Claudia, born and raised in Germany, has had an interest in working with disabilities starting in her early youth.  During her high school years, she volunteered during school breaks in local centers for mentally and physically disabled adults and youth.  She went on to get a degree in education with emphasis on special education.  Her internships were spent in vacation camps in the Alps for mentally and physically disabled youth, where therapies included horses, music, swimming, arts, crafts, and other activities, and working with young adults in an assistive living community for disabilities. Although, she now contributes financially to her family by working a 'regular office job', her heart is still in working with children, youth, and adults dealing with disabilities using equine therapies.  Until she will be able to follow this dream full-time, she is contributing to Special Spirit as much as possible.  Claudia lives with her husband, two teenage daughters (one a musician and one an avid horseback rider herself), their 5 horses and dogs in Shadow Hills, in walking distance from Moonshadow Ranch.
Claudia is a certified Project Management Professional with the PMI - Project Management Institute. 
You can email her with comments and suggestions about our website, Facebook page, and Newsletter at claudia@specialspirit.org.

Debby received her Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 1992. She is a Post-Graduate of California State University - Los Angeles and received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the same institution. Debby is a longtime resident of Shadow Hills and owns two Morgan horses who give her great pleasure when she has some time off from all her duties at Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group.

In 2005, Eva opened Moonshadow Ranch, a small ranch in the heart of Shadow Hills. Moonshadow Ranch is committed to enriching the lives of both horses and people. Eva developed a passion for helping children at an early age. Growing up in her native Sweden, she lead special needs children around the arena at her riding school, as a way to earn lessons for herself. In Sweden, almost every riding school has a special needs riding program and Eva discovered that the effect riding had on these kids was tremendous. In 2007, Eva volunteered at the "Special  Olympics" at Hansen Dam, and was reminded of her childhood encounter with special kids .Eva holds a Certificate for Therapeutic Riding from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA®).   Autism awareness is a subject close to her heart, as Eva is the godmother of Jake, who is autistic. Jake is a tremendously brave person, with a heart of gold and a pure soul.

In the late 1970, as Kathy was attending college, she volunteered as a coach for the Special Olympics. Thirty years later, after changing her major from nursing to education, she finds herself again working with special needs children. Currently, Kathy works at a LAUSD elementary school and is a special needs advocate. In the past, Kathy managed group homes in San Diego and assisted the agency in public relations and fundraising. For five years, Kathy has been the completion coordinator for the Kiwanis Club of Warner Center Therapeutic Horse Show. Kathy’s son Paul, who is autistic, has been riding since he was 10 years old and is considered an “A” rider. Kathy’s passion for horses, children and education is a great blend for Special Spirit Inc.

Tim received his Bachelor of Arts from Cal State Fullerton in Marketing and has worked extensively in the hospitality and service industry.  Currently with Kaiser Permanente, he brings his extensive expertise in Business Management and the knowledge of hospitality and service to Special Sprit.  After attending the 3rd Annual Barn Party, Tim became an immediate believer in the impact Special Spirit has on children and the community.  He was a key participant in coordinating and organizing the 1st Annual Casino Night and was voted to the board following his efforts.  Tim understands the positive effect animals can have on human beings.  Tim resides in Burbank with his partner and canine and feline family.

Mary K. received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University - Northridge in 1983. She holds a Certificate for Therapeutic Riding from the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA®). Mary K started volunteering her time with the Tri-Valley Special Olympic Equestrian program in Chatsworth ten years ago. Her desire to work with horses brought her into contact with many special people who really showed her the meaning of life. She is at present employed by the Tierra del Sol Foundation, in Sunland, training disabled adults to feed and care for farm animals. The goal of this training being paid employment and independent living for the adult client.

A former New Yorker, Joe has resided in Southern California since 1996.  Joe’s business background is in Travel Management for the entertainment sector and he is currently part of the senior management team of BCD Travel.  In his “other life”, he heads up a local LA duo with fellow musician; Greg Granieri called “Amuse Blue” as lead singer and songwriter.  Joe became involved with Special Spirit in 2010 with the development and coordination of the 1st Annual Casino Night.  Joe has contributed his fundraising efforts and entertainment and MC skills to Special Spirit and understands that we all can offer a part of ourselves to help in such an important cause.  He has a much loved autistic nephew and carries the belief that every individual deserves a chance at a normal and productive life.

Rebecca received both her Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science degree from San Jose State University (SJSU). She has been working in the field of pediatrics as an occupational therapist since 2004, and currently works for Center for Developing Kids in Pasadena, CA. She has a true passion for occupational therapy and loves working with children and their families. Rebecca’s experience is extensive and includes working in-home, clinic, and school-based services. Rebecca’s professional interests include parent education, early intervention, sensory integration, and feeding therapy. 
Rebecca is also a horseback enthusiast and has been riding on and off over the years since she was 6 years old. As a young girl, Rebecca volunteered at her local therapeutic riding center and gained exposure to working with children with special needs and discovered occupational therapy was her passion. Now with Special Spirit, Rebecca has been able to combine her love of horses and expertise to help children with special needs learn to ride. She is a member of the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association(NARHA®) and is currently working on securing her Certificate for Therapeutic Riding. Rebecca is a firm believer in Special Spirit and the impact that therapeutic horseback riding can have on children with special needs and their families.

Paul is the owner of CSB Contractors, a leading design/building company specializing in recording studio construction. Paul is the father of Jake, a 17-year-old autistic boy, who inspires all who com to know him. Jake splits his time between California and Maryland and is active with the Special Olympics in both states. Paul's inspiration for Special Spirit Inc. came when he did a "Polar Bear Plunge" in Maryland, to raise funds for the Special Olympics. The formation of Special Spirit Inc. is the culmination of years of brainstorming with Eva as to how they could become active in the special needs community. Paul and Eva have been business partners on joint ventures in many varied successful projects and apply the same principles to Special Spirit Inc. Jake's sisters Shawn and Emily, whom are both college students, are also deeply involved.