Julie came to Raven Rock Ranch in April 2013 as a volunteer instructor with extensive horse experience. She has owned horses since childhood both for pleasure and competition. She has taught riding lessons balancing safety and enjoyment for 20 years.

Julie came on staff at the ranch as an Equine Facilitator in September 2014 having completed two 3 day HEAL experiential workshops. In September 2015 she completed the Certification program through HEAL (Human Equine Alliances for Learning).

Julie has a BA in Sociology/Social Work and has 10 years of experience with Special Needs children as a residential counselor, and a para-professional in schools and homes.

Volunteering has been and continues to be an important part of her life. She volunteered 5 years as manager of the Hunter Fun Shows for Lake Washington Saddle Club and received Parent and Volunteer of the year awards. Since 2012 she volunteers with her dog, Beau (Black Labrador) at a local hospital and school weekly as a Pet Partners Therapy Dog team.

She says: “ I love what I do at Raven Rock Ranch. What could be better for me than children and horses? What we do really works! I have experienced and seen healing for children working with the horses at the ranch!”