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Liz was born in Cheyenne, WY. Her father, Jay Bliss was a rancher who homesteaded his ranch in the early 1900’s. Jay raised and trained horses for the Calvary in his youth and cattle as he neared retirement. Horses played an integral part of Jay’s life. He instilled a love and appreciation for horses in his daughter, Liz. He purchased her first pony, Yankee Doodle, pictured above, when she was 2 years old. Beginning with Yankee, Liz has owned and lived with horses most of her life. Liz and her husband, John have lived on a small farm in the foothills of North Carolina with their horses for more than 20 years.
Liz is a professional educator and a Licensed Professional Counselor. Liz has taught in the public schools since 1984 in a variety of positions. Beginning as a vocational teacher, Liz was able to learn the value of experiential learning. Later in her career, Liz worked with mothers and small children, teaching parenting, child development, and vocational skills while developing services necessary for these young parents to complete their education while raising their families.
In 2000 Liz began to work specifically with students who have developmental delays and other disabilities as an Exceptiona Education Teacher. She is interested in multiple intelligences and the use of experiential education as a modality with her students.
In 2000, Liz began work on a Master of Arts in Counseling at Appalachian State University, specializing in addressing special needs such as autism and developmental delays. While completing this degree, Liz became interested in animal assisted therapy especially the use of horses. In 2004 she became certified by EAGALA as a therapist or horse specialist. Liz completed her degree in counseling in 2004, along with licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). In 2008, Liz achieved National Board Certification in Special Education.(NBCT) Liz continues to explore and experience this exciting field on both a professional and personal level on a daily basis.
Although Liz provides traditional psychotherapeutic modalties in the traditional office setting,she particularly enjoys working with clients using horses whether the modality is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy or Equine Assisted Learning. She sometimes pairs or supplements these activities with equine related expressive arts or play therapy when working with children or adolescents.
(Watercolor painting titled "Galace Araby" by Liz 2004)
John was born and raised in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina. His father harvested timber in the mountains driving draft horses pulling the logs. John was raised hearing stories of this rich heritage from his father. John’s family had horses when he was a child. John and Liz have kept horses on their farm for more than 20 years. Several years ago John was able to finally purchase his first draft horse.
He chose Tuff, a registered Percheron. Tuff was trained only to lead in a halter. Using Monte Roberts, “Join-Up” techniques, John has trained Tuff to be ridden, groomed, have his feet trimmed and follow off lead. Together, John and Tuff have become a special team.
John has a BA in Physical Education as well asa BS and a MA in Career and Technical Education from Appalachian State University. He is also certified in Special Education. He has been a professional educator for more than 15 years. Currently John works in public education with children who have behavior issues or other disabilities including ADD and learning disabilities.
At Jake’s Flat, John is a horse specialist. He assists in sessions by supporting and observing the horse or assisting in activities. During therapeutic riding sessions, John is a valuable member of the team who assists the rider mounting, dismounting, and sidewalks or leads the horse. John is also an integral part of the daily activities of Jake’s Flat entering the barn before 5am daily and seldom leaving the barn before 8pm each night.
Volunteers
In addition to John and Liz, we are in the process of developing a team of volunteers. Our volunteers assist with farm and riding activities countless hours during the year. Whether they are picking stalls, repairing jumps, cleaning saddles, assisting riders or working with the horses they fill invaluable roles in our program. We are deeply grateful to these generous and caring people for their efforts. For more information about our volunteer program, check the Pony Express Page.
Many thanks go out to Sarah, Danielle, Mikalya, Erin, Andrew, Nobia, Katie, Rachael, Marisa, Suzy, Rachael, Kathy and Jason
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