FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022
LOCATION: Holiday Inn & Suites Conference Center
7:00-8:00am Registration & Welcome
Session A // 8:00-9:00am
A1, Creating a Business Development Plan: Get the Most Out of Grants, Fundraising & Partnerships (Part 1) CE
This workshop discusses development strategies for the equine program from grant writing to building partnerships in the community. Increased volunteers and funding will ensure your program's success.
Jennifer Mathis is a PATH Intl. CTRI and Driving Instructor for Disabilities and Certified Barefoot Trimmer with over 11 years’ experience developing grant, volunteer and fundraising programs for equine-related and non-equine related nonprofits. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration from University of North Texas. She is currently the equine therapy program director for Blue Sky Therapeutic Riding & Respite and helps nonprofits in North Texas with their development plans.
A2, Why Experiential Learning Matters CE
Through the collaboration between our center and the local university, riders and university students both benefit through experiential learning. Our riders benefit from volunteers who are motivated by learning from them. The volunteers benefit from equine-assisted services (EAS), which offers unique opportunities for learning, growing and succeeding in ways that are not possible in classrooms or clinics. University students are required to move beyond the classroom and assimilate course content through field observations and engagement with individuals with developmental disabilities. They walk away from their semester of service with experiential knowledge and in many cases renewed passion for their field of study or a fresh perspective of their own thoughts and beliefs regarding individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Our center receives volunteers motivated to engage & learn, which has a ripple effect on other volunteers, while our riders get to participate with volunteers who are engaged and invested in them. The collaboration between our center and the university results in impacting not only the lives of the students who are coming from the university but also the lives of our riders and our community as a whole, as we move from disability to diversity and from simply including to belonging.
Rachel Royston is the executive director of Turning Point Ranch and has been active in PATH Intl. for 14 years. As a PATH Intl. CTRI, ESMHL and Mentor, she serves to assist in the development of clients, volunteers and staff.
McKenzie Oefelein is the volunteer coordinator, PATH Intl. CTRI and Mentor. McKenzie has been involved with PATH Intl. for 13 years and has expanded Turning Point Ranch's volunteer program by developing unique relationships in the community while developing skills of her volunteers
Dr. Jennifer Jones, PhD., is an associate professor in the Department of Human Development and Family Science at Oklahoma State University. All of Dr. Jones’ endeavors are built on the core belief that disability is a natural part of human diversity and everyone benefits from inclusion. Her work in communities and in academia over the past 20 years have focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
A3, Effective Volunteer & Staff Communication CE
This presentation will cover the basics of effective communication, including how to provide and receive support, factors in communication styles, understanding motivation, lesson management and navigating common volunteer challenges.
Amy Tripson works at ROCK, Ride On Center for Kids, in a variety of roles as well as being the program director at HOPE in Beijing, China. She has an MSEd in sport & exercise behavior and is currently pursuing her doctorate in leadership studies. Amy is a PATH Intl. Advanced Instructor with CTRI and Mentor and holds a certification in volunteer management (CVA).
Session B // 9:15-10:15am
B1, Creating a Business Development Plan: Get the Most Out of Grants, Fundraising and Partnerships (Part 2) CE
See Session A1.
B2, Adding Groundwork and Structure to Your Therapeutic Lessons CE
This presentation will explain the value of structured and progression tasks and skills to develop the confidence and skills of your riders. This is done by incorporating groundwork, grooming and tack up, to the riding lessons. Structure and trackable progress are also achieved by using a progression (1-10) obstacle course to learn riding skills. No matter the riders support needs, groundwork and structured obstacle activities are possible!
Olivia V. Distasio began her journey at Blue Sky over a year ago as an intern finishing her child development degree with Texas Woman's University. After completing her Internship, Olivia knew that there was no place else she’d rather be, and that her work at Blue Sky was only just beginning. Her passion for therapeutic riding continued to grow and she joined as PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Her love for the Blue Sky horses motivated her to pursue her certification in equine sports massage therapy, so that she could learn how to give back to the horses in a meaningful way through the benefits of equine massage. Olivia also supports the Blue Sky PURPOSE program, the respite program for special needs adults.
