Sheila's lifelong passion for horses began at the age of five during summers spent with her aunt in Oregon. There, she developed her early riding skills on Zipper, a retired rodeo bucking horse, often riding without any tack. This formative experience fostered her deep connection to horses and instilled in her a love for horsemanship.

Sheila's dream of becoming a cowgirl was realized in her twenties and thirties, when she worked on four ranches across New Mexico, engaging in diverse ranching activities that included caring for cattle, sheep, goats, and raising chickens while raising her daughter.

Sheila transitioned to training horses and providing riding lessons, dedicating three years as a 4-H horse leader and judging children’s horse shows. A firm believer in mentorship, Sheila is committed to helping young horse enthusiasts develop their skills and knowledge. The opportunity to work at Sandhill Center aligns perfectly with her mission to connect children with horses and foster a love for equestrian pursuits.

Outside of her professional life, Sheila enjoys spending time with her dog, Tater, and her cat, Princess. Tater often accompanies her to work, bringing joy to both Sheila and the children she teaches.