
Love Horses? Love People?
Join Our Team: Adaptive Horsemanship Instructors Wanted
π Our Mission At Cheyne Ranch, we teach animal care and connection in a safe, inclusive, and accessible community where people of all abilities build confidence, develop life skills and form meaningful relationships.
We are guided by clear values: safety, inclusion, growth, integrity, accountability, compassion, and connection. You can read more about our values here: cheyneranch.com/values
At Cheyne Ranch, we offer adaptive horsemanship programs rooted in relationship. Our calm, walk & trot lessons focus equally on riding, cleaning, and groundwork. We serve students with diverse learning needs and abilities, meeting each person with patience, predictability, and purpose.
What We're Looking For: You do not need experience in adaptive riding or special education to apply.
What you do need:
π΄ Walk/trot riding experience and comfortable horse handling
π Natural compassion and patience with diverse learners
π± Openness to our relationship-based approach
π«±πΌβπ«²π½ Willingness to start as a volunteer to learn our methods
What You Can Expect:
π΄ Emphasis on animal care and connection. Our horses are well-loved partners, and every lesson starts with tending to their needs.
π You'll follow our structured curriculum, which focuses on connection, regulation, and slow, steady progress.
πͺ Progression through presence, not pressure. We build from the ground up, with most students working at the walk and spending significant time on the ground.
π± We value patience, presence, and humility as much as horsemanship experience β especially when working with kids and teens who process the world differently.
Position Details:
β±οΈ Shifts: Typically 5 hours, $100 per shift for experienced instructors once hired
ποΈ Schedule: During daylight savings time - AM: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM | PM: 3:00 PM -8:00 PM
π Sessions: Five blocks of 8-week sessions throughout the year (View our calendar)
Ready to Learn More?
Volunteer shadow phase - Learn our approach alongside experienced instructors
Gradual transition to independent instruction with ongoing support
Structured curriculum and mentorship to guide your success
If you (or someone you know) has a heart for horses, a flexible teaching style, and a deep respect for every student's journey, we'd love to hear from you.
π΄ Top 10 Volunteer Competencies (Unmounted)
Volunteering Isnβt Just Mucking Stalls β But Letβs Start There
These are the foundational skills that every volunteer should master before working independently in the barn or assisting with mounted lessons. They support both horse care and student experience β and help ensure safety, consistency, and confidence for everyone involved.
1. Understanding Horse Behavior & Safe Movement
Volunteers must understand that horses are prey animals β easily startled and reactive. They must:
Respect a horseβs personal space and blind spots
Read basic body language (ears, eyes, posture)
Approach and move around horses calmly and confidently
Safely move horses through tight spaces, busy barns, and unpredictable environments
2. Safe Handling: Haltering, Leading, and Tying
Volunteers should:
Confidently approach and halter a horse
Lead from either side with correct rope handling and voice commands
Navigate through gates, stalls, and doorways safely
Tie using a quick-release knot in designated, safe areas
3. Appropriate Attire & Helmet Fit
Volunteers must:
Wear safe footwear (closed-toe with a heel)
Use ASTM-SEI helmets when working closely with horses
Know how to properly fit a helmet on themselves or others
4. Grooming & Hoof Care
Before any mounted lesson or handling:
Use grooming tools (currycomb, body brush, etc.) effectively
Groom the whole horse for cleanliness and comfort
Safely pick all four hooves, checking for debris or signs of thrush
Communicate clearly if the horse seems uncomfortable or off
5. Tack Handling & Lesson Prep
Volunteers should:
Know the parts and function of tack (saddle, bridle, girth, halter, etc.)
Understand how to tack and untack a horse correctly
Recognize signs of ill-fitting or damaged tack
Clean tack as needed and store it in the correct location
6. Leading During Mounted Lessons
When assisting a mounted student, volunteers must:
Lead horses calmly and consistently
Respond to instructor cues while staying aware of the student and horse
Help with mounting and dismounting, under supervision
Know when to step in and when to give space β prioritizing safety and support
7. Arena Setup & Activity Support
Volunteers must be ready to:
Follow instructor instructions to set up obstacle courses, games, or cones
Adjust arena layout quickly and efficiently
Remain engaged and proactive during sessions to ensure smooth transitions
8. Independent Barn Chores
Trusted volunteers should be able to work independently, including:
Mucking and re-bedding stalls
Moving horses to and from feeding areas or turnouts
Filling and cleaning water buckets, hay nets, and feed bins
Using basic equipment safely (pitchforks, wheelbarrows, etc.)
