Our story and Faculty

Elysa is a certified Special Education teacher in Georgia who has spent the last 20 years advocating for families and helping them navigate the world of special education. When she’s not teaching or advocating, you’ll often find her in an ambulance as a certified First Responder or volunteering with her local fire department.

She has a heart for working with kids and adults of all abilities and is deeply connected to the mission of Friendship Ranch. She believes in meeting each person — and each horse — right where they are. Whether it’s a child overcoming challenges, a young adult building confidence, or a horse learning to trust, her approach is always centered on patience, respect, and relationship. She’s passionate about natural horsemanship and the “happy horse, happy life” philosophy, knowing that the connection we build with animals can teach powerful lessons in trust, communication, and personal growth. At the Ranch, she loves helping people discover new confidence and joy through hands-on experiences with horses, and seeing how those connections can open doors far beyond the barn.