Why we love her: ​​ Carol is always game to help out wherever she is needed, as a leader, sidewalker and assisting with involved mounts and dismounts.

Path to The Shea Center: Carol learned about The Shea Center from a family friend. “I love horses, and our family had horses on our property while our kids were growing up. I enjoy watching clients rehabilitate on horses because I know how beneficial equine therapy can be. I have experience with doing hippotherapy in my early years of being a physical therapist at Casa Colina Rehabilitation Center.

Years of service: Carol started volunteering in July 2021.

Lessons learned: “I learn something new every time I volunteer at Shea. I have enjoyed the education Shea has given me on leading the horse, sidewalking, bridle certification, pulling tack, grooming, and tacking and untacking. Safety is a priority at Shea in every aspect.”

Favorite Shea Center memories: “I am a sidewalker with Paul on Saturday mornings and we have lots of fun. He plays a ‘pipe tap’ game while going through the barn, and he always tries to steal my hat off my head. Lots of fun times! I also love going to get my horse and bring him out to the cross-ties.”

When not at The Shea Center, she is…: “Exercising with my tribe in the park early in the mornings. I belong to a couple of gyms and do Pilates and Sculpt. I enjoy paddle boarding in the harbor, street biking, mountain biking and taking long walk on the beach.”

She finds her bliss doing this: “Swimming with dolphins in Hawaii, paddle boarding on a private lake in Vermont when the trees are changing color, sea kayaking in Greece, and of course, volunteering at Shea.

Future plans: “To continue volunteering and meeting new friends at Shea. I’m looking forward to traveling to new places and having new adventures.”