Emily Pier has been volunteering with Narrow Gate since 2016 when we first opened our doors. She is the editor of our newsletter and loves writing. Because she is in control of the content, she has refused to feature herself in the Volunteer Spotlight in the past. As director, I’m overriding her decision this time.
Prior to writing the newsletter, Emily assisted with lessons. She wasn’t yet trained in Equine Assisted Learning, but she knew and understood the at-risk kiddos we were serving because she had volunteered at Urban Outreach for a few years prior. That is where we met. She admits that she didn’t quite understand the concept of EAL at first, but once it clicked, she was the first volunteer to facilitate a class…and she was a natural. Trained as a teacher, she knew how to ask the right questions. Her passion for teaching is only surpassed by her passion for Jesus. The combination makes her an amazing facilitator!
As a non-profit organization, writing grants is a necessity. With little formal training, Emily took it upon herself to attend a few grant-writing courses to learn more about this process. She has helped us earn several grants. Her talent for writing is a gift to Narrow Gate and this director. Emily is also an encourager and a prayer warrior. Emily says,
“I am grateful for the opportunity to do something that I love: writing, editing, and loving on kids. I’ve volunteered in different capacities over the past 6 years. My favorite is always observing kids in a session and looking for an “in”. I watch them as they watch and interact with the horse. And I am praying. I’m praying and looking for a moment to connect with the student. I always want children to leave the ranch feeling “seen”. The horse always “sees” them. That’s amazing and powerful for our kids. The adults see them too, but the kids have a hard time taking that in. But, if somehow they can know that I see them, then I can tell them about the God who sees them too. I can represent the intangible reality of an almighty, loving God who knows all the aches of their hearts. ‘You don’t have to walk alone, kiddo.’ I want them to hear that, to feel that.”
Thank you, Emily, for using your gifts at the ranch!
- Susan Zody, director