Our Staff
The staff of Courageous Connections not only share their valuable knowledge and expertise, but their passion in supporting others through horses and nature. They expand the reach of our program by bringing their own unique background and education for the benefit of our mission.
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STAFF
Angela Farnsworth
Administrative Assistant
Favorite Quote:
"Dare to Dream"
Angela is a true multi-talented go-getter, with experience in administrative and marketing fields, a background in Web Design & Interactive Media, and an ever-present passion for art and creativity. She's a proud mom of two kids, two dogs, two cats, a new mare named Luna, and one amazing gelding, Hank, who opened her eyes to the power of horses.
While searching for a better way to work with and train Hank, Angela discovered Mustang Maddy, whose guidance eventually led her to Nancy Kittleson in 2021 — and through Nancy, to the world of Liberty and Horse Speak. Learning equine body language opened her eyes to the profound lessons horses teach, like mindfulness and self-awareness. She's now working toward her PATH Intl. instructor certification and is excited to be part of the Courageous Connections community, sharing the transformative magic horses bring to our lives.
INSTRUCTORS
Leah Hutchins (she/her)
Instructor
Favorite Quote:
“Be the change you would like to see in the world.” -Gandhi
Leah started riding when she was 5 years old. She owned and showed two horses starting in junior high school until she graduated from high school. Leah loved to teach horseback riding lessons when she was younger. Her educational background is in abnormal psychology and criminal science. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelors of Science degree in HDFS (human development and family studies). She has been working in Equine Assisted Learning and Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy classes since 2017 with people ranging from age 4 to 84 years old with a wide range of diagnoses and treatment goals. Her passion for working with people and horses shines through whenever she is around!
Patricia Gillette (she/her)
Equine Manager, Instructor
Favorite Quote:
"Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyways."
I have been around horses since college. I was in no way able to own my own horse but knew I wanted to be around them so I joined Equest Special Riders in Tacoma back in 2010 because I have a love for both horses and helping those with physical and mental disabilities. We’re always told that we make a difference in people’s lives but I believe that our participants make a difference in our life. I am now the main instructor for that organization. I moved up here to Edmonds in the summer of 2021 and started working for the Edmonds School District as a custodian. I haven’t really been able to connect with the horse community up here and only making it to Tacoma once a week made me miss my horses. I am excited to venture on this new journey with Courageous Connections and get to spend time with both horses and participants!
Shelley Lovell (she/her)
Instructor
Favorite Quote:
Love is really more of an interactive process. It's about what we do, not just what we feel. It's a verb, not a noun.
-bell hooks
Shelley is a Washington transplant from Anchorage, Alaska where she grew up enjoying the great outdoors. Her love of horses began at the age of three while visiting family in Oregon and Washington, often riding horses in the summer months, into her teen years. That love of horses was reignited as an adult when she came to Courageous Connections where she herself had been a participant, parent of a participant, and volunteer and currently an Equine Specialist in Mental Health Learning instructor. Professionally, Shelley is an elementary school teacher and has found a profound passion of combining both worlds of horses and teaching while working in the classroom and in the arena. She absolutely loves being a part of one's journey; the learning and growing that transpires while working with people and horses is truly magical.
Mental Health Providers
Cynthia Farley (she/her)
Counselor, LMHC, CMHS, CART, CTMH, C-DBT
Favorite Quote:
"Sometime you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory." -Dr. Suess
I have loved horses for as long as I can remember. I was fortunate to have a pony when I was a kid, and loved riding bareback across the fields, through the forests, and near the creeks in Vancouver, Washington. I enjoyed learning and the community of 4-H: riding Western, showing, and riding in parades.
As an adult, it was a thrill to ride English and learn to jump. I was privileged to bond with my mare, Solly, for 12 years. With her I loved centered riding, liberty and relationship training, and trail riding.
I am a licensed counselor and registered nurse with a focus on mindfulness, present moment experience, and what is happening in the body and energy field. I have experience with many modalities and a specialty in Hakomi, Internal Family Systems, and Psoma. My focus is on awareness, presence, attunement, playfulness, and possibilities.
Program Director
Olga Surmacheva
Favorite Quote:
“Do not spoil the wonder with haste!” - J.R.R. Tolkien
Olga has been working with horses for over twenty years and is passionate about cultivating connection through liberty work and thoughtful groundwork. As a certified Straightness Training Instructor and Large Animal Massage Practitioner, she brings a holistic, horse‑centered approach to every program she develops.
Drawn to the intersection of horses, creativity, and youth development, Olga believes deeply in the transformative power of equine‑assisted experiences. Horses have profoundly shaped her own life, and she is committed to creating opportunities for participants, especially young people, to experience confidence, curiosity, and emotional growth through quality time with these remarkable animals.
In her role at Courageous Connections, Olga loves sharing her knowledge and watching volunteers and participants integrate it into their own horsemanship journeys. She is continually inspired by the moments when someone discovers a new way of understanding or connecting with a horse.
Outside of her work, Olga finds joy in spending time with her two geldings, continuing to learn from them and appreciating the quiet magic they bring to everyday life.