Meet Michelle Staeck! A longtime volunteer at the AIDB Marianna Greene Henry Special Equestrian Program (MGH), she recently became the arena's Instructor Assistant. "I initially volunteered at MGH while homeschooling my two children who were 12 and 14. We moved around a lot but were always involved with horses. So, MGH was the perfect match! It was the perfect place for my children to socialize and gain another perspective. My daughter, who works with the public now, recognizes certain traits because of her volunteer work with the students at Helen Keller School of Alabama. Volunteering at MGH improved her ability to work with others.

I'm absolutely thrilled to now be working as the Instructor Assistant! After making the decision to go back to work, I spoke with Kate (Storjohann) about looking for a job and she told me 'but there's a job for you at the arena!' After spending so much time as a volunteer, I hadn't even considered it. But it's a perfect fit! I love the people who work here and I love the volunteers. It doesn't feel like work. It's the best place to be and I enjoy spending my time here."