collaboration
I remember an evening in 2007, I was sitting in a college class at MNU in Olathe, KS. We were learning about “synergy.” I was skeptical. I don’t even remember the exercise we did to demonstrate the effect of synergy. But somehow, at the end of that class period, my skepticism was being replaced with the eagerness that accompanies an emerging realization. We aren’t talking about all those “group” projects assigned in high school - where it was usually one person doing the work while the others… what did the others do? This kind of exciting synergy is when capable & willing people come together - the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
I must have known that prior to 2007 (age 29,) right?
I can’t say that I was aware of the concept before it was so clearly demonstrated, but since then - one of my favorite things to do is to work with others, capable others to create ideas, content, programs, summaries, clarifications, anything actually. Because the output is so much better when done together.
When I met Julie Gerhard, a speech therapist, she said out loud more than once how much she enjoyed collaborating with others. And I thought to myself, ummmmm… I better step-up my thinking momentum. Julie is BRILLIANT. And a woman who gets stuff done. And I want to be someone she collaborates with.
And then my friend, Jenine, an occupational therapist, she is so TALENTED working with kids and understanding all the things about how to get their brains grooving and their bodies moving. I was thrilled when I learned Jenine wanted to talk about being part of things at Cheyne Ranch. Once again, I thought to myself, ummmmm… I better step-up my brain power. Because I want to be part of this incredible thing Jenine offers.
And Shawna, a woman who has an endless ability to to turn everyday moments into learning moments for her kids and any others that are fortunate enough to be in the vicinity. When she said she wanted to teach a class here, I was ecstatic. And once again, inspired & challenged to step up my game. Because once again, I want to be a collaborator of Shawna’s.
We are headed into our 4th! school year of outdoor learning programs this August. And I am so so proud of the collaborations coming together at Cheyne Ranch. We have an incredible teacher on Mondays, a brilliant speech therapist on Wednesdays, and a talented occupational therapist on Fridays:
Mondays: Farmyard Explorers w/ Shawna
Wednesdays: Communication (Social) Skills w/ Julie, Speech Therapist
Fridays: Little Sprouts w/ Jenine, Occupational Therapist
These professionals hold their own with their own professional lives and practices - I’m just so proud of the matched philosophies and passions that bring us together here at Cheyne Ranch a few hours each week. We all believe in providing a safe, inclusive and accessible way for people of all abilities to experience the wonder of the animals and learn more about animal care and connection. We all believe that real learning happens when students are relaxed and enjoying their environment - and all the better if that learning space is outside, in nature.
Please reach out if you have any questions about any of these programs. Please share and support these impressive professionals as they work to bring their services to your student here at Cheyne Ranch.
