Missy Nowakowski

Missy Nowakowski has dedicated over 30 years to working with children and horses in all capacities, with a focus on special needs riding and equine assisted learning. She earned a bachelor's degree in equine science from Colorado State University, where she also completed classes in child psychology and agricultural journalism and participated in a rider-instructor training program that led to her certification as an instructor. During her time at CSU, she competed on the equine judging team, contributing to team victories at the Southwest Regionals, National Reining Horse Association, and Morgan Nationals. Earlier in her career, she established riding, boarding, and training programs at farms in Pennsylvania after visiting major equine operations in Oklahoma and Texas. She gained additional experience in the veterinary field and has worked with special needs riders, including children with Down syndrome and those in wheelchairs. For the past year and a half, she has been at Horses with Hope, where she trained and conditioned horses for special needs programs, assisted with lessons, handled fundraising, social media, and volunteer coordination. Missy is also an author, having published So Your Kid Wants a Horse and So Your Family Wants a Dog within the last five years. A Christian who attributes her success to God's favor, her strong work ethic, family support, and willingness to take risks, she emphasizes the non-financial rewards of her field while pursuing opportunities to bless others through her work.