On Friday, Nov. 18, 2011 Elleene Morgan was recognized as the recipient of the Region 5 2011 “Volunteer of the Year” in front of a record crowd of over 700 attendees in Lexington, Ky. at the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.

Morgan received this prestigious award for her dedicated service to Dream Quest Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy and Therapeutic Riding, Inc. located in the Bethlehem portion of Gwinnett County. Dream Quest provides counseling services for individuals with behavioral and emotional challenges by working with horses, as well as providing recreational horseback riding for those with special needs.

According to Kay Watson, president and licensed professional counselor of Dream Quest, “Elleene is special lady who volunteers faithfully each week for our PATH center. She works at the yearly Fun show and Camp Dream Quest doing anything needed from tacking horses to leading academic centers at camp.” Additionally, Morgan serves as the treasurer of the non-profit Dream Quest Board of Directors.

Watson added, “She is dedicated, hard-working and dependable. Most importantly, she loves horses and children, demonstrating compassionate, patient skills earned in a lifetime of experience with both.”

In one specific example of her skill, Morgan volunteered in an EFP session with a teenage girl who had a dramatic mood swing of irrational rage at the end of her session. Morgan remained calm and in control of the horse, allowing the therapist to deal with the challenging teenager. Afterward, Morgan contributed valuable insight in processing the experience. Morgan continued to volunteer with this foster child, serving as a positive role model and friend, in spite of this girl’s unpredictable, bizarre behavior. Even after the teen was hospitalized, Morgan sent her a beautiful ceramic horse as a gift for Christmas.

Dream Quest EFP & TR, Inc. was established in 2002 to help individuals overcome challenges to reach their dreams by working with horses. Dream Quest is located in Bethlehem, Ga. (Gwinnett County) at the Korges family farm with five program horses and three part-time staff members. Dream Quest is a 501(c3) non-profit corporation and serves approximately 20 children and adults. Dream Quest has also developed unique programs with two Gwinnett County Public Schools.

If you would like more information, please contact Kay Watson at 678-227-2991 or kwatson@dreamquestefp.com