ABOUT US
Our People
BARBARA
Program Director
Equine Specialist
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Barbara Isherwood grew up knowing the safety and comfort of a herd. As a child in England, she found refuge in a band of wild horses when her home wasn’t safe, learning their ways and finding peace among them. This deep connection with horses has shaped her life and work—she feels a lifelong debt to them and strives to live by their example every day.
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Her difficult childhood inspired her to help others, leading to a career working with marginalized communities as a guidance counselor and community development worker. Barbara also taught life skills to teens and young adults with ASD, focusing on employability and independence.
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At Harmony Barns, Barbara serves as the Horse Guardian, working alongside the therapist to help clients connect with the herd during their healing journey. She shares her knowledge of horses with students eager to learn through the barn’s educational programs.
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For Barbara, Harmony Barns is the culmination of her life’s work. It's where she brings together her passion for horses, community, and education, creating a legacy that serves both people and animals.
ANTHONY
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
Anthony Weeks is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). He is a complex trauma specialist with a deep passion for supporting those impacted by relational trauma, gender dysphoria, addiction, religious trauma, domestic violence, and trafficking.
Anthony is trained in Trauma Affect Regulation (TARGET), a strengths-based approach to education and therapy for survivors of physical, sexual, psychological, and emotional trauma. Trauma survivors can use TARGET to regulate extreme emotional states, manage intrusive trauma memories, promote self-efficacy, and achieve lasting recovery from trauma.
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In addition to his clinical expertise, Anthony is learning from his equine mentors what it means to be part of a herd. Much like in therapy with individuals who have experienced relational trauma, the horses offer gentle support without any demands, allowing each being to simply be themselves. Through this process, Anthony is discovering that horses are true masters of relational healing.
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CHRIS
Equine Specialist & Board Member
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Christopher (Chris) Marshall and his wife Sarah
were serving Marines when they first came
to Harmony Barns.
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He became a resident student with the Serving and Understanding Horses Program and showed a deep commitment to an attuned way of caring for and being with horses.​
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During his time as a student, Chris developed a meaningful connection with our horse, Monty (pictured). Their bond was so strong that Chris became Monty's guardian and forever person.
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Chris has become an excellent relationship-based horseperson and is a valued member of the Harmony Barns Team, serving on our board and caring for the herd.
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DREW
ASD Advisor
Drew was drawn into the world of horses through his
wife, Barbara. He recalls how, in the beginning, he was fearful and intimidated by these large, powerful creatures.
Being well-rooted in technology, engineering, and
science, Drew was skeptical about the benefits
of 'hanging out with horses'.
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Over time, Drew has grown in confidence and
connection with our beloved Harmony Herd,
feeling more grounded and attuned in their presence.
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Drew has given the Harmony Barns Team some
invaluable insights into how ASD impacts him, the connections between his lived experience of autism and horses, with a particular emphasis on the 'prey mind'.,
SARAH
Award Winning Photographer & Videographer
Publicity & Promotions
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Sarah is a multi-awarded & published photographer
and videographer.​ She is a skilled graphic
designer who does an excellent job for us and other clients with photography, video, publicity, and promotion,
While on active duty as a Marine stationed in San Diego, Sarah contacted Harmony Barns. She was keen to learn our approach to horse guardianship.
Sarah and her husband showed their commitment
by coming to the barn every weekend to help
with chores, learn and grow as horsepeople. ​
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Sarah's gentle energy and patience were an excellent match for our lovebug boy Beau, and she became his 'person' in 2023.
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VICKI
Treasurer
Board Member
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Board member and Treasurer Vicki Vandruff has many years of experience as a 'C Suite' financial
executive in the non-profit sector.
Vicki is a passionate horse lover, having seen the positive influences horses have had in her own life.
She is committed supporter of Harmony Barns and a staunch advocate for the programs we offer.
Vicki brings extensive financial expertise to the Harmony Barns board and is a great asset
to the organization.
Our Horses
The Harmony Herd is the heart and soul of our program. With their sensitive nature and desire for connection, our family of Arabian horses is deeply attuned to human emotions. Their expressive nature and clear communication make them exceptional guides and teachers in our journey toward emotional healing and self-awareness.
Meet the Harmony Herd......
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MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to foster healing and growth through attuned, relationship-based interactions between humans and horses. We provide a safe and compassionate space where our herd and clients are seen and heard. By honoring each horse's autonomy and emotional world, we create a therapeutic environment that empowers individuals, especially those who have experienced complex trauma, to reconnect with themselves and others. Through deep listening, presence, and nonverbal communication, we cultivate meaningful connections that inspire transformation, resilience, and harmony.