9. Feeding & Grain Preparation
Volunteers should:
Understand each horseβs feed plan (grain type, quantity, and timing)
Follow feeding charts accurately
Know how to prepare, label, and deliver grain safely
Recognize and report spoiled hay, moldy feed, or water issues
10. Clean-Up & Organization
A reliable volunteer:
Sweeps, picks up, and leaves the barn cleaner than they found it
Returns tools, tack, and supplies to the proper place
Helps maintain a clutter-free, professional-looking space
Jumps in to help without being asked β βsee it, do itβ mindset
π‘ Final Note:
Volunteers are vital to safety, smooth operations, and creating a positive experience for horses and humans. Competency in these 10 areas shows that a volunteer can be trusted, helpful, and professional in both quiet and busy barn environments.
βοΈ Thank You for an Incredible Summer at Cheyne Ranch! π΄π
Our 6th summer is coming to a close!
πΏ 8 Fridays of Nature Club (with 1 more still to go!)
π¨ 4 weeks of Summer Camp β 2 in June, 2 in July
π Over 60 students participated in PALS and Horseback Riding Lessons
π
Cheyne Ranch facilitated more than 1,100 appointments this summer! π
π©βπΎ Countless moments of connection, growth, animal care, play, and lots of Florida sunshine!
Weβre so grateful to every family who spent part of their summer with us β there were exactly 100 families who participated in our summer programs. We had over 1,100 appointments here and it was all possible because of our π amazing workers & π volunteers. You helped create a place where kids found purpose, built confidence, and experienced the joy of belonging through connection with animals, nature, and each other.
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π A Special Shout-Out to Our Summer Team!
We had 25 ahhhhmazing volunteers this summer β and we absolutely counted on each one of them. Your time, energy, and love for our animals and student made it all work. Thank you:
π Abby Fisher π Abby Weller π Andres Chaluisant π Breana Skiles π Carrie Hoagland π Christopher Gledhill π Ella Thompson π Emily Beasley π Emily Peets π Evan Campese π Evan Cheyne π Evan Martin π Grace Cheyne π Harrison Miller π Hudson Pollard π Julia Miller π Katelynn Hadley π Liam Langford π London Ning π Mia Bellottie π Miranda Miller π Molly Meyer π Nora Skiles π Ryland Kamm π Sienna Slater π Sofia Barahona π Sophia Cheyne π
I also want to give a HUGE thank you to our 5 hardworking staff members who showed up to every shift to keep everything running safely, thoughtfully, and with so much heart. You create an environment where kids feel welcomed, animals are well cared for, and connection is at the center of it all. Thank you for everything you give.
π Abby Adamson π Annie Price π Erin Schwartz π Katie Meyer π Michael Morrell π
And the 4 Cheyne kids β you are incredibly hardworking, you give endless hours to our animals and students, and you all exceed the (ridiculously high) standard I hold you to. Thank you.
π©΅ Anna Cheyne π©΅ Grace Cheyne π©΅ Evan Cheyne π©΅ Sophia Cheyne π©΅
π (3 Evans + 3 Abbys... it wasnβt confusing at all)
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πΈ Summer Photo Albums β Take a Look!
Weβve started uploading photos from each week, and weβll keep adding more over the next few days. If you have photos from your time here, youβre welcome to add them too! π
Hereβs a peek into the fun:
π Week 1 Summer Camp - June 3 - 5
π Week 2 Summer Camp - June 17 - 19
π Week 3 Summer Camp - July 1 - 3
π Week 4 Summer Camp - July 15 - 17
π Nature Club Fridays - All 8 Fridays of June & July
(Click the links to open Google Photo albums!)
