PPTRC INSTRUCTORS

All of our instructors are certified through Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. One of our instructors is a “master” instructor, another is a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist.

Nancy Beers

When did you begin volunteering and/or teaching at PPTRC?

I started in 1984 at Acts 19:11 as a horse leader. I took about a year off when my son was a baby, then returned. I worked with the summer youth program, became an instructor and eventually Program Coordinator. In 1995 I left to start The Equine Approach, a mental-health based equine program. I returned to part-time instructing here around 2003, and became Program Manager in 2007.

Certifications & other background:

PATH Certified Instructor and CHA Certified Instructor. I’ve been in therapeutic riding for twenty five years, including running my own business with a partner. I’ve presented at conferences and have been published in several venues. Outside of the arena I have worked in mental health most of my life as well.

How did you get into therapeutic riding?

I always loved horses, and worked on a Morgan farm in Connecticut as a kid. The communication skills and patience I developed working with young horses served me well in working with behaviorally challenged people. A friend told me about Acts 19:11. I quickly realized that this was the ideal marriage of my interest and skills.

Do you specialize in any area of therapeutic riding?

I specialize in the personal growth/mental health aspect of therapeutic riding, and have attended continuing education in that realm over the years (okay, decades).

Do you have your own horses?

Not any more. I do take PPTRC horses home “on vacation” periodically.

What do you do when you're not at PPTRC?

I enjoy live music, hiking, gardening, learning about Native American practices and relaxing at home.

Michelle Brouillette

When did you begin volunteering and/or teaching at PPTRC?

I began volunteering at PPTRC in Spring 2008. I began teaching in March 2010.

Certifications & other background:

I have worked with horses most of my life and am a Level 1 Parelli student. I have trained horses and given riding lessons for about 6 years.

How did you get into therapeutic riding?

I began volunteering at PPTRC in 2008 and quickly fell in love with the horses and the people.

Do you specialize in any area of therapeutic riding?

Not yet, but I hope to learn more about EFL.

Do you have your own horses?

Yes. I adopted Moondancer, a retiring PPTRC horse. I love her!

What do you do when you’re not at PPTRC?

I enjoy riding, needlepoint, writing and learning about Native American culture.

Sylvia Bryson

When did you begin volunteering and/or teaching at PPTRC?

Three years ago, don’t remember the exact date but it was in the winter.

Certifications & other background:

Been in the company of horses for 40 somewhat years. Am a certified biological laboratory tech., Announced Rodeos for 7 years in Europe. Instructor and Master Trainer for Army Family Team Building. Have organized several different events like Company Christmas Parties and such. Like to do some Graphic Design work. Have a Commercial Drivers License…….

How did you get into therapeutic riding?

After volunteering at PPTRC for some time. I decided it was my calling. I LOVE IT

Do you specialize in any area of therapeutic riding?

Not yet, I hope to get into some specializations in the future. I am interested in the vaulting as well as the driving program.

Do you have your own horses?

Yes, I have three. “Chickashaws Star” is my 13 year old Quarter Horse mare. Her son “Star’s Thunder” is 2 ½ and was born on our little mini ranch. Then there is “Baliya”, my 12 year old Arabian/Mustang mare. Another barn buddy we have is “Feona”, our donkey-girl.

What do you do when you’re not at PPTRC?

I have 4 grandchildren and sometimes my husband and I get to spend time with them and our children. Other than that I like to play with my horses, dogs, and cat. I love to go out on trail rides with friends. On Saturday evenings we usually go to our little Cowboy Church here in Peyton.

Lisa Cowan

When did you begin volunteering and/or teaching at PPTRC?

1995 started volunteering, 2001 obtained instructor certification, and have been hooked ever since!

Certifications & other background:

Lifelong horse lover and owner, PATH registered level instructor

How did you get into therapeutic riding?

A friend suggested I check out PPTRC to help fill a void from losing my husband. Being with PPTRC has been a blessing to me ever since (16 years).

Do you specialize in any area of therapeutic riding?

Not really – but it’s all “special”!

Do you have your own horses?

Yes, a Clydesdale and three quarter horses. They are all fabulous!

What do you do when you’re not at PPTRC?

