(picurred above) Julie Markarian with Columbus the therapy pony
We are excited to announce Julie Markarian as our Employee of the Month! As the Volunteer Program Manager, every day is a new adventure, filling volunteer needs and helping our lessons and programs run smoothly, but Julie’s tenacity is perfect for her role! She never backs down from a challenge and works hard to ensure every volunteer has the resources they need to succeed. We know we can count on Julie’s unwavering support to continue providing quality services to volunteers and riders! We are so grateful to have such a passionate, positive, and dedicated staff member on our team!
GET TO KNOW JULIE
What is your favorite part of your job?
I truly LOVE working with and spending time with our incredible volunteers! Connecting with so many incredible people giving their time, energy, positivity, and passion to our clients and horses is a humbling experience. Also, as someone who didn’t come from an equine background, I have loved learning about and working alongside our amazing horses!
Who is your favorite horse?
I love riding Nicholas & Columbus, and I love working on the ground with Dunnie (he teaches me a LOT!) I have also loved watching Rose learn and grow!
What is your fondest memory of Ironstone Farm?
During one of my first weeks working here, I was stepping in to sidewalk for a therapy lesson with a new client. The client was nonverbal, and it was his first time riding a horse. As a team, we took him and his pony out to ride on our trail, and suddenly we saw deer rustling around in the woods. We all stopped and just enjoyed this peaceful moment outside together, and the client had a huge smile on his face for the rest of the lesson. It was a moment of pure joy that I’ve seen with so many clients since, but that first one has always stuck with me!
What is an important lesson you have learned during your time at Ironstone?
Patience, communication, and kindness go the distance with horses, just as much as with people! I love that I learn about myself, people, and ponies every day I work here, and I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had to continue learning and growing!
Thank you, Julie, for exemplifying our mission and values in all you do!