B3, Volunteer Committees That WORK! CE
Learn the benefits of volunteer committees and how to build and maintain them.
Arianna Roman is the development director of healing with Horses Ranch, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Manor, Texas. Growing up with horses, Arianna deeply understands the power of the horse and its ability to change lives. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational communications at St. Edward's University, Arianna pursued her passion for service as an educator at Girlstart. Today, Arianna has 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and personal passion for therapeutic horsemanship.
B1, Creating a Business Development Plan: Get the Most Out of Grants, Fundraising and Partnerships (Part 2) CE
See Session A1.
B2, Adding Groundwork and Structure to Your Therapeutic Lessons CE
This presentation will explain the value of structured and progression tasks and skills to develop the confidence and skills of your riders. This is done by incorporating groundwork, grooming and tack up, to the riding lessons. Structure and trackable progress are also achieved by using a progression (1-10) obstacle course to learn riding skills. No matter the riders support needs, groundwork and structured obstacle activities are possible!
Olivia V. Distasio began her journey at Blue Sky over a year ago as an intern finishing her child development degree with Texas Woman's University. After completing her Internship, Olivia knew that there was no place else she’d rather be, and that her work at Blue Sky was only just beginning. Her passion for therapeutic riding continued to grow and she joined as PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Her love for the Blue Sky horses motivated her to pursue her certification in equine sports massage therapy, so that she could learn how to give back to the horses in a meaningful way through the benefits of equine massage. Olivia also supports the Blue Sky PURPOSE program, the respite program for special needs adults.
B3, Volunteer Committees That WORK! CE
Learn the benefits of volunteer committees and how to build and maintain them.
Arianna Roman is the development director of healing with Horses Ranch, a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center in Manor, Texas. Growing up with horses, Arianna deeply understands the power of the horse and its ability to change lives. After completing a Bachelor of Arts degree in organizational communications at St. Edward's University, Arianna pursued her passion for service as an educator at Girlstart. Today, Arianna has 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector and personal passion for therapeutic horsemanship.
Session C // 10:30-11:30am
C1, Building Your Online Presence CE
This session will cover the basics of why online marketing is important to your center and how to create a plan that can be executed in less than two hours a week. We will briefly cover website basics, organic methods for improving where you center lands on search pages and tips for creating social media campaigns that bring in donors and volunteers. Attendees will be asked to take inventory of what social media and online presence they are currently using and how it is used, but novice users are encouraged to join.
Julie Jones is new to the world of equine-assisted services having joined The Right Path Riding Academy in 2020 as the office manager and now serving as the administrative director in charge of donor relations and financials. Prior to moving to Oklahoma, she lived in Idaho where she served as the director of women and children's ministry for the Boise Rescue Mission. She also spent a short time as a community life director in Colorado Springs, where she managed the social media accounts for the assisted living facility and planned activities for the residents. When not on the ranch in Drumright, she can usually be found with her children and grandchildren from Oklahoma to Idaho or hanging out with the kids of Shamrock First Baptist Church. She is currently pursuing a degree in nonprofit management from City Vision University and looks forward to many years building relationships with others in the industry.
C2, The Use of Behavioral Principles and Behavior Management During Lessons Part 1 DE
This presentation introduces behavior principles and discusses how and when to use them during lessons when problem behavior may be occurring. This presentation will also teach preventive strategies and discuss common behavioral scenarios and solutions that are seen during lessons.
Gloria Maillard is a PATH Intl. CTRI and a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with over 15 years of experience in working with children, adolescents and adults with ASD, communication disorders and intellectual delays. Gloria specializes in working with adults with severe problem behavior. Gloria received a degree in pack station and operation management and horse training from Feather River College and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Nevada-Reno. She attended the University of North Texas and graduated with a Master of Science degree in behavior analysis in 2014.
C3, Volunteer Management: Redefining the Volunteer Experience CE
Therapeutic riding centers depend on a strong volunteer base to assist the instructor and rider during lessons. What is the volunteer experience at your center? How do we recruit volunteers? How do we train volunteers? How do we keep volunteers engaged and coming back week after week? We will discuss where we can recruit volunteers, how we can engage volunteers to keep them active in our programs as well as grow our volunteer base.
