Laura has been a horse person her entire life. She got her first horse at 13, during a difficult time at home when she needed a safe, loving companion. That horse became her best friend, providing constant connection and trustworthiness. She found purpose and built her self-esteem, which had been lacking before. Currently, Laura collaborates with Sturrup Purpose and their volunteers to offer similar relationships to participants at the Lighthouse Navigation Center. Although trained as a psychotherapist, Laura finds Equine Healing to be a helpful addition for individuals who have learned that trusting humans can lead to bad outcomes. As participants develop a relationship with a horse over time, they can share grief and trauma in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Once a horse knows and trusts that it will be safe with someone, it will physically respond by resting its head on a shoulder or approaching closely. Laura views this as a way to practice human connection. She began volunteering with Shepherd’s House Ministries because she wanted others, who might not have access to this type of connection, to have the chance to build their sense of belonging, self-esteem, and purpose.