behavioral Health Tech)

 * 4H horse project leader

 * 46 years of personal horse experience

 * Level 1 - Associate Certified Coach (ACC)

 * Level 2 - Professional Certified Coach (PCC)

 * Level 3 - Master Certified Coach (MCC)

 * Certified Cognitive Behavioral Coach

 * Neuro-Linguistic Programming Master Practitioner Certifications - currently enrolled

 * Transformation Life Coach Certification- currently enrolled

 * Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) - Currently enrolled

 * Equine-Assisted Life Coach Certification

 * Equine Interaction Professional (CEIP-ED) Certification- currently enrolled

 * Multiple training in ADHD, PTSD, Autism, CBT, DBT, Trauma and Person Centered Practices. 

 * Multiple trainings and courses for Equine-Assisted Practitioners 

                * Equine Assisted Life & Work Skills Practitioner

                * Equine Assisted Peer Support Practitioner

                * Equine Assisted Session Planning 

                * Behavior Management for Equine Assisted Practitioners

                * Trauma Informed Practice in Equine Assisted Services

                * Equine Assisted Sensory and Relaxation Exercises

                * Lived Experience Leadership in Equine Assisted Industry

               

​