MAY 15 / JUNE 19, 2019
REDSTONE • REVIEW
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OPTIONS SIXTH IN WOMEN IN BUSINESS SERIES
Jackie Hibbard and the healing of horses By Tamara Vega Haddad Redstone Review LYONS – As mental health takes center stage, the tools to understand ing and addressing its Haddad complexities are taking on new approaches to counseling. According to Psycology Today, the EAGAL (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) is a fast-growing therapeutic method used as an alternative to mainstream counseling. It is no surprise that Lyons, Colorado, now has the services of Dancing Spirit Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching. Recently opened by licensed therapist, Jackie Hibbard, the counseling approach incorporates working with horses experientially for mental health, behavioral therapy, and personal development. This is no session with Mr. Ed. Jackie Hibbard is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC). She moved to Colorado to attend seminary and after graduation worked in volunteer management at several non-profit organizations in metro Denver. Hibbard’s undergraduate degree in education helped prepare her to teach workshops in volunteer management in the community and at the college level. Jackie is a 2016 graduate of the Academy for Coaching with Horses (ACWH) with advanced facilitator status. She assists ACWH in the yearlong certification program and is an approved EFLC level one provider.
“I love how working with horses changes people – their beliefs, perceptions, understanding of their life. I love how horses help people access truths about themselves in a natural, beautiful and non-judgmental way,” said Hibbard. “I love how horses teach us (me) to be present at this moment. I see the world differently now since being involved in this work. I notice the birds, the beauty around me, I listen more intentionally and deeply to people, I feel and dialogue with my emotions at a much deeper level, I’m accessing my intuition more naturally.” Hibbard never thought working for herself was doable. Like many of us, she watched her father work his “day” job for money to support the family and then work his “passion” of farming at night and on weekends. “Until recently, I thought that was how it was and then I had an epiphany that my passion could be my day job,” said Hibbard. The leap into working for oneself takes a particular faith always riddled with doubt. Forbes Magazine list fears as a top reason woman do not take steps to leverage their passion and expertise into a business. “Entrepreneurship or running a business is risky and entails unforeseen circumstances. No one goes into business with a guarantee of success. Fear of the known and the unknown is a major issue for women.” Hibbard agrees, “I thought, I won’t know until I try and so I’m making a go of it, trusting that I will be supported.” She became a graduate in 2016 of the Academy for Coaching with Horses (ACWH) with advanced facilitator sta-
Jackie Hibbard, shown here with Clyde, has opened Dancing Spirit Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching. Jackie is a licensed therapist and an ordained UCC minister. tus. She assists ACWH in the year-long certification program and is an approved EFLC level one provider. “Continued education is essential. It not only grows your knowledge base but also solidifies your confidence,” said Hibbard. Accompanied by Sweetie, a 19-year-old quarter horse, and Bonnie and Clyde, two rescue ponies, Jackie addresses mental and emotional difficulties, including anxiety and mood disorders, addictions, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), behavioral challenges, and undergoing life transitions or losses. In addition, she points out, working with horses is suitable for company and work retreats where the group can focus on team building, enhancing communication and problem-solving. Couples can focus on deepening or strengthening their relationships. Hibbard’s upcoming
workshop, Meditation with Horses, focuses on time being quiet in meditation with a beautiful and wise herd of horses. Set in the hills of Lyons on Stagecoach Trail, Dancing Horse (www.dancingspirithorse.com) is an accessible option for psychotherapy and another notch on the belt of Lyons’ women-owned business. Appointments can be made by calling Jackie at 720-320-7237 or email, dancingspirithorse@outlook.com. Tamara Vega Haddad provides communications and advocacy to independently owned businesses in the Front Range. She holds a degree in Political Science and Marketing from University of Colorado, Boulder and spent 20+ years in Public Affairs. This is her fifth year on the Lyons Economic Development Commission.
Outdoor science and leadership program grows at LES By Greg Lowell Redstone Review LYONS – Two years ago, the Lyons Elementary School (LES) launched its Outdoor Science and Leadership Program, an effort that today is supported by almost 60 parents and Lyons High School students. The program began in 2017 when LES partnered with Colorado Outward Bound School, Boulder County and
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the Town of Lyons Ecology Advisory Board. Each month, LES students and teachers work side-byside with volunteers – community scientists, high school student leaders and parent volunteers – in a variety of activities and leadership challenges. “The idea of the program is to provide opportunities for students to impact their community and build a next generation of engaged citizens, neighbors and community members while providing students with experiences that build self-confidence, resilience and empathy,” said Andrew Moore, LES principal. Each month on “late start” days, LES students visit Lavern Johnson Park or the Redstone Museum to work on the LES campus and school garden. Students grow food for the Lyons Emergency Assistance Fund, learn about Lyons history, study the St. Vrain River and explore their relationship to their environment. Among the ecologically oriented activities in 2018, students planted willows in Lavern Johnson Park, assisted the high school’s River Watch team in monitoring the St. Vrain River and analyzed the ecological value of trees, which were then tagged with the information. “The program only works because of the strength of our community,” said Moore. “Each month, we leverage the support of parents, high school students, professional volunteers, community members, and local organizations.” Volunteers for this program routinely dedicate more than 30 hours to the school each year, he said. High school students prepare each month during their lunch time for their role in the LES program, while the Lyons Ecology Advisory Board members, led by Fay Marshall, extend their expertise and provide real-world problem-solving opportunities. The program is a product of a shared vision for our students and school led by teachers and the PTO (Parent Teacher Organization). As Margaret Mead so aptly stated, “‘Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has,’” said Moore.
Colton Jonjak-Plahn (left) and Jaiden Batts of the Lyons High School River Watch team instruct students from Lyons Elementary School on sampling macroinvertebrates in the St. Vrain River at LaVern Johnson Park in spring 2018. PHOTO BY DAVE BATTS
Parent volunteers for the program include: Kristen Fair, John Marks, Jocelyn Bolster, Shannon Garfein, Alicia Witt, Heather Heiby, Heather Baltrush, Gailyn Bound, Doug Bell, Kristen Garvey, Claudia Paterno, Marilee Sturgis, Kristen Bruckner, Claire DeVitto, Debbie Scott, Jen Booth, Rose Begin, Sarah Legh, Brittany Kopren, Amy Brett, Tanya Daty, Jolene Duncan, Suzanne Els and Anne Haakenson. Lyons High School student volunteers include Olivia Cope, Franklin Dorschel, Emily Vanleeuwan, Arjen Wynja, Bella Parker, Jaiden Batts, Harrison Abernathy, Lily Stewart, Marissa Shaw, Jewel Thomas, Sammy Christy, Sam Dorschel, Chloe Els, Alora Cross, Ava McCall, Nick Boggess, Cassidy Batts, Charlie Gau, Hannah Thomas, Colton Jonjak-Plahn, Kylen Christiansen, Felix Sykes, Estella Percarpio, Nick Parker, Libby Paznokas, Hannah Saucier, Quinn Gregg, Amy Meilen, Jayme Friedman, Kathy VonHatten, Jessica Ondra, Cate Richardson and Lucia Cronin.