Shelley has been involved with horses since the age of 9. Volunteering at barns has given her knowledge and understanding of the horse. Shelley's career in Therapeutic Riding began as a volunteer at different therapeutic riding facilities and eventually led to teaching and working with the needs of each individual rider. Shelley's philosophy is: safety first, while combining fun with a learning experience for the student. Helping the student attain goals towards independence. Shelley teaches the rider skills and horse knowledge, so that the horse and rider can become a unified team. Shelley has also had extensive experience working with Women's groups, Veterans, and senior groups, at different facilities. She has also worked in conjunction with Licensed Clinical Social Workers to run successful Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, as well as Equine Facilitated Learning programs. Shelley is a certified therapeutic riding instructor under the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, (PATH Int'l), a global authority, resource, and advocate for equine-assisted activities and therapies. Shelley also received certification in the EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association) model. Shelley is a graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology, and studied in Paris France for years before returning to New York, where she worked for a large sportswear manufacturer, which eventually led to her running a private sportswear company, and traveling extensively. Shelley lives on LI with her husband, two sons, Hazel her bloodhound, and her beautiful horse Ophelia.