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Our Board
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Sue Eulau (she/her)
PATH Instructor - Equine Specialist
Co-Founder & President
Favorite Quote:
No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted
~ Aesop
Sue is a retired Oncology Nurse and former Daycare Director and Foster Parent. She is also a PATH certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. Sue learned early in her nursing career that life is precious and we should spend our days doing things that help others, and in return, make us feel better also. Courageous Connections was the perfect answer to “what is next?” after retirement. She often says that she works more hours now than when she was “working,” but the rewards she gets from watching this vision that she and Kathy had, turn into a reality, are beyond anything she could have imagined.
Kathy Sanders (she/her)
PATH Instructor - Equine Specialist & Certified Riding Instructor
Co-Founder & Interim Treasurer
Favorite Quote:
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
~ Lao Tzu
Kathy has been a horse owner for 20+ years, and a horse fanatic for her entire life! She is PATH Intl. Certified Riding Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. She loves bringing horses into the lives of others who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience these beings up close! Professionally, she worked as a Senior Project Manager leading diverse teams toward the completion of a common goal.
Barb Pardee (she/her)
Vice President
Favorite Quote:
Peace begins with a smile.
~ Mother Teresa
Barbara was born and raised in Washington and had a love for horses at a very young age. After growing up she was able to have horses of her own and became more aware of their capabilities. When wintering in the Palm Springs area she volunteered for a Therapeutic Riding organization called Pegasus for 3 years. There she learned the essence of a connection between a horse and a participant. In April of 2019 she found CC, has volunteered with them, and believes she is attuned to their mission and vision as she has seen many success stories.
Julia Wilson-Lagace (she/her)
Secretary
Favorite Quote:
"You’re never too old to learn something new; take another chance; create another goal or keep dreaming…"
Julia (a naturalized citizen of UK and Australian origin) found Courageous Connections having retired from careers in Air Traffic Control, teaching and volunteering with organizations such as the Peace Corps, Bellevue College, and most recently her HOA. She came as a volunteer, recognizing an organization that has a mission and vision that aligns with her values. She joined to be a part of a community that has a dedication to spreading love through education and service to others accepting the personal worth of each individual.
Although she has, as yet, insufficient experience with horses to participate in the workshops and classes, there are plenty of other opportunities in the garden and around the farm to help the organization fulfill its mission.
Lisa Hillis (she/her)
Information Technology Officer
Favorite Quote:
Sometimes what we think is coincidence is really the whisper of Angels speaking to us.
~Unknown
Lisa spent her career in the insurance industry with many in product management. Roles as program manager in the for-profit sector, and her business consulting experience for a variety of nonprofits, has provided her the benefit of experiencing many different perspectives and backgrounds. Lisa joined Courageous Connections as a board member in 2018 and it has exposed her to greater diversity. Courageous Connections leverages her professional experience and she reports “the experience leaves me filled with hope and a desire to continue to learn through others”.
Marguerite Flanagan (she/her)
Favorite Quote:
"That which does not kill us, makes us stronger", Friedrich Nietzsche
Marguerite is originally from New York and found her way to Washington. She is a wife, mother, and 4-time cancer survivor. As she puts it, ‘two of those things define me and one does not. Having discovered Courageous Connections though our workshops with Cancer Lifeline which she attended with a friend; she was hooked. “After the class, all I could think about and when I could return and experience it all over again so I contacted Sue and here I am. It was cathartic to say the least.
Marguerite shares; “I am passionate about a few things in this life and one is this organization. Between the family that runs the group, the horses, the amazing farm and workers that hold it all together, it truly is an amazing experience. Witnessing transformations in the people that entrust us to help has also been an integral and rewarding experience.
Board Member Position
Volunteer
Do you love helping others, watching positive change happen in people’s lives, and sharing meaningful stories? If you answered yes to these questions then this volunteer opportunity is for you!
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Courageous Connections is searching for an additional Board Member. Our current board of directors consists of 6 individuals with experience in program management, volunteer management, equine welfare, and social work. We are looking for at least one additional person with business, fundraising, or marketing expertise.
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Read full description and apply below:
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