We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laura Spielman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Laura, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I have seen the power and magic of working with horses first hand. Both for myself in personal growth, as well as from a family member who suffered from mental illness. When she found Equine Theraputic treatment, it opened a world to healing she never knew was possible. When I first began my business, it began from belief and personal experience. I wanted and almost “needed” to find a way to bring Equine Assisted Services to the public in an accessible way. I knew that once I was able to find the people, the horses would do what they do best, promote calm, connection, breath, heart, presence, and soul.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am the founder of The Rosie Project, an equine-based nonprofit organization based in San Diego, California. I was born and raised in New York and received a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education from Boston University. I earned multiple certifications in the equine world. Since 2020, I have been focused on my true calling, working with horses and humans to heal and manage emotional and physical trauma.
I am a Masterson Method® Certified Pracitioner, a Masterson Method® Equine Specialist, a PATH International Certified Equine Specialist for Mental Health and Learning as well as a certified facilitator for the Equine Academy for Learning.
I founded The Rosie Project Charitable Foundation because I passionate about helping people heal from traumatic experiences.
The Rosie Project provides an educational and recreational space for people interested in learning more about our relationships with horses and how it pertains to our relationships in everyday lives.
The Rosie Project serves any one wanting a one on one or group groundwork session with horses. The Rosie Project Charitable Foundation serves the Military and First Responders, runs a literacy program called Gallop Into Reading, and is bringing horses into the California Prison System.
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?
Resilience is the most important quality to have when building a business. It is incredibly difficult to build a business from the ground up. You need to define a direct path, and stay on it. Believe in what you do, and most importantly try it for yourself. Know it from the inside out.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
My parents have always believed in me, and supported me in everything I did. The Rosie Project is especially near and dear to my heart and to theirs. My mother even volunteers with me, my father has been to many workshops and they are my biggest cheerleaders. They are always there when I need them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.therosieproject.org
- Instagram: therosieprojectsd
- Facebook: The Rosie Project San Diego
- Linkedin: The Rosie Project
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
