Category: Staff

A Colorado native and retired School Counselor, Karen’s certifications include Equine Experiential Learning Facilitator (E3A), Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (PATH), Equine-Assisted Therapist (Natural Lifemanship), Professional Life Coach and Trauma-Sensitive HeartMath Practitioner. Karen’s passion for helping all ages move through challenges with grace and confidence has been a motivating force in her life. Light-hearted and caring, Karen specializes in experiential activities with individuals and groups, making learning with horses fun and memorable. She is an avid mountain biker, hiker, and all things adventure.

During her 8 years living in Mancos, Jessica has discovered a new pace of life; one that is balanced with outdoor adventure, time spent with loved ones (including her partner, new baby boy, and dogs), and a passion for creating positive change for kids and families in Montezuma County. Through her work with The Pinon Project Family Resource Center, and Team UP collective impact, she has learned about our community, its struggles and triumphs, and the non-profit realm. Jessica finds immense value in her time in nature: grounding, presence, wonder, and joy and is excited to share these values with the community through her work at Medicine Horse.

Lauren (she/her) is originally from the soggy Pacific Northwest, spending her first few decades in Seattle, Washington. She got her start working outdoors with youth at her university’s student farm during her undergraduate degree. Since that time, she has worked in conservation, education, and youth development with a variety of nonprofits, including the Washington Trails Association, Student Conservation Association, and Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. After spending years working seasonally, Lauren returned to school to continue building her skills and graduated with a Masters in Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate and a National Certified Counselor. Lauren most enjoys seeing people discover themselves and grow their capacity to contribute to community and the environment. 

Fun Facts: Lauren loves bikes of all kinds! She once worked at a bookstore that sold only cookbooks and uses her collection often to cook yummy food! 

Kellie recently moved to the Mancos area and is a licensed associate counselor in the state of Arizona. She has been working in the field of equine therapy and equine learning for over 12 years and enjoys sharing her love of horses and nature with her clients. Kellie is committed to joining others on their healing journey and believes that connection is the key to healing. When she’s not at Medicine Horse, Kellie is exploring the Colorado wilderness with her trusty canine companion, Cleo, a rescued American Pitbull Terrier. 

Lynne joined Medicine Horse in the year 2000, and has been the Executive Director since 2002. She is an experienced horsewoman and is certified in equine sports massage therapy. Along with the herd, she is the heart and vision of the organization. When not at Medicine Horse, Lynne loves to hike with her dogs, ride her bike or just enjoy exploring the outdoors with her family.

“What inspires me about Medicine Horse is the gentleness and spirit of horses helping to guide young lives to a better future. Our horse partners never cease to inspire me to be a better person.”

Fun fact: Lynne used to be part of a horse drill team.