The Shea Center’s adaptive riders are excited to be back riding their beloved horses once again. Dylan H. is one of those clients. Jamie Smartt, Dylan’s instructor, says, “Dylan has been riding at The Shea Center for seven years and has become a very accomplished...
by Matt Mitchell, PT, DPT Sitting balance is a crucial ability. Imagine all the time we spend sitting. But is it necessarily sitting still? Children need sitting balance in order to reach for a toy, change positions, and even participate in activities of daily living...
Melissa Piccinati started coming to The Shea Center when she was a preteen. She is now 38 years old and considers The Shea Center a second home. Her mother, DeeAnne, says, "Coming to the Center is the highlight of Melissa's week." Melissa loves being around horses, so...
Most of our horses are generously donated by individuals. Because not all horses are good candidates for a therapeutic riding program, each horse goes through a thorough 90-day trial period. A program horse candidate must be calm, react positively to human...
Denise W. - Volunteer of the Year If we could describe the ideal volunteer, it would be someone who is happy to be at Shea, shows up on schedule, is flexible, and comes with a teachable spirit. Denise Wishney embodies every single one of those traits. From the moment...
How to celebrate volunteerism during this era and time? Drive-thru celebration! The need to celebrate compassion, dedication, and loyalty in our volunteers made for a special day at our first ever volunteer celebration - drive-thru style! To see over 100 cars filled...
At this time of year, we are usually in “gala mode” as we prepare to gather with over 400 of our Shea Center supporters for a night of celebration, inspired philanthropy and honoring one of our Shea leaders. It’s a joyful time to dress up, raise money, party and...
The Shea Center currently has 25 specially trained therapy horses, ponies, and miniature horses that require consistent attention. Our herd is comprised of various breeds, types, sizes, ages, temperaments, and movements all contributing to the success of our program....
If you have ever received physical therapy, you have likely heard your therapist say “work on this exercise at home.” But how often do these exercises happen? Right now, many Shea Center telehealth clients are living and loving their home exercise programs! For...
At six months of age, Max D. was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis (NF1). NF1 is a genetic disorder that stimulates the growth of tumors along nerves in the skin, brain, and other areas of the body. Alice, Max’s mother, has seen marked improvement in her son’s balance...