Molly Balaam
Grand Rapids,Michigan
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive experience working in high-stress or dangerous situations. Possesses versatile skills in project management, problem-solving, and collaboration. Brings fresh perspective and strong commitment to quality and success. Recognized for adaptability and proactive approach in delivering effective solutions. Proactive and goal-oriented, with excellent time management and problem-solving skills. Known for reliability and adaptability, with swift capacity to learn and apply new skills. Committed to leveraging these qualities to drive personal and team success, and contribute to organizational growth.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
General Barn Worker
High Meadow Farm
Lowell, Michigan
08.2023 - Current
- Monitored livestock for signs of illness or injury.
- Provided routine care to animals including grooming, feeding, and exercising them.
- Identified potential health issues by observing behavior changes in animals.
- Scooped manure from stalls daily and disposed of it properly.
- Followed instructions given by farm owners regarding animal care procedures.
- Handled, walked, and brushed horses.
- Watered, fed and cared for livestock.
- Examined animals to detect illness, injury or disease.
Certified Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor
Equest Center For Therapeutic Riding
Rockford, Michigan
01.2022 - Current
- Assessed student needs in context of qualifications, limitations, abilities and interests.
- Educated students using customized teaching methods and hands-on curriculum.
- Evaluated student progress and adjusted learning plans to foster progress.
- Built positive relationships with students, parents, colleagues and administrators.
- Paired rider with equine partner for lessons based on temperament, personality and experience.
- Inspected equipment before each use for signs of wear or damage, making necessary repairs when needed.
- Managed barn personnel providing direction on daily tasks related to caring for horses.
- Assisted students with mounting and dismounting horses safely.
General Barn Worker & Riding Instructor
Summer's Farm LLC
Caledonia, Michigan
05.2021 - 09.2024
- Assisted with feeding, mucking stalls and turnout of horses.
- Monitored student progress and provided feedback on their performance during lessons.
- Created lesson plans to teach riding fundamentals such as balance, steering, and control of the horse.
- Instructed riders in basic horsemanship skills, including grooming, tacking up and leading the horse.
- Paired rider with equine partner for lessons based on temperament, personality and experience.
- Assessed student needs in context of qualifications, limitations, abilities and interests.
- Examined animals to detect illness, injury or disease.
General Barn Worker & Horseback Riding Instructor
Kathy Williams Quarter Horses
Lowell, Michigan
09.2016 - 09.2024
- Managed the daily care of multiple horses in the barn including feeding, watering, turn out, in, cleaning stalls, paddocks and administering medications as needed.
- Responded quickly to any emergencies or injuries that occurred in the barn or during lessons and rides.
- Provided lessons to riders of all ages and skill levels.
- Assessed student needs in context of qualifications, limitations, abilities and interests.
- Monitored livestock for signs of illness or injury.
- Repaired fences and other structures in the barns.
- Followed instructions given by farm owners regarding animal care procedures.
Therapeutic Riding Instructor
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
Middleville, MI
03.2018 - 01.2022
- Developed individualized therapeutic riding programs tailored to diverse participant needs.
- Instructed riders in horsemanship skills, enhancing confidence and coordination.
- Enhanced rider confidence by providing tailored therapeutic riding sessions and personalized lesson plans.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on industry best practices, enhancing instruction quality for riders.
- Developed customized goals for each rider in collaboration with parents and caregivers, resulting in measurable progress toward desired outcomes.
- Supported students in overcoming physical challenges through carefully planned exercises and adaptive equipment usage.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI01-2016
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI01-2016
Skills
- Effective Communication
- Physical Strength & Stamina
- Problem-solving aptitude
- First aid knowledge
- Emergency response and assessment
- Previous training and experience as a Veterinary Surgical Technician
- Ability to provide calm instruction in high-stress, dangerous situations
- Critical decision-making skills
- Crisis handling
- Mental health assessment
Certification
- Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship. #7015990. Issued May 2018
- Master Certified Riding Instructor in English, Western and Jumping through the Certified Horsemanship Association. #24184. Issued September 2020
- Basic Life Support Certification through the American Red Cross. ID: 01JQKUV. Issued June 2024
- Basic Life Support Certification through the American Heart Association. Issued October 2024
- Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, AED Certification through the American Red Cross. ID:01IR9VA. Issued May 2024
- MI Concealed Pistol License through the Kent County Sheriff's Department. #799824C. Issued March 2020
Timeline
General Barn Worker
High Meadow Farm
08.2023 - Current
Certified Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor
Equest Center For Therapeutic Riding
01.2022 - Current
General Barn Worker & Riding Instructor
Summer's Farm LLC
05.2021 - 09.2024
Therapeutic Riding Instructor
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
03.2018 - 01.2022
General Barn Worker & Horseback Riding Instructor
Kathy Williams Quarter Horses
09.2016 - 09.2024
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Grand Valley State University
References
References available upon request.