As much as possible! I work managing projects at PaperDirect Inc. In my “off” time, we like to fish, camp, ride, travel to warm beaches and spend time with our five grandsons.

Jody Enget

When did you begin volunteering and/or teaching at PPTRC?

In February 2010, when I was hired as the Executive Director

Certifications & other background:

PATH registered certification Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

How did you get into therapeutic riding?

Volunteered during college and took an instructor training course at CTRC. Fell in love with the work and have stayed in the field since 1996.

Do you specialize in any area of therapeutic riding?

Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy

Do you have your own horses?

Sweetie, our beautiful paint mare and Sword, a wonderful retired horse from PPTRC.

What do you do when you’re not at PPTRC?

Enjoy my blessed family, my husband Aaron and I have 4 great kids, Preslee, Riley, Halle, and Trigve.

Julie Farnham

When did you begin volunteering and/or teaching at PPTRC?

I began volunteering at PPTRC in 2002 and went through the certification process to become an instructor in 2004. I have been an instructor since June 2004.

Certifications & other background:

I rode both English and Western until I was about 21 and didn’t ride for about 20 years while I was raising my three kids. I became a PATH registered instructor in 2004.

How did you get into therapeutic riding?

My daughter suggested we go riding in 2002 and I realized how much I had missed being around horses so I started volunteering at PPTRC. I really love the interaction with the riders, volunteers and horses.

Do you specialize in any area of therapeutic riding?

I have been involved mostly with hippotherapy during the last three years.

Do you have your own horses?

I have never had my own horse but maybe when the kids all graduate from college.

What do you do when you’re not at PPTRC?

When I am not at PPTRC I am involved in a lot of family activities. We spend a lot of time watching the kids in baseball, softball and lacrosse. We also enjoy traveling and college and professional sports.

Kristen Hansen

When did you begin volunteering and/or teaching at PPTRC?

I began volunteering at PPTRC in 2002 and went through the certification process to become an instructor in 2004. I have been an instructor since June 2004.

Certifications & other background:

I rode both English and Western until I was about 21 and didn’t ride for about 20 years while I was raising my three kids. I became a PATH registered instructor in 2004.

How did you get into therapeutic riding?

My daughter suggested we go riding in 2002 and I realized how much I had missed being around horses so I started volunteering at PPTRC. I really love the interaction with the riders, volunteers and horses.

Do you specialize in any area of therapeutic riding?

I have been involved mostly with hippotherapy during the last three years.

Do you have your own horses?

I have never had my own horse but maybe when the kids all graduate from college.

What do you do when you’re not at PPTRC?

When I am not at PPTRC I am involved in a lot of family activities. We spend a lot of time watching the kids in baseball, softball and lacrosse. We also enjoy traveling and college and professional sports.

Susanne Hays

When did you begin volunteering and/or teaching at PPTRC?

2004

Certifications & other background:

PATH Certified Instructor, Natural Horsemanship Instructor, Software Engineer (previous life)

How did you get into therapeutic riding?

I started as a volunteer and am “hooked” ever since.

Do you specialize in any area of therapeutic riding?

Equine Facilitated Learning

Do you have your own horses?

We have a German Warmblood (Oldenburger), a Mexican Mustang, and an American Quarterhorse.

What do you do when you’re not at PPTRC?

Aside from PPTRC, I am running my business teaching natural horsemanship, being Mom, riding my horses, and mucking stalls.

Andrea Hutchins

When did you begin volunteering and/or teaching at PPTRC?

I began volunteering at PPTRC around November of 2006 and then began substituting as an instructor during the summer of 2007. Although my full-time position at UCCS rarely lets me teach for a full session, I enjoy substituting for the other instructors.

Certifications & other background:

PATH Registered Instructor, Registered Dietitian, and PhD in Nutrition from the University of Minnesota

How did you get into therapeutic riding?

I started volunteering with a program in Minnesota in 1994 after I saw their ‘call for volunteers’ in a United Way column in the local paper. I quickly became hooked and volunteered for 9 years with programs in Minnesota and Arizona before I became certified as an instructor.

Do you specialize in any area of therapeutic riding?

No.

Do you have your own horses?

