Why we love her: Kate leads in lessons and helps out at the barn wherever she is needed.

Path to The Shea Center: “I learned about The Shea Center through my brother! My brother William was born missing a chromosome. We were told by doctors that he would never walk or talk, but Will ended up defying all the odds! He now doesn’t stop walking or talking. The Shea Center has definitely made an impact on him and helped him make it to where he is today. Ever since I used to watch his sessions, it has been my dream to volunteer and I’m so lucky that I’m finally able to volunteer!”

Years of service: Kate started volunteering in July 2021.

Lessons learned: “I’ve learned about community and how much of an impact The Shea Center has on the families here. The use of horses for therapy is such an amazing thing. I look forward to working with every horse in the barn and look forward to making an impact with the riders during each lesson. It takes compassion and teamwork, and I have found that while volunteering here. I look forward to each and every day I get to be part of it.”

Favorite Shea Center memories: “Some of my favorite memories are singing along to Disney music with a few kids and listening to Gracie’s contagious laugh.”

When not volunteering, she can be found doing this…: Kate is at school or hanging out with her friends.

She finds her bliss doing this…: “I find my bliss at The Shea Center and when I’m exploring national parks.”

Future plans: “I hope to go somewhere in the medical field, or to be a large animal veterinarian.”