πΌοΈ Many longtime families have their own google photo album, where new photos of their kiddos (automagically!) appear. Let me know if you need the link to that album.
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β¨ Important Links!
Fall Registration for returning students
Student volunteers for the Fall 2025
Donate! We are growing and serving more students, welcoming more school groups and more volunteers.
π’ Updates Coming Soon!
π Kids Night Out Schedule for the 2025β2026 school year!
πΏ NEW Monday Morning Nature Club announcement!
π΄ Summer Shade Campaign Update β all the fantastic improvements we made for our animals and students!
Thank you again for being part of our Cheyne Ranch community this summer. We canβt wait to see you again soon, please reach out to learn more about our fall schedule.
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With gratitude,
Sally Ann & the Cheyne Ranch Team
π΄ CHEYNE RANCH, INC. π
Teaching Animal Care & Connection
π¬ 1963 Genova Drive, Oviedo, FL 32765
π Call/Text: (407) 205-7744β|βπ§ Emailβ|βπ Websiteβ|βπ Facebookβ|βπΈ Instagram
π Cheyne Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Consider donating: chra.us/give
Our Mission:
To teach animal care and connection in a safe, inclusive, accessible community where individuals of all abilities build confidence, form meaningful connections, and develop essential life skills.
π€π΄ VOLUNTEERS!! Cheyne Ranch Fall 2025 schedule
ππ΄ Fall Volunteer Schedule - We Need You! π
Hello amazing Cheyne Ranch volunteers and workers! We are SO grateful for each of you! π
Can you believe we just completed our 6th summer of summer camp? What an amazing journey it's been!
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Camp Days: All 12 days complete! (Rain but no lightning - it was so much fun!) π§οΈ
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Nature Club: All 8 days complete! (NO Rain!!) βοΈ
β
Lessons (HBR/PALS): All 8 weeks complete! (Did we have any evenings with no lightning?) β‘
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β What We Need to Know:
1. Which shift(s) interest you?
2. How often would you like to volunteer? Workers commit specific shifts for the entire 8-week block
π Every week
π Every other week
π Once a month
β° The full shift listed? or just a 2-hour block within any shift?
Please reply with your preferences! We'll use this to create our fall schedule.
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ποΈ Available Shifts:
π MONDAYS
Morning: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Afternoon: 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
πΏ WEDNESDAYS
Afternoon: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
π» FRIDAYS
Morning: 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Afternoon: 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM
π SATURDAYS
Morning: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
I would LOVE it if someone was willing to get here at 7:30 AM to feed, clean, drag - Saturdays are our earliest & busiest mornings! β
βοΈ Note: Afternoon shifts end progressively earlier through fall - by November we finish outdoor work by 6:30 PM
π We might add Wednesday/Thursday and/or Sunday mornings depending on how we can schedule our paid staff.
ποΈ Need specific dates? Check out our full year program calendar with start dates, end dates, and break dates at: chra.us/p
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π Animal Care Opportunities
π₯ Unsupervised Feed / Cleaning Shifts Available: (2 - 4 hours, for ages 15+)
π Sunday AM
π Sunday PM
π Tuesday AM
π Tuesday PM
π Wednesday AM
π Thursday AM
π Thursday PM
π Saturday PM
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π§° What Does It Take to Be a Competent Volunteer?
β Curious about the skills we help our volunteers develop on the way to working independently?
π Learn more here: Volunteer Top 10 Competencies
From grooming and feeding to leading during mounted lessons, this is the roadmap we use to build confidence, safety, and trust β for both horses and humans.
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π Why Your Role Matters
π» You've earned this opportunity! Volunteering at Cheyne Ranch is a special honor, offered only to students in our community who've demonstrated dedication to learning, strong work ethic, safety awareness, and genuine care for our animals and community.
π° We invest in you! Did you know Cheyne Ranch invests real money in our volunteers through insurance, training time, and resource allocation? Having volunteers isn't "free" for us - but it is absolutely worth it!
π¦ Your impact is real. With limited volunteer spots available, your reliable presence helps create life-changing experiences for our animals and fellow students. Please honor this commitment - our animals and students are counting on you!
