(pictured above) March 2024 volunteer of the month, Erica Bethke, poses with Romeo the therapy pony
Congratulations to our volunteer of the month, Erica Bethke! Erica brings a wealth of knowledge, positive energy, and genuine kindness to our community. The amazing connections she forms with our clients help make every lesson and program the best it can be! With her warm personality and passion for our mission, Erica represents the heart of Ironstone, making our programs truly extraordinary. Thank you, Erica, for your unwavering dedication and for making a difference in the lives of those we serve!
GET TO KNOW ERICA
Years of service / Total volunteer hours
6 months / 55.25 hours
How did you discover Ironstone Farm?
I first got involved with Hippotherapy when I worked as a horse handler for a small non-profit PT/OT program in southern CA and fell in love with the way that horses have the power to heal people both physically and emotionally. Although I’d always planned to find a similar way to volunteer with horses and people when I moved back to MA in 2017, life circumstances didn’t make it possible until the summer of 2023. My cousin Katie Monteiro, who works here as an OT suggested that I join her at Ironstone, and we started together the same week!
What is your fondest memory you have from volunteering?
Horses have been such a huge part of my own healing as a veteran, so it was such a special experience to volunteer at a recent Homebase retreat and be part of giving that experience to others. I loved watching our group bond with the horses and hearing what the horses taught them over just a short weekend experience.
What does Ironstone Farm mean to you?
The fact that Challenged Unlimited exists means that therapists have one more tool in their tool belt when it comes to providing clients with the care they need. Anytime you bring horses and people together cooperatively, there is this intangible but undeniable kind of magic that happens. I love that Challenge Unlimited provides a place for that to happen over and over again for the clients, employees, and volunteers of Ironstone Farm.
Thank you, Erica, for exemplifying our mission and values in all you do!