Mission Statement
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We're changing it! We wanted a mission statement that expresses our activities and goals in more detail, so we're considering the following:
"Northern Pathways provides a safe place where clients can experience mental and emotional growth, increases in self-awareness and self-reliance, and improvements in interpersonal relationships via interaction and engagement with the empathic, reactive awareness of horses." Does this express our mission more clearly? Does it make sense to you? Let us know what you think! |
Northern Pathways Equine Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
We are a dedicated team of volunteers solidifying relationship skills and learning through interactions with horses. Having evolved from a dream and grass roots beginning in 1999, NPEC serves over one-hundred participants from Manistee and Benzie Counties each year. What began as an individual effort has grown into a powerful resource that brings together community members from many different walks of life. |
Our Goals include:
Building: Confidence, Self-acceptance & Character
Improving: Communications, Self-control & Assertiveness
Increasing: Academic Skills, Career Preparation & Social Skills
Providing: Increased emotional enrichment
Research documenting the benefits of equine therapy and the expansion of growth skills experienced by participants, continues to increase demand for services. Consumers find meaning in a natural environment providing space and time for growth, a healthy structured environment for change, and vast safe opportunities for self motivation and love.
Building: Confidence, Self-acceptance & Character
Improving: Communications, Self-control & Assertiveness
Increasing: Academic Skills, Career Preparation & Social Skills
Providing: Increased emotional enrichment
Research documenting the benefits of equine therapy and the expansion of growth skills experienced by participants, continues to increase demand for services. Consumers find meaning in a natural environment providing space and time for growth, a healthy structured environment for change, and vast safe opportunities for self motivation and love.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Chair - Linda Wright
Linda has been active with NPEC from its very beginning. As a SafeNet caseworker, Linda brought at-risk children to the farm, which led to the development of both the GALLOP and BRONCO programs. She has been a frequent program volunteer, has served as Secretary to the Board in the past, and has been in her role as chairperson for about a year and a half. She currently works part-time at a local book shop.
Secretary - Gayle Crampton
Gayle, a passionate animal lover with a background in organizational development, meeting facilitation, and writing, is very interested in fostering animal-human relationships, recognizing the way in which such relationships can heal us and enrich our lives.She currently works as NPEC’s Development Director.
Treasurer - Anne Shrum
Anne, along with her husband Bob, has been involved with both GALLOP and BRONCO since their beginning. She continues to be of great assistance to NPEC, as Board member, golf instructor, and golf cart trail guide. Her years of experience as a sports booster at Bear Lake School has enhanced her, and NPEC’s, work with children.
Consumer/Volunteer Liaison - Kelsey Purgiel
Kelsey has just joined the Board and we are very happy to have her with us. After some years in the restaurant industry (where she’s a familiar face for some of us at TJ’s Pub) Kelsey is reconnecting, through NPEC, to her deep love for animals and the joy and growth they can generate in us. She brings a fund of new ideas and energy. She’s currently working with NPEC to develop her riding skills and horse knowledge while she pursues PATH certification.
Community Liaison - Steve Schmeling
Steve has served as a Manistee police officer for 27 years. His wide knowledge of and connections within the community make him a valuable resource for NPEC. He has been instrumental in spreading the word about our program and bringing us support.
Physical Therapy Liaison - Bekki Kidd
Bekki has been an NPEC Board member since 2019. As a physical therapist who has worked with Manistee Intermediate School District for a number of years, she is the perfect choice for this position. Bekki was instrumental in the development of our HOOFPRINTS program, which serves special needs children and their families. She continues to shine as a valuable source of knowledge and insight regarding NPEC’s certification needs and processes.
Youth Liaison/Advisor - Eric Kinzinger (Co-chair)
With the development of Cowpokes to Careers, Eric has become a valuable asset to the organization. As a longtime paraprofessional with the Manistee ISD, he too brings to us a wealth of knowledge about working with special needs children. As well as co-chairing, Eric is instrumental to the BRONCO program. (We are seeking someone around 17-25 to fill the other Youth Liaison chair. If you know someone who may be interested and can volunteer 5-10 hours a month, let us know!)
We are still seeking a Fundraising Chair and a Legal Liaison to serve on our Board. If you know anyone who may be interested in either of these roles, please contact Mary Van Dorp at pathway@jackpine.net for a position description.
Linda has been active with NPEC from its very beginning. As a SafeNet caseworker, Linda brought at-risk children to the farm, which led to the development of both the GALLOP and BRONCO programs. She has been a frequent program volunteer, has served as Secretary to the Board in the past, and has been in her role as chairperson for about a year and a half. She currently works part-time at a local book shop.
Secretary - Gayle Crampton
Gayle, a passionate animal lover with a background in organizational development, meeting facilitation, and writing, is very interested in fostering animal-human relationships, recognizing the way in which such relationships can heal us and enrich our lives.She currently works as NPEC’s Development Director.
Treasurer - Anne Shrum
Anne, along with her husband Bob, has been involved with both GALLOP and BRONCO since their beginning. She continues to be of great assistance to NPEC, as Board member, golf instructor, and golf cart trail guide. Her years of experience as a sports booster at Bear Lake School has enhanced her, and NPEC’s, work with children.
Consumer/Volunteer Liaison - Kelsey Purgiel
Kelsey has just joined the Board and we are very happy to have her with us. After some years in the restaurant industry (where she’s a familiar face for some of us at TJ’s Pub) Kelsey is reconnecting, through NPEC, to her deep love for animals and the joy and growth they can generate in us. She brings a fund of new ideas and energy. She’s currently working with NPEC to develop her riding skills and horse knowledge while she pursues PATH certification.
Community Liaison - Steve Schmeling
Steve has served as a Manistee police officer for 27 years. His wide knowledge of and connections within the community make him a valuable resource for NPEC. He has been instrumental in spreading the word about our program and bringing us support.
Physical Therapy Liaison - Bekki Kidd
Bekki has been an NPEC Board member since 2019. As a physical therapist who has worked with Manistee Intermediate School District for a number of years, she is the perfect choice for this position. Bekki was instrumental in the development of our HOOFPRINTS program, which serves special needs children and their families. She continues to shine as a valuable source of knowledge and insight regarding NPEC’s certification needs and processes.
Youth Liaison/Advisor - Eric Kinzinger (Co-chair)
With the development of Cowpokes to Careers, Eric has become a valuable asset to the organization. As a longtime paraprofessional with the Manistee ISD, he too brings to us a wealth of knowledge about working with special needs children. As well as co-chairing, Eric is instrumental to the BRONCO program. (We are seeking someone around 17-25 to fill the other Youth Liaison chair. If you know someone who may be interested and can volunteer 5-10 hours a month, let us know!)
We are still seeking a Fundraising Chair and a Legal Liaison to serve on our Board. If you know anyone who may be interested in either of these roles, please contact Mary Van Dorp at pathway@jackpine.net for a position description.