π«Ά Learn more about what drives us: Cheyne Ranch Core Beliefs
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π’ Important Notes:
π΄ Get a good night's sleep - Please show up well rested and ready to work
π§ Bring water! A refillable water bottle is best
π Bring a snack! Especially for shifts longer than 2 hours - we work hard outside and we get hungry!
π₯Ύ Boots! Wear closed-toed shoes or boots
π Dress for mess! Wear clothes that can get wet/dirty
π¦οΈ We generally operate Rain or Shine! Please only drive in safe conditions, text me with any questions.
Thank you for making our programs possible! π΄β¨
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π΄ CHEYNE RANCH, INC. π
Teaching Animal Care & Connection
π¬ 1963 Genova Drive, Oviedo, FL 32765
π Call/Text: (407) 205-7744 | π§ Email | π Website | π Facebook | πΈ Instagram
π Cheyne Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Consider donating: chra.us/give
Our Mission: To teach animal care and connection in a safe, inclusive, accessible community where individuals of all abilities build confidence, form meaningful connections, and develop essential life skills.
π π Fall Registration for Returning Families!
π¦ Hello wonderful Cheyne Ranch families!
We are SO grateful for each of you! βοΈ Our summer session is complete!! and we are thinking about the π fall π already!
Read our SUMMER RECAP!
π Important Timing Info
Need a makeup lesson from this summer?
Please reach out so we can get that scheduled β we have through August 1 to get that scheduled.Cheyne Ranch Closed
Weβll be closed August 2 β August 21 (no classes).
Some volunteer opportunities are available during these three weeks on Mon / Wed / Fri / Sat, AM & PM.Fall Classes Start
Mark your calendars! Fall programs begin Friday, August 22nd π
π Full-Year Calendar
Need specific dates for breaks and sessions?
View the full program calendar at: chra.us/p
πΏ Fall 2025 Nature Club Programs
Monday Morning Nature Club (w/ Ms. Erin! + 2 volunteers) <β π£ππ£
β° 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Wednesday Afterschool Nature Club (w/ Ms. Katie + 3 volunteers)
β° 3:00 PM β 6:00 PM
Friday Morning Nature Club (w/ everyone: Sally, Katie, Erin, Abby A⦠+ 4 volunteers)
β° 9:00 AM β 1:00 PM
All 3 programs include animal care, outdoor adventures, and hands-on learning.
Friday Nature Club includes ~10β15 minutes of time on horseback.
π Fall 2025 Horseback Riding & PALS Lessons
Weβre planning our fall schedule and would love to know what works best for your family!
Available Lesson Start Times:
MONDAYS
Morning: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 AM
Afternoon: 4:00, 5:00, 6:00 PM
WEDNESDAYS
Afternoon: 3:00, 4:00, 5:00, 6:00 PM
THURSDAYS <β π£ππ£
Afternoon: 4:00, 5:00, 6:00 PM
FRIDAYS
Morning: 9:00, 10:00, 11:00 AM
Afternoon: 4:00, 5:00, 6:00 PM
SATURDAYS
Morning: 8:30, 9:00, 9:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30 AM
π Scheduling Notes
π As days shorten in fall, lessons will end earlier. By November, the last lesson begins at 5:00 PM and ends by 6:15 PM.
β° Continuing students have priority for their current time slots β please confirm with us if you're continuing.
π We may open additional Wednesday, Thursday, or Sunday morning lessons depending on staffing.
β What We Need from You
For Nature Club:
Are you interested in Monday morning, Wednesday afternoon or Friday morning?
For Riding/PALS Lessons:
What day(s) and time(s) work best for your family?
Please reply with your preferences! Weβll use this to build the fall schedule!
π’ Important Notes
π§ Bring water! Refillable bottles are best
π₯Ύ Wear closed-toed shoes or boots
π Dress for a mess β ranch days can be wet and dirty
π¦οΈ We meet rain or shine! Please only drive if it's safe
π All programs are 8-week commitments
(No refunds for missed classes; one makeup may be offered when possible for HBR/PALS)
Nature Club Extras:
π₯ͺ Pack a snack + lunch β we eat together!
