Please join us in congratulating Susan as our newest Volunteer of the Month.
Why we love her: With her upbeat personality, Susan is a bright light at the barn and in lessons. Her infectious sense of humor helps create a fun-loving relationship with her clients. Susan is primarily a horse leader but is always ready to jump into a lesson as a sidewalker or to sweep the crossties. In addition to her work in lessons, Susan volunteers for our military program and is an integral part of our BBQ committee. PLUS, she keeps the volunteers and barn staff supplied with peanut M&Ms!
Road to The Shea Center: Susan learned about The Shea Center at her yoga class; the instructor was a Shea volunteer, and one of Susan’s yoga friend’s daughter is a client. “Listening to my yoga instructor and friend talk (about The Shea Center) piqued my interest. And, of course, I love horses.”
Years of service: Susan began volunteering almost five years ago. “I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone by. I had so much to learn (still do) and continue to be amazed at how patient and kind all the LTAs are.”
Lessons learned: “My giving and caring at Shea are returned in an extraordinary way. I never get used to seeing the smiles on the faces of the clients, the progress that is made in more than just riding, and the determination and courage the clients exhibit.”
Favorite Shea Center memories: “A favorite is 3 ½-year-old Tanner’s first ride. I was lucky enough to be his leader, and I ‘fell in love in 45 minutes! He was hesitant at first, but by the end of the lesson was smiling and couldn’t wait to come back. It also meant a lot when a rider told his mother he felt safe with me.”
When not at The Shea Center, she can be found doing this: “I spend a lot of time on the tennis courts, playing league tennis on three teams. I also volunteer with the Dana Point 5th Marine support group (my husband was a Marine). Before COVID my friends and I would take advantage of The Segerstrom Center and go to many performances. My sister lives in Orange, so I visit her frequently.”
She finds her bliss…: “Hugging Shea horse Annie, getting hugs from clients, and being a part of a remarkable group of people.”
Susan dressed up for client lessons, on Halloween, as Edna from the Incredibles movie. Featured with Shea Center staff member Taylir and program horse Boomer.
