JUANITA WILSON

(Volunteer Manager)

Way back in 1987 I set up a charity to rescue horses and ponies.

Then, in 1990 my landlord asked me to move from the house I was in into Mossburn with its large yard, loose boxes and barns - and the rest as they say is history.

Starting a sanctuary was never a thought out-intention, the whole thing evolved around me until we got to where we are today with the rescued animals helping to rescue people, especially children, who come to us with various difficulties.

To see the difference we can make in both the people and animals that come into our care, the benefits from their working together that can be achieved, has made all the toil, sweat and sometimes tears truly worthwhile.

Obtaining funding is always difficult and the hard work to maintain what we do is ever present - but I can go to my bed at night knowing that what we do here does make a difference - and that makes me a happy person.

SUE PIKE

(Horse Professional)

I have worked here at Mossburn for 4 years now. I have been involved with other animal rescue centres, and have seen how other places work, and I know that Mossburn is the best there is – without exception the animals are well cared for, the young people and clients are treated at all times professionally and with absolute respect, and I believe in the fundamental ethos of Mossburn.

So what do I bring to the mix?

I've had 30 years of working with children and animals through Riding for the Disabled, having already studied to work with Special Needs individuals, so began my career of teaming up with various animals to assist me with my work.

I am a qualified PE teacher, fully qualified in SEN Primary Education, I have second level person centred counselling skills, Makaton sign language skills, first level Equine Touch and advanced level EAGALA.So people and animals are very much at the centre of my life.

I love working with animals and above all love seeing the animal work with the young people in our care.
Animals adapt so well to the lives we humans bestow on them and in return they make us feel and teach us so much about ourselves.

My love of animals bought me to Mossburn 4 years ago and I'm still here, enjoying my chosen career.
Can I change the world?

I'll start with changing my own small corner . . . and see where it leads!

YASMIN MARSHALL

(Secretary and Volunteer Yard Worker)

Having moved to Scotland in 1999, I first came to know of Mossburn during 2000.

I subsequently took a Mossburn horse on loan (Amber – still with me!) in 2001 and gradually since that time have become more involved in the care of the animals and 'back-room' administration involved in running a small charity.

As I am also in full-time employment, the time I am able to dedicate to Mossburn is somewhat limited, however I can be found at Mossburn on a Wednesday (my day off), happily mucking out and typing (not at the same time!).

I have always loved animals, especially horses, and think the relaxed atmosphere at Mossburn shows benefits to both the animals in our care and the people who attend here, whether as volunteers/workers or clients.

Lili Culbert

(Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Brief Intervention Counsellor)

I am very excited to be part of the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Team at Mossburn and look forward to working alongside Sue Pike (Horse Professional).

Being a Therapist and Being in Therapy takes on a whole new meaning at Mossburn. Working with horses (and all the other animals that might chose to get involved), man and the elements provides a completely new challenge for me. A challenge I am completely up for.

I am a Qualified Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Brief Intervention Counsellor and work with clients to achieve measurable results and realistic solutions.

I have worked independently as a Cognitive Behavioural Consultant since 2007 and during this time, I have helped individuals, teams and organisational clients overcome anxiety, stress and burnout problems. Since 2009 I have been working with Local Organisations i.e. Alcohol & Drugs Support (ADS) and have specialised in providing Brief Interventions, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused CBT, Mindfulness CBT and Cognitive Behavioural Coaching to Clients living with Addictive Behaviour including Alcohol, Drugs and Gambling, Anger Issues, Relationship Problems, Trauma, Domestic Abuse. All of my work tends to be of a brief nature 6-12 sessions. I also Project Manage and Deliver a Talking Therapy Service, SHRINK RAP for 16-25 across Dumfries and Galloway via Skype (funded by The Holywood Trust).

In 2012 I shall Manage and Deliver in conjunction with my team at ADS the only COSCA (Counselling and Psychotheray in Scotland) Counselling Skills Certificate Course in Dumfries and Galloway.

My Private Practice, (Mindworkx) holds clinics in Dumfries and Galloway, although I work throughout the UK.