Through the Horses Eyes
OUR STAFF
Dawn Samuelson
Owner of Grandview Farms and “Through the Horse’s Eyes”©
Education:
BS, Animal Science, Colorado State College AAS, Animal Husbandry, Alfred State College
Certification and Accomplishments:
Equine Behavior Specialist, Life Skills Coach, Behavior Modification Trainer
About the Founder:
Dawn Samuelson has over 20 years experience working in the Equine Behavior and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) fields. She is a Certified Equine Behavior Specialist, Life Skills Coach, and a dynamic motivational speaker.
Dawn made the cover of, “COUNTRY WOMAN” magazine, is a member of the National Association for Professional Women, as well as the Family Advisory Committee at Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. She is a Youth Educator for the Cornell Cooperative Extension and a 4H leader. Dawn is also a past member of the Orchard Park and Bemus Point Fire Departments as an EMT and Firefighter, not to mention her work with the Chautauqua County Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team and membership of the County Mounted Sheriff division.
Dawn developed the “Through the Horse’s Eyes”© program 10 years ago while undergoing personal challenges. Her now 10 year old son Ryan was born with a rare disease causing him to develop renal failure and fibrosis of the liver. He has undergone dialysis, two kidney transplants, a liver transplant, and numerous other related surgeries. Unfortunately, Dawn has been challenged with a life time of tragedies and crisis’ in other areas of her life as well. Despite all of this, her transparency becomes the main factor that connects her with the audience.
Dawn’s life has become a platform for her dynamic program that focuses on, “Taking off The Emotional Coat.” While training problem horses and undergoing personal challenges, she noticed a direct link between the action of her day, and the reaction of her students (horses). Once she was able to change her own behavior, the horses displayed a reflective reaction in a positive manner. Through repetition and consistency, the behavior became habit with favorable outcomes. Dawn came to the conclusion that if we can achieve this response with horses, which are prey animals and unable to communicate verbally, then surely we can work together predator to predator (person to person).
This program has been implemented in schools such as Cornell and St. Bonaventure University and several school systems throughout the East Coast. She provides In-service training seminars as well as student assemblies that meet the NYS standards and offer accreditation for continuing education in New York State. Likewise, the program is involved in family services with local county mental health agencies and private behavior modification seminars.
Dawn and her program are endorsed by two national companies.
Dr. Greg Gibbs
Associate Professor and Department Chair Educational Leadership,
St. Bonaventure University
Education:
• PhD, Educational Administration, SUNY Buffalo
• MS, Curriculum, SUNY College at Buffalo
• BA, Elem. Education, SUNY College at Fredonia
Certification and Accomplishments:
Phi Delta Kappa Howard Soule Fellowship for Education Leadership Awarded for Dissertation Research
NYSCOSS (NY State Council of School Superintendents) Scholarship Award
New York State PTA (Parent Teacher Association) fellowship of Graduate Study
Research Fellow
Assistant Professor of Education Leadership
Supervisor of Curriculum Development
Director of Instruction
Elementary School Principle, Williamsville Central School District
Teaching Philosophy:
I believe in expanding opportunities and learning to all students through a comprehensive plan of theory, practice and reflection. I attempt to provide opportunities to expand candidates’ learning and experience with practicing experts in the field while allowing time for skill development, theory into practice sessions, and increasing the opportunity for effective reflection. Debriefing that reflection to capitalize on the strengths of all candidates is key within the course development.
Candidates need to hone their own unique skills and grow in ways to strengthen their creativity and flexibility so they can adapt and be the leaders that the schools of tomorrow needs. The structure of the student course work and my own teaching is based on best practices in the field with a constant eye on what an evolving administrator needs to develop to face the challenges of the future.
Raquel Spears
Board of Directors, Consultant, and Technical Assistance |
Education:
MS, Education in Marriage and Family Therapy |
Certifications and Accomplishments:
(LMFT) Marriage and Licensed Family Therapist |
Raquel is a Clinical Member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT), a member of the Association of Traumatic Stress Specialists (ATSS), and a member of the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI), where she volunteer as the Chautauqua County Chapter Secretary and she is on the Board of Directors. Raquel is also a Certified Trainer of the Family Development Credential for Family Service Workers through Cornell University and of the Family-to-Family Course Sponsored by NAMI, New York State.
Stable Manager, Behavior Specialist, Facilitator
Education:
AAS, Equine Studies w/Business Management
BS, Natural Horsemanship w/Business Management
University of Montana Western
Certifications and Accomplishments:
• Mental Health First Aid
• Facilitator for Darkness to Light
Red Cross Certified:
• Disaster Services
• Damage Assessment
• Mass Care
• Shelter Operations
• CPR/AED
• Family Services: Providing Emergency Assistance
Julie joined Grandview in January of 2011. She brings with her years of community involvement and experience working with youth through programs such as: AWANA, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America, and YWAM (Youth With A Mission). She has traveled nationwide including overseas to China and Mexico serving with youth mission teams.
Currently, Julie is an Equine Behavior Specialist that works with problem horses and special behavior issues. She manages the stable herd of 22 horses daily as well as several facets of customer service. Julie has been trained as a youth educator and facilitator for Through The Horses Eyes© programs. She is also a Life Skills Coach and assists with the private practice of behavior modification sessions offered at Grandview.
Board of Directors, Facilitator
Education:
BA, English and Anthropology
SUNY Brockport University
Certifications and Accomplishments:
Certified in Corporate Training and Customer Service
Med Certified and DSP
Nancy has been with Grandview from the start. She brings with her years of training in the corporate world. She has had experience with ISO 9000 Audit Contract Management as well as Customer Service experience. She has worked with the youth including: recreation programs, summer camps, and Job Corp kids. Nancy currently works with the Resource Center assisting challenged individuals.