Hearts Desire Therapeutic Riding Center

                                                   Meet Our Staff

                                               Dawn Likens

Dawn Likens began as a volunteer with Heart’s Desire in when it first began operation in 2001.  Her background in horsemanship, teaching and journalism has been beneficial in her current roles as Assistant Director, Equine Experiential Learning Program Manager, and Instructor.  Dawn and her husband, Steve, have been married 24 years and have two children, Cory and Caitlin.  They also have two grandchildren, Lacy and Owen.  Dawn also serves as Pastoral Council Member and Youth Director at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Senatobia.

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                                                                           Susan Dent

Susan is NARHA Certified Instructor for Therapeutic Riding, Residual Competition Instructor, Special Olympics and Drill Team Coach.  She has been with Hearts Desire TRC since June 2002.  She started as a Volunteer and earned her certification in 2004.  Susan has one son, Chris Dent, who is also a volunteer for our program.

"I have never been involved in anything that has had such a profound effect in my life. I thank God for blessing me by allowing me to be part of Hearts Desire."

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                                                                      Natasha O'Neal

Natasha began riding horses a 2 years of age in Australia where she was born. She has 27 years experience in the equine industry.  She is a Certified Equine Appraiser, a NARHA Certified Instructor, Equine Evaluator for HDTRC, Hippotherapy Instructor, and a School Program Instructor.  She began volunteering with Heart's Desire in June 2002.

She has competed in multiple disciplines, classical dressage and endurance.  She has trained Race horses, cutting horses and pleasure horses.  After moving to the US 4 years ago, she began volunteering with Heart's Desire and received her NARHA Certificate in 2004. She is married to Jason O'Neal and has 3 children, Jack, Kaeleigh and Katie, (host daughter). She is hoping to become a NARHA Certified Driving Instructor upon funding.  She is totally devoted to this program and says this family oriented organization is always making a difference in the lives of others and is worth every effort possible.

Her favorite saying is " Horses + Children = Hope and Happiness."

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                                                                           Jan Watson

With a God-given love for horses and a desire to join Him where He is working, she became a volunteer for Heart's Desire in 2004.  The more I spent time with the staff, the volunteers and the children of this wonderful organization, the stronger my desire became to come on board as a NARHA certified Instructor and be more involved.  Since passing my certification in August of 2005, I have been able to use horses to work with wonderfully special children and youth.  There is a connection that exists between horses and God's children that is fascinating to watch and I feel quite privileged to be able to help make this possible through Heart's Desire.  She has a Master's Degree in Elementary Education.  She is married to Van Watson and has 2 precious sons, Nicholas Bobo  and Taylor Watson.  They live in a beautiful place in Tate County, Ms, surrounded by their American Miniature Horses, their regular sized horses, several chickens, and dogs.

Her favorite Bible verse is Matthew 6:33, " Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you." And I am finding that is TRUE.

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                                                                           Sara Crum

Sara has been working with horses for almost ten years.  She was trail guide and gave English lessons for two years and has been with Heart's Desire since August of 2004.  She began as a volunteer and has now finished the NARHA certification process and is awaiting their decision any day.  She has a background in youth psychology, and is certified in Therapeutic foster care with the state of Tennessee and plans to get her degree in social work.

  " I love the Lord, horses, and serving the wonderful people that give us wonderful and miraculous stories every time we meet.  I am married to Tom and we have to wonderful children, Quentin and Victoria."

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                                                    Miki Farmer, Administrative Assistant

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   Miki was retired from the Armed Forces and living in Texas when she met Jeff Farmer, who was a Surveyor.  They married and moved back to his ranch in Mississippi. A short time later, Jeff, who had always cared for  his own horses since he was 8, decided to become a Farrier and proceeded to go to school. Upon his graduation, they started what is now a very successful business in his home state. Miki started volunteering with Heart's Desire and convinced Jeff to join her and he now donates his services as  the Heart's Desire Farrier. They both donate their talents and  help in countless ways. Miki has two sons that followed in her footsteps and also became members of our Armed Forces