No. But I’d love to one day own a mini and a draft (or maybe two of each)!

What do you do when you’re not at PPTRC?

I am a faculty member in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs where I teach classes in nutrition and conduct research related to the effects of functional foods on chronic disease risk in adults. I am also a puppy sitter for Leading with Love, the local puppy-raising group for Guide Dogs for the Blind, and enjoy reading, gardening, dogsledding and just ‘hanging out’ with my 5 cats.

Liv Perrino

When did you begin volunteering and/or teaching at PPTRC?

I began teaching at PPTRC during the fall session of 2011 and have been here ever since! I really like the great atmosphere and wonderful people working here!

Certifications & other background:

I am a PATH Registered Level Instructor, in the next few years I hope to achieve my advanced certification! I’ve taken the AHA Level One course as well.

How did you get into therapeutic riding?

I got started in Therapeutic riding in the summer of 1997 while volunteering at a Therapeutic Riding program. Then in the fall of 2006, I went to Saint Andrews University to pursue my degree in Therapeutic Riding. I completed my classes and earned my degree in May of 2008. Before earning my degree I volunteered at Therapeutic Horsemanship in Missouri for 10 years! My mom was a Therapist for the Hippotherapy program and got me started as a volunteer there.

Do you specialize in any area of therapeutic riding?

I really like Hippotherapy supervision and mentioning new and old ideas to help the therapists provide the best treatment for the students. My mom and her friends passed lots of knowledge on to me, and if I’m ever stumped they’re just a phone call away! This also helps me in my understanding of Therapeutic Riding and enables me to come up with new and innovative ways to help my students.

Do you have your own horses?

Yes, I have my own horse and have had her for the past 10 years! Her name is Lil’R but everyone knows here as Bear. She is half Arabian, 20 years young and gets crazier ever year. She always surprises me with new tricks and things to make me laugh.

What do you do when you’re not at PPTRC?

I hang out with my friends and am going to school to become a Farrier. I am currently in my first semester and have one more to do before becoming an apprentice. I also spend a lot of time with Lil’R taking care of her, and riding when she is not being silly and the ground is thawed out enough to do some ground work.

Deb Sandy

When did you begin volunteering and/or teaching at PPTRC?

Volunteer 2004, TRI 2005, HPOT 2008

Certifications & other background:

PATH Certified TRI and Registered Therapist, AHA Level II Therapist, CHA Certified Instructor, EFMHA ES, Licensed PTA

How did you get into therapeutic riding?

As a volunteer at PPTRC and as a lifetime horse owner I saw the incredible benefits that riding and being around horses can be to people

Do you specialize in any area of therapeutic riding?

I emphasize the connection between the horse and the rider

Do you have your own horses?

Yes, a palomino Quarterhorse mare and a white Arabian gelding

What do you do when you’re not at PPTRC?

I work as a PTA at a rehab clinic and with children with disabilities; in my free time I trail ride in the mountains west of Colorado Springs, hike, and ski (cross-country and downhill)

Susan Tucker

When did you begin volunteering and/or teaching at PPTRC?

I began volunteering at Acts 19:11 in 1983 and got my instructor certification at Cheff Center in 1985.

Certifications & other background:

I’ve ridden all my life since my grandpa started leading me on my pony at 6 months old. I was hired by PATH to serve as the National Accreditor for a year in 1986-87, during which time I earned my PATH Master Instructor Certificate. Following that, I served on the original PATH Accreditation Committee & Certification Committee, writing many of the standards that are still in effect today. I’ve also taught several month-long instructor training courses and numerous workshops.

How did you get into therapeutic riding?

I saw Gay O’Rourke at a horse show with some of her students and became curious. I went out to watch one day and Gay had me leading a pony before I knew what happened.

Do you specialize in any area of therapeutic riding?

Mostly general therapeutic riding with some EFL.

Do you have your own horses?

I don’t currently have a horse, but I grew up with them and had a great little Arab who got me into the TR world.

What do you do when you’re not at PPTRC?

I work part-time at Motherhood Maternity in Chapel Hills Mall. I also enjoy playing with my two little rescue dogs, Sam & Sparky. I love to read and play the piano. Watercolor painting is a great release for me.



Go to top of page...