Meet Katie Arak

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Katie Arak. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

I think a big part of my work ethic comes from watching my parents. They both worked really hard—my mom always put in extra hours, even with family responsibilities, and my dad just has this “do it right or don’t do it at all” attitude. I saw that growing up, and it really stuck with me. It showed me the importance of going the extra mile and putting pride and passion into what you do. So, I think that’s where I get it. Watching them taught me not just to work hard, but to work with purpose and commitment.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I’m currently focused on my role as Ranch Manager at The StandInBalance Ranch, where our Doctors, Licensed Therapists, and Equine Specialists provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). We are one of the few clinical equine therapy ranches in the United States. Our mission is to support veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals through therapeutic experiences that connect them with horses and donkeys. All of our 15 equines—8 horses and 7 donkeys—are rescues, each with their own history and unique personality. They require a lot of care and attention, and we’re deeply committed to providing a safe, loving home where they can thrive and help others.

Our approach at StandInBalance is rooted in the belief that horses are extraordinary partners in therapy. They have an amazing ability to sense and reflect human emotions, creating a powerful mirror for clients to see themselves in new ways. Through this connection, clients can develop self-confidence, resilience, and insight in a safe, non-judgmental environment.

We’re excited about expanding our programs and making EAP accessible to even more people in need. To support this growth, we’re actively seeking donations for the ranch. I’m also starting to raise funds for Equipowerment, our non-profit dedicated to helping sustain and grow StandInBalance’s programs. Every donation directly supports the care of our rescue animals and helps us extend the reach of this transformative therapy provided by our equines, doctors and licensed therapists.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were adaptability, persistence, and genuine connection. Each one has shaped my career in different ways, from working with horses to navigating the entertainment industry.

1. Adaptability: Working with animals and being in show business both require an ability to think on your feet. Horses have their own minds and emotions, and every day on a ranch is different. In entertainment, no two events are the same, and you have to be ready to handle anything—from last-minute schedule changes to unexpected challenges during a performance. My advice to anyone starting out is to get comfortable with the unexpected. Stay open, stay flexible, and don’t be afraid to shift gears when things don’t go as planned. This mindset will help you stay grounded in any field.

2. Persistence: Both the entertainment industry and working with animals are full of highs and lows. You’ve got to stay determined through the tough times. DJing for 25 years, I’ve seen trends come and go, had to rebuild more than once, and kept pushing myself to learn new skills to stay relevant. And with horses, there’s always hard work—sometimes heartache. For those just starting, I’d say: stick with it. Show up every day, even when it’s tough. Persistence is what separates those who succeed from those who don’t. It’s not about being the best right away; it’s about being committed enough to keep growing.

3. Genuine Connection: Whether it’s a horse or an audience, creating a true connection is everything. Horses can read people like no one else, and they respond best to people who are calm, honest, and present. The same is true in entertainment—audiences can tell when you’re real. Don’t try to be something you’re not. The best way to build your brand, career, or connection with others is to be yourself. Be authentic and look for ways to build real connections with people.

For anyone early in their journey, focus on these qualities. Embrace the unexpected, stay committed, and always, always lead with authenticity. These qualities will carry you through the highs and lows and help you build a career—and life—that’s truly your own.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

Yes, we’re always looking for donations and partnerships to help grow and support StandInBalance Ranch! Our mission is to offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals in need, and the support of organizations and sponsors is essential to expanding our reach and resources.

We welcome collaborations in a few key areas:

Corporate Team-Building Days: We invite companies to bring their employees out for a team-building experience on the ranch. Spending a day here with the horses can strengthen communication, trust, and team dynamics in a powerful way.

Non-Profits for Sponsorships: We’re looking for organizations that can sponsor sessions for at-risk or underprivileged youth, as well as for veterans seeking therapeutic support. Sponsorships make it possible for individuals who may not otherwise have access to EAP to benefit from this transformative therapy.

Construction and Infrastructure Support: To grow our capacity, we need help building new therapy arenas and expanding the ranch to create more spaces for clients and groups. Construction companies or individuals who can donate materials, time, or expertise are invaluable to making these improvements.

Program Expansion Funders: We’re looking to expand our services to additional locations to reach even more communities. Donations to help fund these efforts would help us bring EAP to a wider audience.

If you’re reading this and feel inspired to support, we’d love to connect! Whether it’s through direct sponsorship, donations, or volunteering, every bit of support makes a meaningful impact. You can reach out to us directly through the StandInBalance website. Together, we can help more people experience the healing power of horses.