Why we love her: Nadine serves as a leader and sidewalker and assists at the barn pulling and putting away tack. She stuffs hay balls for our horses (eating from the hay ball slows their eating, which is beneficial for digestion and mimics grazing), and on Friday afternoon, she makes supplement bags for each horse for the upcoming week.

Path to The Shea Center: “I learned about Shea through my daughter, an OT (Occupational Therapist), and had many clients who rode at Shea. I decided that when I retired, this is where I wanted to be.”

Years of service: Nadine began volunteering in November 2021.

 Lessons learned: “Through my time at Shea, I have learned patience, love, understanding, and seeing each individual for the special traits they bring to our world. I have learned so much about horses (tacking, horse behavior, how to join up with a horse, how to bring calm to our kiddos and horses, even on the rainiest and windiest days) and working as a team in every sense of the word. The Shea staff has been amazing and patient with me, teaching me everything I will need to be successful.”

 Favorite Shea Center memories: “It’s hard to pick just one. Seeing the smiles on our clients’ faces throughout their rides never gets old. Walking in and being greeted by every volunteer, instructor, therapist, and LTA: I really feel appreciated and at home.”

 When not at The Shea Center, she can be found doing this: “Spending time with my family, hiking and enjoying nature.”

 She finds her bliss…: “Helping others. For me, being able to give back is a luxury.”