Jennifer Orms is the volunteer coordinator at Inspiration Ranch. She provides and manages volunteers across all programs, including therapeutic riding, mental health, fund raising, events, work groups and property.
Lunch // 11:30-1:45pm
PATH Intl. Update, Field Test Standards Hearing and LSTEN Member Meeting
PATH Intl. Update, Field Test Standards Hearing and LSTEN Member Meeting
Session D // 2:00-3:00pm
D1, Cerebral Palsy: A General Overview and Considerations for Equine-Assisted Services, Part 1 DE
The purpose of this presentation is to further educate attendees about cerebral palsy, review precautions and contraindications, discuss strategies and modifications for mounted EAS sessions and hear from EAS participants about their experiences with both cerebral palsy and EAS.
Shannon Middleton has 30 years of experience as a speech language pathologist, including 16 years in the EAS industry. She is a PATH Intl. CTRI, ESMHL and Mentor as well as a HPCS through the American Hippotherapy Certification Board. As a parent of a 25-year-old amazing young woman who has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, she has seen first-hand how EAS can help individuals with CP achieve their goals and become more independent.
D2, The Use of Behavioral Principles and Behavior Management During Lessons Part 2 DE
See Session C2.
D3, Crisis Supports for People With Autism, Part 1 DE
The workshop discusses communicating with and supporting people with autism. I will discuss how a person with autism may present pre-crisis and in crisis. I will discuss communication, autism and suicide, the latest research, and the autism-specific resources available. The resources include "Crisis Supports for Autistic People," "Autism Resource for Warning Signs of Suicide: Considerations for the Autism Community,” and "Warning Signs of Suicide in Autistic People.” The workshop will also cover how to support an autistic person in crisis and how to support them moving forward.
Lisa Morgan, MEd, CAS is an autistic adult who self-advocates for crisis supports for autistic people. Lisa is founder and co-chair of the Autism and Suicide committee of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS). She is the author of several books, a consultant for researchers and other professionals, and she coaches autistic adults.
D1, Cerebral Palsy: A General Overview and Considerations for Equine-Assisted Services, Part 1 DE
The purpose of this presentation is to further educate attendees about cerebral palsy, review precautions and contraindications, discuss strategies and modifications for mounted EAS sessions and hear from EAS participants about their experiences with both cerebral palsy and EAS.
Shannon Middleton has 30 years of experience as a speech language pathologist, including 16 years in the EAS industry. She is a PATH Intl. CTRI, ESMHL and Mentor as well as a HPCS through the American Hippotherapy Certification Board. As a parent of a 25-year-old amazing young woman who has a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, she has seen first-hand how EAS can help individuals with CP achieve their goals and become more independent.
D2, The Use of Behavioral Principles and Behavior Management During Lessons Part 2 DE
See Session C2.
D3, Crisis Supports for People With Autism, Part 1 DE
The workshop discusses communicating with and supporting people with autism. I will discuss how a person with autism may present pre-crisis and in crisis. I will discuss communication, autism and suicide, the latest research, and the autism-specific resources available. The resources include "Crisis Supports for Autistic People," "Autism Resource for Warning Signs of Suicide: Considerations for the Autism Community,” and "Warning Signs of Suicide in Autistic People.” The workshop will also cover how to support an autistic person in crisis and how to support them moving forward.
Lisa Morgan, MEd, CAS is an autistic adult who self-advocates for crisis supports for autistic people. Lisa is founder and co-chair of the Autism and Suicide committee of the American Association of Suicidology (AAS). She is the author of several books, a consultant for researchers and other professionals, and she coaches autistic adults.
Session E // 3:15-4:15pm
E1, Cerebral Palsy: A General Overview and Considerations for Equine-Assisted Services, Part 2 DE
See Session D1.
E2, ABA Everyday – What Is ABA Anyway? DE
The principles of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) can be utilized in so many everyday events and activities to help shape language and appropriate behavior.
Dr. Brenda Grafton-McCall, PhD, BCBA, LBA, is a PATH Intl. CTRI and founder and executive director of Dream a Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship. She is a lifelong learner and lover of horses, helping others and the science of behavior.
E3, Crisis Supports for People With Autism, Part 2 DE
See Session D3.
