By Dan Roark
Theresa is a bright young woman who is great with the horses and riders. She always has a smile for everyone and brightens up those around her.
Now, in her words:
What brought you to New Hope to volunteer?
I rode horses growing up, so I’d been searching for an opportunity like this for a while! I love working with people and really wanted to be around horses again. There was a couple of failed connections along the way, and when I found New Hope, it felt like all the cards had fallen into place.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Illinois and moved to Dallas with my sisters for work five years ago. I currently work at AT&T as a Ux designer, and I got my degree in Systems Engineering and Design at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. My weekends are filled with New Hope, live country music, long walks with friends, and exploring small town Texas!
Favorite Horse?
It’s hard to pick! I think I’d say either Missy or Olivia. Missy is a sweet sou;, and Olivia teaches me so much every time I work with her! [Editor’s Notes: 1) Since Theresa answered the questions, Missy has, unfortunately, passed away. Yet it illustrates how loved and appreciated Missy was. 2) It’s Olivia that Theresa is grooming in the picture above!
Favorite part of volunteering at NH?
The people! The community at New Hope is something special, from the volunteers to the instructors to the riders, I feel extremely lucky to be a part of it.
How has volunteering affected you?
Coming out to New Hope and spending time there makes me feel like me. Being able to support the riders, take care of the horses, and watch folks grow, in whatever manner it may be, there’s no words for it. It’s just super joyful. It really continues to be the bests parts of my week.
New Hope thanks you for your volunteering time and your smile. You bring joy to New Hope.
Ride on and ride for hope.