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Miracles in Motion is blessed to have a dedicated
group of staff and volunteers called the Operations Committee. These
people handle the day-to-day activities of the program. We have a full-time
Program Director, several certified instructors, consulting therapists,
a barn manager, and several committee chairpersons.
Miracles is both lucky and proud to have seven certified NARHA instructors
on the Operations Committee. NARHA facilities usually average 2.6 instructors
per facility.
Of course, nothing would happen without our volunteers. Find out more
about volunteering at Miracles in Motion by clicking
here -- there is truly something for everyone!
STAFF
Sharlynn Page -- Executive Director
Sharlynn became aware of Miracles in Motion a few years ago while
visiting the center during the ribbon cutting for the outdoor arena.
Sharlynn recently accepted the position of Executive Director and brings
over seven years of marketing and fundraising experience from the Marion
Chamber of Commerce and, most recently, The Villages at Marion. She
says, “For several years I heard great things about the
Miracles in Motion organization, its staff and volunteers and am honored
to be chosen to be a part of it.” In this new position, Sharlynn
has the ultimate responsibility for the day-to-day operations of Miracles
in Motion and its programs including fundraising, communications, administration,
human resources, property and maintenance.
Sue Bock -- Program Director
Sue is a life-long horse person and a volunteer with Miracles since
1995. She attended a CHA instructor training course in Michigan in 1997,
completed the Cheff Center Instructor Certification Course in January
1999, and achieved Advanced Instructor Certification in June 1999. In
October 1999, Sue became Miracle's full-time Program Director. For Sue,
"Being Miracle's Program Director is truly a dream job for me. I am
extremely grateful for this opportunity and look forward to many years
of service to Miracles."
Christine Denburg -- Volunteer Coordinator
Christine joined the staff in August 2006. The Iowa City resident began
volunteering with Miracles in Motion's Horse Committee in April 2006
and she loved it so much, she decided to work here. She says, "I want
to help others enjoy their experience as a volunteer at Miracles in
Motion." We welcome her enthusiasm and can-do attitude to this important
role in lining up sidewalkers and horse committee with the classes on
our schedule. She also fulfills various volunteer needs, such as office
help, internships, group projects and more. To volunteer, contact the
office or email Christine at christineatMIM@netins.net.
INSTRUCTORS
Erin Hazen was "horse-crazy" as a kid and just never grew out
of it. In her own riding, she trains her horse Kips Bay in dressage
and jumping. She has also trained in cross-country jumping. Native east-coasters,
Erin and her husband Tim traded the taxis and bustle of midtown Manhattan
for the tractors and peace of Swisher, Iowa. Together they served as
Miracles' Caretakers/Barn Managers from 1998 to 2001, and they recently
moved onto their own acreage not far from the riding center. Erin is
one of Miracles' fabulous NARHA-certified instructors, having earned
her certification in 2000, and has also served as the Exercise Committee
Chair.
Kim Hott has volunteered at Miracles in Motion since 2000, and
she joined the staff in September 2004 as our barn manager. She also
served as Miracles administrative assistant and resource development
associate. In August 2006, Kim became an instructor! As a kid, her grandpa
sparked her love of animals, and she and her horse, Twiggy, used to
explore the fields and ditches around the acreage for hours.
Susan Hohbein is a Miracles parent as well as an instructor.
Horse crazy all her life, she received a B.S. degree in Animal Science
specializing in the Equine Industry. After working as a riding instructor
for two years, she received her Elementary Education Teaching Certificate
in 1995. Susan returned to horses in 2001 after her son Peter started
with Miracles. She volunteered on Horse Committee and exercise committee
for two years before completing her Registered Instructor Certification
in May 2005. "I can't think of any better way to show my appreciation
for the benefits Peter has received than to share my knowledge and love
of horses with other students like my son."
Rosemary Oliver began volunteering at Miracles in February 2003.
She served on horse committee for the next three years and as volunteer
bookkeeper for two of those years. In 2006, Rosemary became an instructor
in training and completed NAHRA's Registered Instructor Certification
requirements in August of that year. Rosemary is a western rider. She
and her quarter horse Pal can be found riding trails whenever circumstances
permit. Staying safe and having fun are Rosemary's top priorities at
Miracles.
Joyce Snyder came to Miracles in 1998. She quickly became known
as the volunteer we could count on and in 1999 served as the Volunteer
Coordinator. Joyce became an instructor-in-training during the 1999
summer session and attended a NARHA Instructor Training Workshop and
Certification Clinic in November 1999. Joyce completed her NARHA Registered
Instructor Certification during the 2000 season. She is currently a
member of the Horse Committee, the Exercise Committee, and served on
the 5K Committee and the Board of Directors.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dennis Van Auken, President
Bill Boyd, Vice President
Jason Weeks, Treasurer
Fran Hansen, Secretary
Nancy Dostal-Hoyt
Kathleen Kleiman
Dan Lewis
Shelley Mockler
Mike Smith
HIPPOTHERAPY CONSULTANTS
Carol Daly is a physical therapist with a degree from the University
of Iowa gradute school program. Her primary interest and experience
is in pediatrics. She has worked in school and hospital outpatient settings
with infants through young adults with developmental disabilities and
started working with Miracles in 1990. Carol became registered by the
American Hippotherapy Association in hippotherapy practice in 1997;
she received her certification as a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist
in 2000. Today, she serves as a physical therapy consultant to the therapeutic
riding program, overseeing the numerous consulting therapists that assist
with the program. She also assists in the initial evaluation and placement
of each student in Miracles classes, and the development of goals and
learning plans for that student. She is also a horse owner (Rudy the
Belgian draft and BJ the Appaloosa) with husband Mike, daughters Ellen
and Annie, and a self-described "perpetual novice rider!!"
Kristi Kernan is an occupational therapist with a degree from
St. Ambrose University who works in a pediatric program at St. Luke's
Witwer Children's Therapy Center. Her expertise is with children from
birth to 21 years of age with various diagnoses. Kristi became registered
through the American Hippotherapy Association in hippotherapy practice
in 2002. She is a consulting therapist for therapeutic riding, assisting
with initial evaluations for students in Miracles in Motion classes,
and she also provides one-on-one treatment using hippotherapy as a tool
with children with autism spectrum disorder, sensory integration, cerebral
palsy, and various diagnoses.
Karen Mauss received her Master's degree in physical therapy
from The University of Iowa. She works at Mercy Medical Center's Therapy
for Kids as pediatric physical therapist. She became registered in hippotherapy
through the American Hippotherapy Association in 2000. For Miracles,
Karen is a consulting therapist, assisting with initial evaluations,
and providing one on one treatment using hippotherapy for children with
cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy and various diagnoses.
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