E1, Cerebral Palsy: A General Overview and Considerations for Equine-Assisted Services, Part 2 DE
See Session D1.
E2, ABA Everyday – What Is ABA Anyway? DE
The principles of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) can be utilized in so many everyday events and activities to help shape language and appropriate behavior.
Dr. Brenda Grafton-McCall, PhD, BCBA, LBA, is a PATH Intl. CTRI and founder and executive director of Dream a Dream Therapeutic Horsemanship. She is a lifelong learner and lover of horses, helping others and the science of behavior.
E3, Crisis Supports for People With Autism, Part 2 DE
See Session D3.
Session F // 4:30-5:30pm
F1, Budget Forecasting CE
Take the mystery out of budget forecasting. Learn the basics of creating a budget forecast in common sense terms using examples from an EAS business. You will leave this session with an outline of the budget forecast for your EAS business or your portion of the business.
John D'Andrea has 40 years of experience across the aerospace, heavy equipment, high tech and nonprofit industries. Includes 20 years of experience in EAS as a volunteer, board member, facility manager and now executive director for Healing with Horses Ranch.
F2, Grants: Who, What, When and Where CE
Fundraising is a necessary component for most nonprofits. To remain sustainable and achieve growth, organizations must learn the art of writing and submitting impactful grants to strategic funding sources. In this session we will review all the important steps of writing, submitting and stewarding a grant. We will also discuss how to search for appropriate funding opportunities and what to do when they say 'yes'!
Sandy Biggers, CFRE, serves as the vice president of development for Inspiration Ranch. Sandy came to Inspiration Ranch from Buckner International where she served as the Senior Gift Officer for Greater Houston and Beaumont. Prior to that she was the campaign director for the American Cancer Society where she led the $40 million capital campaign to build Hope Lodge Houston—the largest of its kind in the country. Previous to her work at the Society, she also led a $5M endowment campaign for Krist Samaritan Center, worked for Houston Baptist University as the director of development focusing on corporate and unrestricted gifts, and served as the stewardship program manager at Baylor College of Medicine. She earned her BBA degree in general business from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and holds the CFRE certification. Sandy is a native Texan and currently lives in Pasadena.
Ashley Perales is the grant writer at Inspiration Ranch.
F3, From Helicopters to Horses: Veterans Serving Horses Through Classical Dressage CR All
The information presented will be shared from the perspective of Veterans. Jim Steels is a combat helicopter pilot who personally experienced trauma, loss, chemical exposure and cancer, resulting from his military experience. Grant Patton served as a rescue helicopter pilot for 20 years. Both will discuss the benefits and outcomes of engaging with equine partners through classical dressage, both “in-hand” and “in the saddle.” Classical dressage, as defined within the context of this discussion, is the mental and physical (some may even suggest spiritual) engagement between the equine and human partner, executing precise and artful maneuvers to challenge and strengthen mind and body.
Jim Steele personally discovered the healing power of horses while volunteering at a center. This experience gave him the inspiration to pursue PATH Intl. CTRI and CHA certifications. Jim has worked with individuals who have various challenges but especially enjoys working with Veterans. He has attended Parelli clinics, practiced the 7 games and pursued equine massage to learn about stress reduction and anatomy. Jim was intrigued when he initially learned about “in-hand” classical dressage from a presentation given by Betsy Kahl during a PATH Intl. conference. Jim currently takes instruction from Betsy. He personally believes classical dressage is a predominant approach for him to intimately engage with an equine partner in a way that challenges both to be present on the same mental and physical plane, learning and growing together. Earlier in life Jim joined the Army on his 19th birthday and was flying helicopters that same year. At the age of 20 he was flying in combat and sustained multiple injuries toward the end of his tour. His military experience provided entry into a technology career where he served in leadership roles for start-up companies and global corporations. Jim has an MBA degree in technology management and a master’s degree in theological studies.
Grant Patton is the proud father of a son serving with the Alaska Army Guard and an adopted Chinese daughter studying psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Grant served 20 years in the Air Force, rising to the rank of Lt Col. His last 15 years, he flew rescue helicopters in Alaska. After retiring from the military, Grant earned his Master of Arts degree in teaching from Alaska Pacific University. In 2010, Grant moved to Texas to become the primary caregiver for both his parents. A 2016 article in the Georgetown View stimulated Grant to volunteer and then ride at the Ride On Center for Kids. His passion is creating a physical therapy program that benefits both veterans and horses.
