Today we’d like to introduce you to Keith O’Connor.
Keith, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a school-Based Speech Pathologist who first became aware of SIRE through students that I served who were clients in the program, roughly 7 years ago. Out of curiosity, I attended a volunteer training and was bitten immediately. I was subsequently asked to participate as a volunteer side walker and became a Volunteer Board Member representing Speech Pathology. I had no prior experience in horsemanship and still consider a student in learning. I provide in-service sessions on a variety of subjects ranging from Disability Awareness, Perspectives of Autism and General Development, and associated Communication Strategies. The audience generally includes new volunteers, parents of individuals with disabilities and sometimes the clients themselves.
I have also had the privilege of speaking on the topic of Perspectives of Autism and Strategies for Communication for the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (International and Regional Conferences) in Seattle, WA and Little Rock, Arkansas targeting professionals in the field, students in training for certification and families who may have loved ones seeking the benefit of Therapeutic Horsemanship.
There has always been something very magical and spiritual about the relationship that evolves in the relationship between the horse, the client, the supporting trainers, leader, side-walkers and their families. The horse becomes an incredible segue for optimal communication opportunities and teachable moments, especially for clients challenged by neuro-developmental disorders such as autism.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has been a smooth road. SIRE has become a family, inclusive of staff, families and most certainly, the clients themselves. The only struggle I encounter is how to continually evolve as a clinician to better serve clients. Each Individual client is specific and unique in their experiences, perspectives, and sensory integration. It is crucial to develop a positive relationship that is meaningful to the client and their families. I truly feel I gain more than I give often times from the experience; truly inspirational.
Tell us about your business/company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc.
As I stated earlier, I am school based Speech Pathologist, currently working at the secondary level in the junior high setting. I love the energy of the age range and the emerging importance of social awareness. I have provided Supervision of Speech Pathologist Interns completing their Clinical Fellowship year and also the supervision licensed Speech Pathologist-Assistants at all levels from pre-kindergarten programs through high school. I provide an array of therapy to an array of students. I have students who may have difficulty saying their /r/, /l/, or /s/ sounds who are making A’s and B’s in the General Education curriculum to students presenting with cognitive and/or neurodevelopmental disorders ranging from highly verbal, to low verbal, to non-verbal status. In my previous district, I additionally served in a contained setting for emotionally disturbed students, and a setting for students who were removed from their home campus for higher level infractions, such as assault or drug violations.
I believe my greatest attribute is my energy level and ability to connect with my students. I can tell a pretty good social story containing the intrigue of conflict to higher functioning students with autism who have difficulty interpreting and maneuvering in the social world with peers and adults.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Avocation and advocacy of individuals with disabilities is in my blood. For those of us who are able, to be grateful when we get out of bed in the morning for the two feet that will walk each each of us into the day. If I have achieved success, it is because I have embraced all of my failures and achievements as equal components in learning and ultimately, leading to the shoes I stand in. I feel successful because I know that something positive will happen everyday. There is always so much more to be grateful for, even when that’s not always easy to see!
We serviced a rider who has cortical blindness, meaning she had never experienced sight as we know it from birth, We were leading her out on horseback one misty gray morning and engaged in some banter. The weather was hazy with a gentle breeze blowing. Birds were singing in the distance and there was a very gentle breeze. Her head was bobbing in rhythm to the the horse’s easy gait and she appeared to be leaning into the sounds and sensations surrounding her. She smiled and turned in my direction and said, “Isn’t it a beautiful day?” Moments like these put any troubles I might have had that day lurking in those back avenues of my brain, as very trivial. Yes, it is a beautiful day.
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