Emma Bunda
Chicago,IL
Summary
Poised Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor talented in leading a wide variety of therapeutic leisure activities to support growth and healthy living in persons of all abilities. Productive in formulating program activities focused on supporting participants' cognitive and physical health. Flexible in adjusting programming to suit personal interests, capabilities, and health requirements to propel healthy living, independence, and goal-achievement. Also, I have years of experience riding horses of all breeds, ages, and temperaments which translates to my ability to support trainees at various stages of riding and horsemanship education. Comprehensive horsewomen with detailed knowledge of common health issues, training, communication techniques, proper tack and equipment use. Dedicated horse caretaker and teacher of daily best practices for equine health. Through many years involved with a 501c3 nonprofit therapeutic riding program I have been blessed to see and dapple in many sides of the program. This all has taught me to be an extremely upbeat and positive person in any situation. Naturally a hard working professional who is organized, dedicated, adaptable and personable who does not stop until the job is complete!
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Herd Care Manager
Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy
03.2021 - Current
- Formed equine exercise schedule to maintain the utmost health and fitness of equines in the program and continue their training to allow for safe performance in class.
- Created an equine intake checklist for incoming horses to rate their compatibility with our program and participants.
- Executed training program on incoming horses of varying breeds, ages, experiences, and learned behaviors.
- Filled hay nets and water buckets and measured feed and supplements 3x day to keep horses well-fed.
- Led horses from stables to fields and back daily to maintain control of animals and minimize injuries.
- Cleaned and brushed horses' coats to improve skin and coat and decrease health problems.
- Kept records of vaccinations, worming, and shoeing to maintain animal health and scheduled new appointments regularly.
- Mucked out stables, swept the yard, and stacked feed and bedding daily to foster a clean and comfortable environment for animals.
- Managed inventory, ordered new supplies, and maintained optimal storage to meet expected needs.
- Maintained equipment and ranch structures.
- Operated tractor, gator, and skid steer.
- Completed invoices for bills of lading, sales receipts, and supplies.
- Used Sales Force to accurately maintain feeding, production, exercise, medical, and cost records.
Head PATH Instructor/Instructor Coordinator
Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy
01.2020 - Current
- Evaluated and revised weekly lesson plans and course content submitted by other instructors before their lessons to achieve student-centered learning.
- Coordinated 4 instructor schedules with client schedules.
- Ensured all instructors' credentials were up-to-date with PATH Intl. standards.
- Held weekly team meetings with an agenda to maintain a cohesive work environment.
- Maintain updated rider schedule on the Sales Force database.
- Records equine usage daily to adhere to PATH Intl standards.
- Takes detailed notes of equine behavior in class with circumstantial information like volunteers, weather, arena props etc.
- Make sure the program and facility adhere to all PATH Intl standards.
- Teaching 1 hour-long therapeutic riding classes with 3 plus participants of all abilities and 5 plus volunteers.
- Evaluated and revised lesson plans and course content to achieve participant-centered learning.
- Applied various teaching aids to minimize learning gaps and effectively instruct and motivate participants.
- Worked closely with participants and parents or. caregivers to increase positive feedback from parents or caregivers to boost overall participant success.
- Documented weekly measurable rider progress based on lesson goals and objectives.
- Hold volunteer meetings before classes to give a recap of lesson plans and participant status.
- Direct volunteers in class preparation and set up with the arena lesson plans and horses.
- Adequately match participants and their needs with a proper equine partner.
- Prioritized building participant rapport and picking up on proper cues indicating readiness to progress in the lesson.
Volunteer; Sidewalker and Leader
Holistic Riding Equestrian Team
09.2015 - Current
- Attended 5 Special Olympic competitions.
- Sidewalked and led all program horses following safety procedures taught in training.
- Continuing education by asking questions and attending further training opportunities offered.
- Worked with program supervisors to implement changes and better serve target groups.
- Documented student progress, obstacles and academic milestones for parents and faculty.
- Communicated nonverbally with children to provide comfort, encouragement and positive reinforcement.
- Created learning and content strategies to meet needs of mentally and physically disabled students.
Intern
Allenforce
01.2022 - 05.2022
- Attended 5 plus special events with the program and executed outreach efforts.
- Created and implemented 3 programs that fit into the monthly calendar.
- Became immersed in veteran culture and took ongoing education efforts like interviews with veterans, educational podcasts, articles, videos, and much more.
- Researched and reviewed information in support of daily objectives.
- Took meeting notes and compiled paperwork to support the department.
- Developed social media content for Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
- Developed and updated tracking spreadsheets for process monitoring and reporting.
- Gathered, organized, and input information into a digital database.
Registered Behavior Technician
Ace Therapies
01.2020 - 05.2022
- Conducted functional behavior assessments, functional analysis, preference assessments and assessments of basic learning and language skills to identify target behaviors and purpose of behaviors.
- Kept accurate records by documenting progress and adhering to prescribed behavior plan.
- Observed, monitored and recorded problem behaviors through accurate behavior-consequence data collection, graphs and anecdotal notes.
- Supported 2 client using principles of applied behavior analysis.
- Used Rethink to document patient information, progress notes and treatment plans.
- Collaborated with client's support system and other allied specialists to implement positive interventions.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Recreational Therapy
University of St. Francis
Joliet, IL05.2025
Associate of Applied Science - Recreational Therapy
Moraine Valley Community College
Palos Hills, IL12.2020
Skills
- Student Records Management
- Special Needs Teaching
- Curriculum Design
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Multitasking Abilities
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Active Listening
- PPE Compliance
- Student rapport
- Organized
Certification
- Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI)
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)
- First Aid & CPR Certified
Timeline
Intern
Allenforce
01.2022 - 05.2022
Herd Care Manager
Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy
03.2021 - Current
Head PATH Instructor/Instructor Coordinator
Holistic Riding Equestrian Therapy
01.2020 - Current
Registered Behavior Technician
Ace Therapies
01.2020 - 05.2022
Volunteer; Sidewalker and Leader
Holistic Riding Equestrian Team
09.2015 - Current
Bachelor of Science - Recreational Therapy
University of St. Francis
Associate of Applied Science - Recreational Therapy
Moraine Valley Community College