Mission Statement
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We’ve changed it! (Not our actual mission, which remains the same, but we wanted a mission statement that more accurately reflects all we do here.) At our first Board meeting in 2022, we took a look at the issue, and decided to adopt new language. We feel it addresses the fact that we offer a number of different activities - not least among them, the opportunity to meet others (animal and human) and build friendships, and to enjoy all Nature has to offer. So here, ta-DAH, is our newly-crafted Mission Statement!
“At Northern Pathways Equine Center, we serve our community by providing a sanctuary for all, promoting mental, physical, and emotional health, improving interpersonal relationships, and increasing self-reliance through healthy client-centered activities with nature, horses and each other.” |
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-assisted learning, 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-assisted learning, 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
Board Chair and President - 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.
Executive Director, GALLOP and BRONCO Advisor - Mary Van Dorp
Mary is the creator, and the longtime "face" of NPEC. After some years with Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health as a Home-based Services Worker, Mary began to dream of a different way to heal the damage that can result from trauma or family changes. Her dream resulted in Northern Pathways Equine Center, and she has never once looked back or regretted that decision. Her work on NPEC's behalf is endless, and she approaches it all with great equanimity and energy. Mary's positivity, empathy, and enormous kindness provide a constant example and support for all who visit the farm.
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 writes social media and works as NPEC’s Planning & Development staff.
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.
Community Liaison Committee - Kelsey Purgiel
Kelsey joined our Board last year, and we are very happy to have her with us. After some years in the restaurant industry (where she was a familiar face at TJ’s Pub) Kelsey has moved into Manistee County's newest industry, now working as a Packaging Supervisor at a cannabis processing facility. Her work with NPEC helps her share her deep love for animals and the joy and growth they can generate in us. When able, she's here at NPEC, grooming and increasing her horse knowledge.
Community Liaison Committee - Steve Schmeling
Steve has served as a Manistee police officer for 28 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.
HOOFPRINTS Advisor- Becki Kidd
Becki 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. Becki was instrumental in the development of the HOOFPRINTS program, which serves special needs children and their families. She is currently pursuing a hippotherapist certification, and she continues to shine as a valuable source of knowledge and insight regarding NPEC’s certification needs and processes.
TRAILS Advisor - Carolyn Pifer
Carolyn, a longtime Board member and supporter, was the primary force behind the original development of our TRAILS program, so we are very happy to have her in this advisory role. Long a part of Centra Wellness's Peer Support staff, Carolyn retired last year, and now has more time (despite her new role as an international instructor in programs such as Emotional CPR and more) to give us here. She's currently working on reviewing and updating the TRAILS program. Watch our News and Events page for updates!
Cowpokes To Careers Advisor - Erik Kinzinger
Erik is another extremely valuable asset to NPEC. As a longtime paraprofessional with the Manistee ISD, he brings to us a wealth of knowledge about working with special needs children, and he was the impetus for the creation of Cowpokes. Erik continues to be very involved here as a frequent volunteer with our BRONCO kids. even though Cowpokes has been in hiatus due to Covid. This winter he has worked extensively with Becki Kidd and Mary Van Dorp to restart the program, and we hope to have a contract in place soon. Watch for updates, here and on our Facebook page!
NOTE: We are still seeking folks who'd like to serve on our Fundraising Committee and Community Liaison Committee. If you think you might be interested, please complete a volunteer form on this site, noting your interest, or drop us an email at npecmi@gmail.com, so we can send you more information. Thanks!
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.
Executive Director, GALLOP and BRONCO Advisor - Mary Van Dorp
Mary is the creator, and the longtime "face" of NPEC. After some years with Manistee-Benzie Community Mental Health as a Home-based Services Worker, Mary began to dream of a different way to heal the damage that can result from trauma or family changes. Her dream resulted in Northern Pathways Equine Center, and she has never once looked back or regretted that decision. Her work on NPEC's behalf is endless, and she approaches it all with great equanimity and energy. Mary's positivity, empathy, and enormous kindness provide a constant example and support for all who visit the farm.
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 writes social media and works as NPEC’s Planning & Development staff.
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.
Community Liaison Committee - Kelsey Purgiel
Kelsey joined our Board last year, and we are very happy to have her with us. After some years in the restaurant industry (where she was a familiar face at TJ’s Pub) Kelsey has moved into Manistee County's newest industry, now working as a Packaging Supervisor at a cannabis processing facility. Her work with NPEC helps her share her deep love for animals and the joy and growth they can generate in us. When able, she's here at NPEC, grooming and increasing her horse knowledge.
Community Liaison Committee - Steve Schmeling
Steve has served as a Manistee police officer for 28 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.
HOOFPRINTS Advisor- Becki Kidd
Becki 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. Becki was instrumental in the development of the HOOFPRINTS program, which serves special needs children and their families. She is currently pursuing a hippotherapist certification, and she continues to shine as a valuable source of knowledge and insight regarding NPEC’s certification needs and processes.
TRAILS Advisor - Carolyn Pifer
Carolyn, a longtime Board member and supporter, was the primary force behind the original development of our TRAILS program, so we are very happy to have her in this advisory role. Long a part of Centra Wellness's Peer Support staff, Carolyn retired last year, and now has more time (despite her new role as an international instructor in programs such as Emotional CPR and more) to give us here. She's currently working on reviewing and updating the TRAILS program. Watch our News and Events page for updates!
Cowpokes To Careers Advisor - Erik Kinzinger
Erik is another extremely valuable asset to NPEC. As a longtime paraprofessional with the Manistee ISD, he brings to us a wealth of knowledge about working with special needs children, and he was the impetus for the creation of Cowpokes. Erik continues to be very involved here as a frequent volunteer with our BRONCO kids. even though Cowpokes has been in hiatus due to Covid. This winter he has worked extensively with Becki Kidd and Mary Van Dorp to restart the program, and we hope to have a contract in place soon. Watch for updates, here and on our Facebook page!
NOTE: We are still seeking folks who'd like to serve on our Fundraising Committee and Community Liaison Committee. If you think you might be interested, please complete a volunteer form on this site, noting your interest, or drop us an email at npecmi@gmail.com, so we can send you more information. Thanks!