High Hopes’ appoints new Training & Education Director
Sarah Carlson was “born and bred” High Hopes.
Congratulations to Sarah Carlson, who has been appointed new Training & Education Director at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, Inc. Sarah will officially take over from Patti Coyle, current Training & Education Director, on July 1, 2019.
“Sarah and I have been working towards this transition for the past 18 months and I am excited about all she has learned and the passion she consistently demonstrates for training and education. I am so pleased for Sarah and HH as I know I will leave all in very capable hands,” reflects Patti.
A keen Pony Club member, Sarah started volunteering at High Hopes as soon as she was allowed. Knowing that she was committed to a career in therapeutic riding, she furthered her education at Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island, with an Associate Degree in Equine Studies, while she completed the ITC at High Hopes in 2008, just “a stone’s throw from home.”
Sarah followed this with a Bachelor of Science in Human Development from the University of Connecticut, together with additional PATH Intl. qualifications – ESMHL (Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning). This was followed by her Advanced Instructor Certification in 2011 and Carriage Driving Certification in 2012.
Over the years she has worked at High Hopes, Sarah has undertaken many roles from teaching participants, to mentoring interns. She developed a vibrant Summer Camp Series and introduced new highly collaborative special programs such as IMMERSION and My Pony & Me – with multi-disciplinary teams from the Lawrence + Memorial Hospital.
Away from High Hopes, Sarah is a PATH Intl. site visitor & evaluator, as well as having presented at the National Conference. She is highly active in the Lord Creek Hunter Pace and has two of her own horses, one dog, two cats.
“This is the perfect opportunity for Sarah to bring together all of her knowledge and her innate teaching and coaching abilities,” says Kitty Stalsburg, Executive Director. “We are lucky to have someone who is truly committed to our mission ready, willing, and well trained to take over from Patti – she is a hard act to follow!”