Celebrating Innovators and Educators: Enrichment Quarterly's Inspiring Stories

Enrichment Quarterly is a vibrant magazine showcasing the transformative work of community leaders and educators. Through engaging stories and interviews, we highlight diverse approaches to education, fostering connections and empowering the next generation. Join us in celebrating those who uplift and inspire both traditional and non-traditional students.

4/22/20251 min read

In McDonough, Georgia, Teaching with Animals is changing the way students engage with education. Founded and run by Christina Stachowski, this innovative organization uses animals—specifically horses and other farm animals—to teach children and adults valuable life skills and emotional growth. By integrating animals into learning, Christina has created an environment where students can gain confidence, improve communication, and develop emotional regulation, all while building strong bonds with the animals.

Through a combination of equine therapy and hands-on activities with animals, the program helps students, especially those with special needs or behavioral challenges, overcome personal obstacles. Christina’s approach is rooted in the belief that animals, with their natural empathy and nonjudgmental presence, provide an ideal platform for building trust and self-awareness.

“We’ve seen children with autism, anxiety, and emotional struggles thrive in this environment,” says Christina. “The animals respond to their emotions, offering immediate feedback that helps them learn to control their actions and communicate more effectively.”

Teaching with Animals not only benefits children but also offers programs for adults seeking emotional support, stress relief, or personal growth. By focusing on responsibility, teamwork, and patience, Christina’s programs provide a holistic approach to education, one that nurtures both the mind and the heart.

In McDonough, Teaching with Animals is proving that the bond between humans and animals can be a powerful tool for learning and personal development.

Voices of Impact

Leaders Driving Positive Change