| Letters
of Support
To Whom It May
Concern:
I am writing this letter in support of
Joell Dunlap's proposed riding program at The Presidio.
I have been a student of Joell's at her excellent riding program
in Half Moon Bay for more than a year. Joell is an amazing
and committed person. She is not only an excellent and supportive
instructor, but very patient and caring. I was a "transfer
student" to Joell's program, after being very disappointed
with another well known local riding program. Joell is not
only a better teacher, she gives much more individual attention
to her students and teaches in a supportive way that never
makes them feel stupid or ill at ease. And her horses love
her! This may not sound important, but it's critical to her
success. Because her horses are so well cared for, and also
feel her love and support, they are friendly and gentle to
the students. Joell knows so much about horses from her many
years working and caring for them. People can conceal their
emotions much better than horses do. So if the schooling horses
are happy, it speaks volumes about the people who care for
them.
While my experience is not extensive, most
riding instructors I know seem to either care only about their
horses, only about their students, or, sometimes, about neither!
Joell does an amazing job of caring for us all. I know her
special interest is children with disabilities. As wonderful
as she is with adults, I think this is where she really shines.
There are so few people in the world with the love and patience
required for this difficult work. Joell is definitely one
of them. She knows first hand the miracles that horses can
work with people, especially with children. She knows because
she makes them happen.
I fully support Joell in this new project.
I know her program will be a tremendous asset to The Presidio
and to all the children lucky enough to participate in it.
Sincerely,
Nancy L. Colvert
Director of Public Relations
CNF Inc.
3240 Hillview Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94304
phone: (650) 813-5336
Fax: (650) 813-0158
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To Whom It
May Concern,
I have known Joell Dunlap for over two years.
She is not only a remarkably talented riding instructor, she
is also one of the most giving, caring and patient people
I have ever known. With her riding program she has done amazing
work with disabled children, allowing them to open up emotionally,
to realize potential the extent of which could only have been
imagined, and to far surpass all expectations. She has shown
unwavering dedication to these special needs children, and
in turn, these children and their parents have developed a
devotion to her which is very touching. Joell has earned my
utmost admiration, and I fully support her efforts to expand
the scope of her work.
Sincerely,
Cristina Breiner, M.D.
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To Whom it may concern:
We are parents of an eleven year old child
who was diagnosed with mixed receptive, expressive language
disorder as well as PDD/NOS (autistic spectrum) when she was
three. She has attended various special ed classes/schools
since she was four. Our daughter loves to swim. We've tried
to teach her bike riding, roller skating and to use a scooter.
However, it seems as though anything with wheels scares her.
Her love for animals directed us towards horses. About 2 1/2
years ago we sent her to a summer camp with ponies. She did
not have a good experience. When school started I had heard
from a parent about a horse instructor who had incredible
patience and didn't yell at the children. I was told she would
work with the child's needs. Our child is extremely sensitive
and will shut down if yelled at or given a lot of directions
at the same time. I called Joell and agreed to three private
lessons to see if they could work together. In September it
will be three years. It's difficult to describe in words what
this as done for our daughter. She just keeps growing. She
has become more independent as well as stretching herself
on an emotional level. She is very proud of her accomplishments
and so are we. I believe this would not have been as successful
as it has been if it were not for Joell.
Joell knows how to reach kids. She has a
natural ability to connect with them and bring out their best.
She is always encouraging them and has a very positive attitude
as well as a great sense of humor. When she is with the kids,
she is truly connecting with them. She'll listen to every
one of them individually if that is what's needed. If she
has a concern she'll talk things over with the parents and
together we will decide what would be best for the child.
On many occasions she has come to us and said, "I was
thinking about the lesson last week and I want to run this
by you". The first time she said this to me I remember
thinking this person thinks of my daughter even after the
lesson is over. I was very pleasantly suprised, to say the
least, and felt honored that she would do this. Our daughter
feels safe with Joell which is very important to us. We have
always worked hard at providing a safe haven at home because
it enables her to grow and develop. To have a safe environment
outside of her home is a bonus. Sometimes our daughter will
talk with Joell about problems she may have. As you can tell
we love Joell and think the world of her.
Emily’s** Parents
** Emily’s name has been changed for
confidentiality.
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