F1, Budget Forecasting CE
Take the mystery out of budget forecasting. Learn the basics of creating a budget forecast in common sense terms using examples from an EAS business. You will leave this session with an outline of the budget forecast for your EAS business or your portion of the business.
John D'Andrea has 40 years of experience across the aerospace, heavy equipment, high tech and nonprofit industries. Includes 20 years of experience in EAS as a volunteer, board member, facility manager and now executive director for Healing with Horses Ranch.
F2, Grants: Who, What, When and Where CE
Fundraising is a necessary component for most nonprofits. To remain sustainable and achieve growth, organizations must learn the art of writing and submitting impactful grants to strategic funding sources. In this session we will review all the important steps of writing, submitting and stewarding a grant. We will also discuss how to search for appropriate funding opportunities and what to do when they say 'yes'!
Sandy Biggers, CFRE, serves as the vice president of development for Inspiration Ranch. Sandy came to Inspiration Ranch from Buckner International where she served as the Senior Gift Officer for Greater Houston and Beaumont. Prior to that she was the campaign director for the American Cancer Society where she led the $40 million capital campaign to build Hope Lodge Houston—the largest of its kind in the country. Previous to her work at the Society, she also led a $5M endowment campaign for Krist Samaritan Center, worked for Houston Baptist University as the director of development focusing on corporate and unrestricted gifts, and served as the stewardship program manager at Baylor College of Medicine. She earned her BBA degree in general business from the University of Houston at Clear Lake and holds the CFRE certification. Sandy is a native Texan and currently lives in Pasadena.
Ashley Perales is the grant writer at Inspiration Ranch.
F3, From Helicopters to Horses: Veterans Serving Horses Through Classical Dressage CR All
The information presented will be shared from the perspective of Veterans. Jim Steels is a combat helicopter pilot who personally experienced trauma, loss, chemical exposure and cancer, resulting from his military experience. Grant Patton served as a rescue helicopter pilot for 20 years. Both will discuss the benefits and outcomes of engaging with equine partners through classical dressage, both “in-hand” and “in the saddle.” Classical dressage, as defined within the context of this discussion, is the mental and physical (some may even suggest spiritual) engagement between the equine and human partner, executing precise and artful maneuvers to challenge and strengthen mind and body.
Jim Steele personally discovered the healing power of horses while volunteering at a center. This experience gave him the inspiration to pursue PATH Intl. CTRI and CHA certifications. Jim has worked with individuals who have various challenges but especially enjoys working with Veterans. He has attended Parelli clinics, practiced the 7 games and pursued equine massage to learn about stress reduction and anatomy. Jim was intrigued when he initially learned about “in-hand” classical dressage from a presentation given by Betsy Kahl during a PATH Intl. conference. Jim currently takes instruction from Betsy. He personally believes classical dressage is a predominant approach for him to intimately engage with an equine partner in a way that challenges both to be present on the same mental and physical plane, learning and growing together. Earlier in life Jim joined the Army on his 19th birthday and was flying helicopters that same year. At the age of 20 he was flying in combat and sustained multiple injuries toward the end of his tour. His military experience provided entry into a technology career where he served in leadership roles for start-up companies and global corporations. Jim has an MBA degree in technology management and a master’s degree in theological studies.
Grant Patton is the proud father of a son serving with the Alaska Army Guard and an adopted Chinese daughter studying psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Grant served 20 years in the Air Force, rising to the rank of Lt Col. His last 15 years, he flew rescue helicopters in Alaska. After retiring from the military, Grant earned his Master of Arts degree in teaching from Alaska Pacific University. In 2010, Grant moved to Texas to become the primary caregiver for both his parents. A 2016 article in the Georgetown View stimulated Grant to volunteer and then ride at the Ride On Center for Kids. His passion is creating a physical therapy program that benefits both veterans and horses.
PATH Intl. Region 8 Updates // 5:45-6:15pm
Dinner on Own
Dinner on Own
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