π Swimsuit under clothes + towel (when swimming is offered)
π Program guidelines: chra.us/hbr
π There are no make-ups or refunds for missed Nature Club classes.
Thank You! π΄β¨
Thank you for being part of the Cheyne Ranch family!
Weβre so excited to continue this amazing journey with your children this fall!
β β β β β β β β β
π΄ CHEYNE RANCH, INC. π
Teaching Animal Care & Connection
π¬ 1963 Genova Drive, Oviedo, FL 32765
π Call/Text: (407) 205-7744β|βπ§ Emailβ|βπ Websiteβ|βπ Facebookβ|βπΈ Instagram
π Cheyne Ranch is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Consider donating: chra.us/give
Our Mission:
To teach animal care and connection in a safe, inclusive, accessible community where individuals of all abilities build confidence, form meaningful connections, and develop essential life skills.
Pony Parade ππ΄
ππ΄ You're Invited: Pony Parade & Fun Hour at Cheyne Ranch! βοΈ
Hello parents! Please join us to watch your child walk a painted pony during our Pony Parade!!
π°οΈ When Should I Arrive?
Please plan to arrive by 11:40 AM.
The parade will start (hopefully) around 11:45 AM
π Where to Stand: Youβll watch the parade from a shaded area outside the fence near the arena. Weβll guide you when you arrive!
π What Happens After the Parade?
You're welcome to join your child for lunch and then stay until 1:00 PM! These stations are all open for parents and kids to enjoy together:
π Swim Time & Slip-n-Slide
π§Ό Horse Wash Station β Yes... all 11 horses are getting bubble baths and they need your help! (but there are only 2 wash stations - so that is a bottleneck)
π° Bunny Room + Chickens
π¨ Craft Station
π Plastic Horse Play Zone
If you can make it - we would love to see you! Siblings are welcome too!
It is ok if you cannot attend! Last year only like 4 parents attended - I will have someone video this as well.
β Sally
Top 10 Foundational Riding Skills for Independent Trotting
From groundwork to posting trot, here are the 10 essential skills we teach β and the games that help riders master them.
1. Safe Horse Handling & Tacking Up
Key Skills:
Approaching, haltering, and leading a horse from both sides
Tying with a quick-release knot for safety
Grooming, picking hooves, and learning safe zones around a horse
Saddling and bridling correctly
Recognizing horse body language (e.g. ears pinned, relaxed eye)
Why it matters: These tasks build confidence, respect for the horse, and lay the groundwork for independence before even getting in the saddle.
Games:
Two-Legged Horses, Saddle Up Relay, Stuff Happens Cards, Tack Grab Bag, Pony Charades, Sort It Out
2. Mounting, Dismounting & Emergency Exits
Key Skills:
Mounting with control and balance (usually from a block)
Safe dismounting with focus on body position and reins
Emergency dismounts at the walk (and later trot) for safety practice
Why it matters: Riders must be able to get on/off the horse confidently and know how to exit quickly and safely in an emergency.
Games:
On Again, Off Again, Rescue Race, Musical Cones, Whistle Drills, Hula Hoop Game
3. Balanced Full Seat at the Walk
Key Skills:
Maintaining upright posture with shoulderβhipβheel alignment
Relaxing through joints to move fluidly with the horse
Using the seat as a stable, confident base of control
Why it matters: A well-balanced seat is the rider's anchor β itβs the starting point for all control and communication with the horse.
Games:
Around the World, Teeter-Totter, Save the Ducks, Bareback Twister
4. Using Natural Aids for Transitions & Turns
Key Skills:
Learning to cue the horse using seat, legs, hands, and voice in harmony
Practicing transitions between walk and halt
Using gentle, clear rein and leg cues to guide turns
Why it matters: Riders must learn to steer and stop using body language, not just reins β this creates softer, more responsive horses.
Games:
Red Light, Green Light, Touch Tag, Master the Maze, On the Road, Four Flags
5. Steering & Riding Ring Figures at the Walk
Key Skills:
Following the rail and navigating arena corners smoothly
Executing changes of direction (diagonals, circles, serpentines)
Keeping visual focus ahead β βlook where you want to goβ
Why it matters: Learning ring figures sharpens control, improves rhythm, and teaches intentional steering β not just riding aimlessly.
