Please join us in congratulating Ella as our new volunteer of the month. Michele, the volunteer services manager, says, “Ella brings a sense of happiness with her when she comes to Shea. Her calm, friendly, and sweet demeanor is the perfect combination for our riders and horses.”

Why we love her: Ella is described by staff members as joyful, bubbly, and always shows up with a smile. The soon-to-be high school freshman recently passed the leader training, so she’ll pull double duty as a leader and sidewalker.

Path to The Shea Center: “I rode at Sycamore, the neighboring barn to Shea, from when I was seven until I was 13. I would always pass by Shea and count down the years until I was old enough to volunteer. I put in my volunteer application right on my 14th birthday.”

Years of Service: Ella began volunteering in September 2022.

Lessons learned: “At Shea, I’ve learned understanding, patience, dedication, and how much horses can really impact people.”

Favorite Shea Center memories: “I was sidewalking for a wonderful little girl named Tanya. I looked up at her as we were slowing down from the trot, and I saw the biggest smile on her face as she burst out giggling. Her laughter was infectious, and she soon had me, Miss Randi, and the leader laughing with her.”

When not at The Shea Center, she can be found doing this: Horseback riding, painting, reading, crocheting, and spending time with friends.

She finds her bliss doing this…: “Riding and spending time with my horse Hailey.”