Kyrsten dreams of becoming an equine-assisted therapy professional and needs to complete specialized training through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (P.A.T.H.). This training will provide the skills and knowledge she needs to use the healing connection between horses and people to support children and families navigating trauma, emotional challenges, and difficult life experiences.

Kyrsten spent 16 years in foster care, from age 5 to 21, and chose to remain in care beyond age 18 to access funding for trade school. Her own journey toward healing has shaped her passion for helping others. As an adult, she found a therapist who helped her begin working through trauma she had carried for years. She understands firsthand how much early support matters and wishes she had experienced that kind of help as a child in foster care.

Kyrsten is currently pursuing her graduate education while working full-time as a nanny. With two years of school remaining, she is working toward a future where she can combine her education with specialized equine-assisted therapy training. Her ultimate goal is to help foster youth, adopted children, and their families find healing, build confidence, and develop healthier relationships through the unique connection between humans and horses.

Kyrsten’s dream is deeply personal. Having experienced the difference that support and encouragement can make, she wants to give other children the opportunity to heal before their struggles follow them into adulthood. She hopes to return the kindness she has received by creating meaningful experiences for young people who have faced trauma and adversity.

Fulfilling this educational dream would help Kyrsten overcome a significant financial barrier and take an important step toward her career in equine-assisted therapy. By coming together as a community to raise funds through Kyrsten’s crowdfund, we have the opportunity to help make this specialized training possible. Every contribution brings her closer to gaining the skills she needs to turn her passion into a purpose and help children and families find hope, healing, and a brighter future.