Our Staff
CAROLYN BENITEZ
Instructor
Horses have always been a part of my life and started my horsemanship journey as a child finding a love for Rodeo Pageantry and earned titles in many competitions ultimately learning how to be a better horseman, advocate/educator (about horses), rodeo history, and the western way of life. During middle and high school, I began learning with trainers and clinics being active in Rodeo, judging, leadership roles and competitive teams in 4-H & FFA. After being selected to be a Texas 4-H Equine Ambassador, which was an invaluable experience and hosted in Gainesville, Texas, I toured top thoroughbred and Arabian breeding farms, experienced clinics and seminars with farriers, equine dentists, and specialized veterinarians throughout Texas. This program allowed me to develop and practice advanced leadership skills related to mentoring other youth and to become an advocate for the equine industry. I continued my education at West Texas A&M University while participating on the Rodeo Team. Today, I aim to help others learn and grow just as I have, keeping horsemanship at the forefront of my lessons and providing a safe and educational environment for riders of all experience levels.
JULIE WALLACE
Counselor
As a mental health counselor, I partner with horses to help my clients move through stuck points and patterns in the here and now. Working with horses helped me show up in my life more grounded, more aware, and with intention. I have been a teacher for most of my adult life, finally retiring from a 30+ year career filled with so much connection and many beautiful memories. I cherish my years as a teacher and offer an expertise with adolescents from 3 decades of having the privilege of being around young people. I have worked as a forensic behavioral health therapist which is extremely rewarding. Lastly, at 50+ years of age, I have officially become horse crazy! Who knew? Just a kid from Upstate New York, I had no experience with these incredible beings. Now, in the second half of my life, I get to partner with them to help others. I feel so honored. Read more about my journey at the Grounded Partners website .
LINDA RAULINO
Founder/CEO
Linda grew up owning and riding her horses and ponies in Massachusetts and taught horsemanship and riding for over forty years while competing in hunter jumper events, field trials and endurance for decades. Her background in dressage and combined training has enhanced her teaching skills as well as organizing events for U.S. Pony Club and Special Olympics. Her talent for helping others and her passion for horses blended when her career in Equine Assisted Therapy and Therapeutic Riding found her in1987. Linda has been a certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor since 1994 and helped several nonprofit Equine Assisted Therapy startup organizations get started. She founded Horses Make Miracles in 2014 and continues to create safe and educational horsemanship programs.
SUSAN PARKER
Co-Facilitator
Susan has loved horses for as long as she can remember living on an 80-acre ranch in Montana, it was her responsibility for training, care and riding. After moving to Colorado as a teen, she graduated High School and attended Colorado State University. Susan competed in endurance rides as well as volunteer work with colleagues. She founded Daisy Chain Sanctuary, a nonprofit that adopts retired and handicapped horses and gives them a new job helping people to heal, love and grow and holds certification as an Equine Assisted Learning and Skills development facilitator. Susan continues her dedication with her business while building operating Daisy Chain Sanctuary and grateful for the continuing opportunity of helping horses make miracles for humans.