Cheryl Leigh Eriksen, MSW
Cell: 615-869-8605

cheryl.l.eriksen@wmich.edu
Education__________________________________________________________________________
Western Michigan University – Master of Social Work (MSW) – April 2012 summa cum laude
 Courses focus on: program assessment and development, non-profit administration, social
policy, budget analysis and leadership
 Elective courses focus on: holistic health, interpersonal (clinical) practice, independent study in
Equine Assisted Therapy
 Collaborated with WMU and Ulla Frederiksen to create and present a six credit continuing
education course for social workers – including creation of educational and marketing materials
and conducting a program evaluation
Western Michigan University – Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) – June 2011 summa cum laude
 Courses focus on: interpersonal practice, social welfare policy, social justice, cultural
competence and group leadership
 Elective courses focus on: Holistic Health as related to helping services
Middle Tennessee State University – 2005
 Courses focus on: horsemanship/training, advertising/marketing, media writing
Black Hawk College East – A.S. in Horse Science & A.S. in Equestrian Science – May 1998
 Equestrian Science courses focus on: multi-discipline horse training, horsemanship, show
management and teaching/instruction
 Horse Science courses focus on: horse health, reproduction, nutrition, farrier science, facility
and herd management, animal science and forage crops
Continuing Education______________________________________________________________
2011
2011
2010
2010
2010
2009
2009
EAGALA Level 2 Certification Training – Versailles, KY
EAGALA Level 1 Certification Training – Lansing, MI
Work Study at Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center (NARHA) – Augusta, MI
Audit Clinic with Ken Levy (USDF Judge) – Plainwell, MI
Dressage Training Lessons – teach rider horse training techniques – Kalamazoo, MI
Dressage Training Lessons – teach rider horse training techniques – Plainwell, MI
Todd Jaynes Natural Hoof Care Clinic - (trim techniques, hoof pathology, hoof/health care) Janesville, WI
Related Work Experience__________________________________________________________
Path of the Peace Horse
 Freelance equine assisted therapy program development, facilitation, marketing, website
construction and maintenance 2012-present
 Freelance equine behavior and communication specialist; also offer training/lessons: 1997 –
Present
4601 Stonebrooke Ave., Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009
Cheryl Leigh Eriksen, MSW
Cell: 615-869-8605

cheryl.l.eriksen@wmich.edu
Shawhan Place – Paris, KY
 2008
 Foal watch: mare care, assist in delivery and post-partum care of mare and foal -- foaled
approximately 50 Thoroughbred mares/year (temp. for season)
Claiborne Farm – Paris, KY
 2006 – 2008
 Foaling assistant, mare/foal care, sales prep and presentation, assist vet. Large (3000 acre)
Thoroughbred farm foaled approximately 250 mares/year
Pretty Lake Equestrian Center – Mattawan, MI
 2003 – 2004
 Barn Manager: Equestrian Center for at-risk youth. Duties include herd health care,
maintenance, record keeping, coordinate vet/farrier appointments, manage staff
Pin Oak Veterinary Clinic – Kewanee, IL
 2002
 Assistant: Vet/owner is excellent lameness diagnostician; assisted with surgeries, exams,
radiographs, record keeping, client relations
Conner Equine – Kewanee, IL
 1997 – 2002
 Trainer/Manager/Breeder: Four stallion breeding facility (APHA). Train/show stallions, train
and/or show get (around 20-30/year), manage farm, stallion handler (hand bred)
Internships_________________________________________________________________________
Sundance Center for Personal Growth – Fennville, MI
 2011 – 2012 (596 hours)
 Equine assisted therapy: work as part of facilitation team, program development and marketing
ISAAC (Interfaith Strategy for Advocacy and Action in the Community) – Kalamazoo, MI
 2011 (400 hours)
 Community organizing agency: advocacy, networking, strategic planning, fund raising
Published Articles_______________________________________________________________
Eriksen, C. (2012). Horses as guides to finding your spiritual center. EAP Report Vol. 1(7) pages 6-9.
Eriksen, C. (2012). Equine communication: More than eye contact and body language. EAP Report
Vol. 1(9) pages 5-7.
4601 Stonebrooke Ave., Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009
Cheryl Leigh Eriksen, MSW
Cell: 615-869-8605

cheryl.l.eriksen@wmich.edu
Awards/Recognition_______________________________________________________________
2011 WMU Presidential Scholar – School of Social Work
2011 WMU Deans List (also 2009 & 2010)
2010 APHA PAC Dressage Honor Roll
2009 GLASS-ED Champion First Year Dressage Horse
2009 GLASS-ED Res. Champion Color Breed Dressage Horse
2002 IPHA Res. Champion Open Hunter Under Saddle
2002 APHA ROM Hunter Under Saddle
2002 IPHA Champion Open 2yo Stallion & Champion Amateur Stallion (trained)
2001 IPHA Champion Open Yearling Stallion & Champion Amateur Stallion (trained)
1996 Region 13 (Arabian) top 5 Dressage
4601 Stonebrooke Ave., Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009