We love it when our amazing volunteers recruit and inspire family members to join The Shea Center family! This month, we celebrate mother-son volunteers Michelle and Logan Goss—engaged leaders and sidewalkers who help in the barn and participate in our continuing education classes to keep our clients and horses safe and comfortable. As an additional gift from their family to ours, Michelle’s daughter and Logan’s sister, Dakota, became a volunteer in February.

Why we love them: Michelle and Logan respond to any requests for help from the Volunteer Department. Both are leaders and assist with barn crew and sidewalking.

Road to The Shea Center: From Michelle: “After my kids graduated from high school, I had a conversation with a friend about wanting to find a place to volunteer in my free time. So thankful she mentioned The Shea Center.” From Logan: “My mom volunteered at Shea, and she suggested I check out the volunteer roles where I share my interest in horses.”

Years of Service: Michelle began volunteering in August of 2023. Logan began volunteering in October 2024.

Lessons learned: From Michelle: “I have strengthened my understanding of horses and developed stronger skill sets from the continuing training classes provided. The greatest thing I have learned is the power of kindness. The kindness that surrounds the entire Shea experience is why I advocated for my son and daughter to volunteer as well.” From Logan: “I’ve learned so much about horse care and behavior as a lesson volunteer. Each week gives me an opportunity to gain more knowledge.”

Favorite Shea Center memories: From Michelle: “It changes often. Each time a rider masters a new skill or technique, seeing the joy on their face, and the faces of their family, becomes a new favorite memory.” From Logan: “My favorite memories are about building connections with my riders and trading funny sayings.”

When not volunteering at Shea, they can be found doing this:  From Michelle: “Outside of Shea, I enjoy spending time with my kids, reading, and trips to Disneyland.” From Logan: “Volunteering some more at Shea.”

They find their bliss…: From Michelle: “Being in service to others.” From Logan: “Watching riders learn new skills, learning more about horses, and making connections with other volunteers.”