1. How long have you been volunteering at CTRC?
I have been a volunteer since 2016! I guess that makes it 9 or so years! I did have to take a year hiatus between 2023 and 2024 due to extremely poor health, but I finally got on the right track and happily came back in the Fall of 2024!

2. What inspired you to start volunteering at CTRC?
I actually started out as a participant in TR in the Spring of 2016, seeking out enrichment for my body and mind to overcome anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder. Our Executive Director, Michele Bruhn, was my instructor at the time, and she provided me with an enriched and nurturing learning environment for personal growth in my capabilities and self-esteem through my successes in riding and horsemanship skills. I instantly fell in love with horses and the mission of CTRC! Michele suggested I become a volunteer, and I never looked back!

3. What is your favorite part of volunteering with us?
It’s difficult to choose just one thing, because doing everything is my favorite! I love dedicating my time and energy into changing other people’s lives through horses as mine has been changed. I have my hands in almost as many volunteer opportunities as possible to further facilitate change and growth together with horses! When I’m at CTRC, all the challenges of my day evaporate into thin air, and I feel like not only can I breathe again, but I am the luckiest human being on Earth! I enjoy spending time with the horses in any capacity and maybe that is my favorite. With horses, there is an inspired and unparalleled profound sense of tranquility and harmony–a reminder of the simplicity and beauty of life. All the noise and chaos of the world fades away, and I am transported to a quiet and peaceful place. By inexplicable means, I find solace in their graceful existence. Horses live in the moment–every choice is an attempt to achieve inner peace–and I believe that they encourage me to do the same!

4. What would you say to someone considering volunteering here?
Just having an impact on the community, one horse experience at a time, is incredibly uplifting! When you’re here and volunteering, you will discover firsthand that horses have an uncanny and natural healing power that proves itself time and time again to benefit growth and change physically, mentally, socially, emotionally, and personally! I am captivated and constantly in awe of this power every day I come to CTRC! Come and be a part of a change that has the greatest of rewards! I promise you won’t regret it!

5. What do you like to do outside of your time at CTRC?
I enjoy creative endeavors–writing poetry or making art, usually horse-inspired in some fashion. I enjoy snuggling or playing games with my family and pets in the evenings and on my days off. I also love to read books.