Games:
Mountain Trail, Elephant Bumblebees, Merry-Go-Round, Train Tracks
6. Two-Point Over Ground Poles (Walk)
Key Skills:
Riding in a half-seat/two-point (hips hinged, upper body forward, heels down)
Staying steady over poles, without gripping or tipping
Learning to ride terrain changes and prep for trot work
Why it matters: This position builds strength, balance, and prepares the rider for future trot, trail, and jump work.
Games:
Journey to Jumping, Challenge Box, Two-Point Time
7. No-Stirrup Work (Walk & Halt)
Key Skills:
Dropping and retrieving stirrups without looking
Riding with no stirrups to build leg strength and seat independence
Developing core engagement and body awareness
Why it matters: This work is essential for creating a βgluedβ seat and independent hands β especially helpful in adaptive riding and trot work.
Games:
Fitness First, No Stirrups, No Problem, Strong Without Stirrups, Bareback Work
8. Intro to Trot: Sitting & Posting (Longe/Leadline)
Key Skills:
Feeling the two-beat rhythm of the trot
Sitting softly without bouncing
Learning and practicing the βup-downβ motion of posting trot
Why it matters: Riders begin adjusting to the motion of the trot with the horse under control β no need to steer yet, just focus on the body.
Games:
Rise Up, Ice Cream Run, Two-Beat Trot, Posting Practice
9. Independent Hands at the Trot (Longe/Leadline)
Key Skills:
Keeping hands still and low at the withers while trotting
Learning to balance the body without pulling on the reins
Building handβseat independence for safe, soft riding
Why it matters: Hands that bounce or pull confuse the horse β this step teaches the rider to stay balanced without relying on the reins.
Games:
In Good Hands, Multitasking Trot Poles, Airplanes II
10. Smooth WalkβTrot Transitions (Longe/Leadline)
Key Skills:
Giving consistent, timed cues to ask for a trot or return to walk
Preparing the body for the transition (no slumping or leaning)
Staying balanced throughout the change
Why it matters: These transitions are the last step before trotting independently. A smooth start/stop shows the rider is ready.
Games:
Dress Rehearsal, Transition Tournament, Tortoise & Hare
π§ Final Note:
These skills build upon one another β just like climbing a ladder. Games aren't just fun; they create body awareness, control, and confidence. Every rider's journey looks different, and progressing at their own pace is part of the process.
Living Above the Line - A Mindset Workshop for Parents
Our friend Julie Gerhard, the speech therapist, is so passionate about helping families with special needs students. She is sponsoring this incredible relaxing workshop on August 2nd from 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM. For the ticket price - there is financial aid available!
Please come join us, and please reach out with any questions.
LIVING ABOVE THE LINE
A MINDSET WORKSHOP FOR PARENTS
Saturday, August 2 ( 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM )
From Julie Gerhard:
Early bird pricing ends on Sunday...so please order your tickets soon! If there is anyone who wants to attend, but requires financial assistance, please let me know! There are sponsors who are ready to support families who need assistance with the cost of the program. And I have happily sponsored the majority of the cost to give back to this beautiful group of parents.
This is not a lecture, or just tools for managing your child's journey. This is a MINDSET SHIFT! A new way of reconnecting to ourselves and looking at our relationships to ourselves and others. Wendy Soderman is a mindfulness teacher, a motivational speaker, previous owner of a mindfulness-based school, and a mother of two grown children, one of whom has quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy. She has already changed my speech therapy practice, and I am so happy to share her joyful way and wisdom with this community. This program is appropriate for caregivers of children with a wide variety of unique abilities, from literacy and speech disorders to neurodivergences to developmental issues. This program is about centering the caregiver and providing tools to maintain mindfulness while navigating family life, so it doesn't matter if your child's issues are mild or severe. Invite your partner, your friends, your parents...I'm looking forward to seeing you there! Coffee/tea and light breakfast provided.
To purchase tickets to this event: Learn More