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Hello!
I'm Kathy Shepard.
Being a curious person by nature, I have developed a passion for whole-person wellness and spirituality. I’ve spent the majority of my life immersed in three primary worlds of healing—emotional, physical, and spiritual. Beginning as a fitness instructor, my career evolved into massage therapy, where I built trusted relationships and a thriving business.
I first tapped into the healing power of horses when I introduced my children to these magnificent animals during a tough time for our family. That experience revived wonderful childhood memories.
I discovered (Equus) Equine-Assisted Life Coaching in 2018, at a time when I was experiencing a period of paralyzing uncertainty, facing an empty nest, family trauma, and challenges within my close relationships. In addition, I was suffering from severe chronic headaches. My doctors were recommending a surgery that would have required removing part of my skull. I felt lost, alone, abandoned, and unhappy.
My perspective shifted when I began working with a compassionate life coach who partnered with the healing energy of a horse. This experience allowed me to heal and tied everything together for me: emotional, physical, and spiritual well being. I was able to see how my thoughts and beliefs were affecting my health. I was able to explore my beliefs and thoughts and to see which of these were no longer serving me and to discover and develop new ways of thinking that actually was healthier for me at this phase in my life. Equine-Assisted Life Coaching inspired and transformed my life.
It’s exciting to see how the culmination of my professional and personal work has led me to (Equus) Equine-Assisted life coaching. This work provides a meaningful avenue to fully embrace my values and my passion for helping others.
After traveling this path myself, I understand the often difficult questions we must ask ourselves if we are to move forward in a positive, rewarding way. I consider it an honor and a privilege to provide support to you as you embark on your own path of self-discovery and wellness.
Inspired by the transformative nature of this work, I pursued Equine-Assisted life coach training as follows:
2019 Koelle Institute for Equus Coaching | Certified Equus Life Coach
2020-21 Certified Equine Wisdom Integration Method Life Coach
2022 The Center for Equus Coaching | Certified Master Facilitator
Mission Statement
To facilitate healing for the body, mind, and spirit. To assist individuals in finding clarity, confidence, and a new perspective when addressing the challenges holding them back from leading an authentic and intentional life.
I believe that life is happening for us, not to us and that obstacles are opportunities for us to rise above our current circumstances through growth and healing. Because when we know better, we can choose to do better.
A Few Fun Things About Me
I have been married to the love of my life since 1983, we have 3 amazing children who have blessed us with 5 biological and 4 bonus, beautiful healthy, light up our life, grand children.
My husband, Dean and I choose to take a 5000 mile, 3 week motorcycle trip to the east coast to celebrate 40 years of marriage.
My happy places are with my family, being around fresh water, the smell of a horse and hearing the laughter of a child.
With over 30 years of experience as a licensed, board-certified massage therapist, I’ve worked with major corporations in the Kansas City area and with professional and collegiate-level athletes.
"The horse is not here to reward your ego, to compete with you, to punish you, to control you. The horse responds to who you are, how you feel, what you think and what you do. The horse is here to enable you to learn how to be a better you—and that is a blessing."
- Joanne Verikios