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 (PATH). 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 used to divide her time between Special Spirit and the Tierra del Sol Foundation in Sunland, training disabled adults to feed and care for farm animals, with the goal of providing employment and independent living for the adult client. Mary K is now dedicated full-time to our Special Spirit program.

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 (PATH).   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.

Debra is a neighbor to Moonshadow ranch, and no stranger to working with animals and animal care giving.  From dog grooming to working with studio animals, or caring for cats, dogs and horses, or even ducks, chickens, and geese, she has pretty much done it all.  When Eva needed side walkers and volunteers to lead horses during lessons, Debra offered assistance. Then she just fell in love with the kids, and now can be seen nearly every day at Moonshadow, assisting with therapeutic lessons, walking horses, turning out horses, caring for plants or pulling weeds, she pretty much helps out anywhere needed.  Debra is deeply touched by the miracles she sees happening with the kids on a regular basis.

Amy Lyn Molina’s love of horses began at the early age of five, when her aunt took her horseback riding on local trails. Within two years, she was already competing in hunter/jumper shows. Amy has trained with many different trainers from stables such as San Pascal, Rainbow Canyon and Graystone. For the past 10 years, she has been a student of trainer Ali Ahrend at Moonshadow Ranch.  The fact that Amy has ridden with a variety of horses and trainers, as well as ridden both Western/English, have all contributed to Amy being the strong rider that she is today.  Amy began teaching kids at Vista Verde Riding club at the age of 16. Once she realized the joy and happiness that it brought to the young students,she knew that she had found her true calling in life. As an instructor, Amy strives to teach balance, strength and safety, while allowing her students to have a great time at the barn as well.

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(PATH) 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.

Kimberly is a licensed Psychotherapist specializing in family system dynamics. She is also a certified Equine Psychotherapist. Kimberly recognizes, that horses are powerful, magical animals, mirroring human emotion. She considers this kind of experiential therapy a wonderful way to help us with self-reflection, awareness, trust, and truth.