Cheryl Leigh Eriksen, MSW

Cell: 615-869-8605  [email protected]

Education ______

Western Michigan University – Master of Social Work (MSW) – April 2012 summa cum laude  Courses focus on: program assessment and development, non-profit administration, social policy, budget analysis and leadership  Elective courses focus on: holistic health, interpersonal (clinical) practice, independent study in Equine Assisted Therapy  Collaborated with WMU and Ulla Frederiksen to create and present a six credit continuing education course for social workers – including creation of educational and marketing materials and conducting a program evaluation

Western Michigan University – Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) – June 2011 summa cum laude  Courses focus on: interpersonal practice, social welfare policy, social justice, cultural competence and group leadership  Elective courses focus on: Holistic Health as related to helping services

Middle Tennessee State University – 2005  Courses focus on: horsemanship/training, advertising/marketing, media writing

Black Hawk College East – A.S. in Horse Science & A.S. in Equestrian Science – May 1998  Equestrian Science courses focus on: multi-discipline horse training, horsemanship, show management and teaching/instruction  Horse Science courses focus on: horse health, reproduction, nutrition, farrier science, facility and herd management, animal science and forage crops

Continuing Education ______

2011 EAGALA Level 2 Certification Training – Versailles, KY 2011 EAGALA Level 1 Certification Training – Lansing, MI 2010 Work Study at Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center (NARHA) – Augusta, MI 2010 Audit Clinic with Ken Levy (USDF Judge) – Plainwell, MI 2010 Dressage Training Lessons – teach rider horse training techniques – Kalamazoo, MI 2009 Dressage Training Lessons – teach rider horse training techniques – Plainwell, MI 2009 Todd Jaynes Natural Hoof Care Clinic - (trim techniques, hoof pathology, hoof/health care) Janesville, WI

Related Work Experience ______

Path of the Peace Horse  Freelance equine assisted therapy program development, facilitation, marketing, website construction and maintenance 2012-present  Freelance equine behavior and communication specialist; also offer training/lessons: 1997 – Present

4601 Stonebrooke Ave., Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009 Shawhan Place – Paris, KY  2008  Foal watch: mare care, assist in delivery and post-partum care of mare and foal -- foaled approximately 50 Thoroughbred mares/year (temp. for season)

Claiborne Farm – Paris, KY  2006 – 2008  Foaling assistant, mare/foal care, sales prep and presentation, assist vet. Large (3000 acre) Thoroughbred farm foaled approximately 250 mares/year

Pretty Lake Equestrian Center – Mattawan, MI  2003 – 2004  Barn Manager: Equestrian Center for at-risk youth. Duties include herd health care, maintenance, record keeping, coordinate vet/farrier appointments, manage staff

Pin Oak Veterinary Clinic – Kewanee, IL  2002  Assistant: Vet/owner is excellent lameness diagnostician; assisted with surgeries, exams, radiographs, record keeping, client relations

Conner Equine – Kewanee, IL  1997 – 2002  Trainer/Manager/Breeder: Four stallion breeding facility (APHA). Train/show stallions, train and/or show get (around 20-30/year), manage farm, stallion handler (hand bred)

Internships ______

Sundance Center for Personal Growth – Fennville, MI  2011 – 2012 (596 hours)  Equine assisted therapy: work as part of facilitation team, program development and marketing

ISAAC (Interfaith Strategy for Advocacy and Action in the Community) – Kalamazoo, MI  2011 (400 hours)  Community organizing agency: advocacy, networking, strategic planning, fund raising

Published Articles ______

Eriksen, C. (2012). Horses as guides to finding your spiritual center. EAP Report Vol. 1(7) pages 6-9.

Eriksen, C. (2012). Equine communication: More than eye contact and body language. EAP Report Vol. 1(9) pages 5-7.

Awards/Recognition ______

2011 WMU Presidential Scholar – School of Social Work 2011 WMU Deans List (also 2009 & 2010) Cheryl Leigh Eriksen, MSW

Cell: 615-869-8605  [email protected]

2010 APHA PAC Dressage Honor Roll 2009 GLASS-ED Champion First Year Dressage Horse 2009 GLASS-ED Res. Champion Color Breed Dressage Horse 2002 IPHA Res. Champion Open Hunter Under Saddle 2002 APHA ROM Hunter Under Saddle 2002 IPHA Champion Open 2yo Stallion & Champion Amateur Stallion (trained) 2001 IPHA Champion Open Yearling Stallion & Champion Amateur Stallion (trained) 1996 Region 13 (Arabian) top 5 Dressage

4601 Stonebrooke Ave., Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009