Staff

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Tori Belden: Assistant to Founders

Having loved horses all her life, Tori found Whispering Grace Horses while she was a sophomore in high school at Jackson nearly 6 years ago.  Now a senior at Walsh University, Tori is studying Behavioral Science and Spanish.  She will pursue a Master's degree in School Counseling following the completion of her undergraduate credits.  Tori holds many positions at Walsh  including that of a Resident Assistant, a peer tutor, and an orientation leader.  Tori is also the Co-President of Walsh University's Equestrian Team, which competes at various universities such as Findlay, Oberlin, Lake Erie, and Tiffin.  At Whispering Grace Horses, Tori assists in the training of new session leaders, performs individual sessions every week and helps with training of the horses.

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Sara Chambers: Program Director at Freedom Farm @ WGH

Sara Chambers has been involved with therapeutic horseback riding and equine facilitated learning since 1999.  Her various roles included volunteer and special events coordinator as well as a horseback riding instructor to those with disabilities and to typical riders.  While she has witnessed many amazing transformations, it was a life-saving encounter with a Gulf War veteran that set her on a new mission to serve veterans, service members, and any involved family members through equine encounters.  Sara's goal for Freedom Farm @ WGH is to provide a safe, positive and honoring atmosphere where healing is encouraged through the horses.  In particular, her focus will be on posttraumatic growth, reintegration, reconnection, and renewal of the spirit.  Sara has been certified by and serves with various professional organizations including First Aid for Adult Mental Health, Columbia-CSSR (Suicide Severity Rating Scale), Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation in Assessing and Managing Suicide Risk, the Coalition of Suicide Prevention for Stark County, and The PsychArmor Institiute.  Sara is most encouraged by the work being done with and through Natural Lifemanship.  She believes the connection and the relationship that is formed when an authentic moment is created by a human and a horses is unmatched.  Sara has been married for 20 years and raises her family in Stark county.  She is heavily involved with community organizations that serve our military community.