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 (she/her)
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, four cats, and one amazing gelding, Hank, who opened her eyes to the power of horses. In 2021, Angela discovered Horse Speak, learning about equine body language and the profound lessons horses teach, like mindfulness and self-awareness. She’s 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
Mindy Mowers Stone (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 a dual Master of Arts Degree in Mental Health Counseling and Child, Couple, Family Therapy. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), a Child Mental Health Specialist (CMHS), a Certified Anger Resolution Therapist (CART), a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider (CTMH), a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapist (C-DBT). I have experience with Inpatient & Outpatient Treatment, School and Work Support, Probation Requirements as well as facilitated Couple, Family and Group Therapy since 2001.
I use a variety of strategies based on my client(s) goals. The work we do may include: movement, utilization of educational materials, art, play, systemic work, behavior modification, and other techniques based on a solution focused, client-centered, cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or dialectical behavioral therapy approaches.
I strive to provide a safe environment for my client(s) to process their thoughts, feelings & choices by exploring their life challenges and difficulties. Therapy often involves risk-taking and can be challenging at times, but it is my hope that it will also be a supportive and an empowering experience.
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.