Susan landed as a volunteer at a ranch doing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy in February 2008. Falling in love with the work, Susan launched a 501(c)3 nonprofit called ELSA (Experience Learning Support with Animals) in 2009 to serve youth and young adults with disabilities through horse assisted activities and therapeutic riding. Susan comes equipped with 30 years of marketing, business development & sales experience, and a lifetime of loving horses. She built her business expertise in the corporate world starting her career at Ogilvy & Mather, followed by management positions at Vans Shoes, The Walt Disney Company & DreamWorks. She holds degrees in Psychology and Business from UCLA and is EAGALA certified (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and PATH trained in methods of equine-assisted services. She is an avid trail rider and studies natural horsemanship and dressage. Susan has worked as a volunteer on behalf of animals and at-risk youth her entire adult life. Today, Susan says the best part of her work with horses is “it feels authentic and resonates deep within me; I see horses having that positive effect on others as well.”