“From the very first conversation with Shayla, I knew she was someone whose spirit would shape the future of NL. She’s not just teaching—she’s living the work. We’re so grateful her path led her home.” ~ Bettina Shultz-Jobe, CEO and Co-Founder of NL
Each month, we shine a light on someone in our Natural Lifemanship family whose journey reflects the depth, presence, and relational richness that guide everything we do. This time, we’re celebrating Shayla Anderson—our new Lead Teacher and Guide at Old Mill Creek Academy & Schoolhouse.
Her story is one of courageous transition, soulful return, and a sunrise-hued commitment to walking with children in their most formative years.
A Seeker of Light and Meaning
Shayla grew up in Southern Maryland, where her love for nature, animals, and creative expression began to bloom. After years in South Carolina—where she studied, taught, and shaped young minds—she recently made a big move to Brenham, Texas.
Ask Shayla what fills her soul and she’ll tell you: chasing sunrises, capturing beauty through a camera lens, writing from the heart, and singing loudly with the windows down to Celine Dion, country, and Christian music. She’s a chaser of light in more ways than one.
A Path That Kept Circling Back
Shayla first discovered Natural Lifemanship in 2017 while volunteering at a barn that partnered with young adults with disabilities. She was finishing her master’s in special education and was drawn to the authenticity of NL’s approach. Though her formal training didn’t begin until 2020—during a season of deep personal and professional exploration—the resonance was immediate.
After taking the Fundamentals training and a powerful experience at the 2020 Interconnected Conference, Shayla was hooked. “I was left speechless and hungry for more,” she says. “More authenticity, more growth, more life.”
But growth isn’t always linear.
Home, Lost and Found
For a couple of years, Shayla’s life shifted. She juggled multiple caregiving and farm jobs, unsure how or when she might find her way back to NL. But as often happens in this work, the connection never disappeared. A series of consultations with Bettina offered seeds of possibility—though none felt quite in reach at the time.
And then, in November 2023, Shayla returned. The Sacred Landscapes Conference cracked something open. “It struck me to my core,” she reflects. “Every interaction I’ve had since then—with trainers, presenters, members—has been nothing short of divine and tender.”
In April 2024, she took the plunge into the Personal Immersion, exploring her own nervous system, patterns, and longings in sacred community. “I am forever changed,” she shares. “I learned so much and shared space with a powerhouse group of women.”
But perhaps the most profound moment came weeks later—when Bettina mentioned a dream. A school. A space for children to learn, grow, and heal. And it needed a lead teacher.
Shayla said yes.
Holding Space for Children, Holding Space for Herself
Today, Shayla is the Lead Teacher and Guide at Old Mill Creek Academy & Schoolhouse, NL’s new educational initiative grounded in connection, nature, and nervous system regulation. It’s the most full-circle “yes” she’s ever made.
Still, that doesn’t mean it’s easy. “The most challenging part right now is the transition,” she says. “I just left a place that holds so many parts of me. But I’m trusting that I left something good, only to find something better and deeper.”
The reward, however, is just as real. “Every day, I wake up and choose that same yes that landed me here. Even in its uncertainty, newness, and unexpectedness. That’s the beauty of it.”
What She Wants You to Know About NL
Shayla says it best: “Horses matter. People matter. We are EACH a part of a grandeur scheme and THAT matters.”
She believes that how we treat others—and ourselves—creates the foundation for meaningful, honest relationships. And that’s where NL shines: “When you treat yourself with utmost respect, love, curiosity, and attentiveness, it allows for true reciprocity in your relationships with other beings.”
As a newly official member of the NL team, Shayla is eager to resume her formal training and deepen her practice—not just for her own growth, but to serve every student, animal, and human who crosses her path. “I want to be of service in all the places and ways I’ve yet to discover,” she says.
Her advice for anyone considering the journey? “Your awakening awaits. NL is like a sunrise. Each experience, each transformation—it’s all welcome. It all matters. And no two paths look the same.”
Looking Forward: Growth, Community, and the Power of NL
We are honored and overjoyed to have Shayla Anderson as part of our Natural Lifemanship family. Her journey is one of returning, remembering, and rising again—just like the sunrises she loves.
If you’re interested in learning more about Natural Lifemanship and the amazing work our team is doing, we invite you to join our community.
“Some people leave footprints wherever they go—Laura Hutler leaves a trail of transformation. From summer camps to Natural Lifemanship, her journey has been one of connection, growth, and a deep reverence for nature and the relationships we build within it. We are beyond blessed that she blazed a trail that led to us!”
– Bettina Shultz-Jobe, CEO and Co-Founder of NL
Each month, we celebrate a member of our NL family who embodies the heart and soul of what we do. This time, we’re turning the spotlight on Laura Hutler—our Onsite Steward of People and Place at NL Headquarters in Brenham. Her story is one of passion, discovery, and an unshakable belief in the power of relationships, not just with people, but with the natural world and, of course, with our equine partners.
A Life Rooted in Nature
Laura’s love affair with the outdoors started young. Growing up in Wisconsin, she could often be found chasing butterflies, catching turtles, or simply reveling in the beauty of the natural world. As a teen, her happy place was the barnyard, spending countless hours with her horse—an early glimpse of the path her life would take.
It was only natural that she pursued a degree in Wildlife Management/Biology and Environmental Education, as she was eager to merge her love for nature with her deep-seated desire to help others discover and appreciate its wonders.
From Campfires to Connection
Laura’s passion for the outdoors took on new depth during college when she stumbled into summer youth camping. What started as a summer job quickly became a calling. As a Summer Camp Program Director, she spent decades crafting experiences that not only brought kids closer to nature but also fostered friendships and personal growth that lasted long after the last campfire had burned out.
But it was in the final years of her camping career that something truly remarkable happened—her path crossed with Natural Lifemanship.
Discovering a New Way with Horses
For years, Laura had sensed that the traditional way of working with camp horses was missing something. The transactional nature of lessons and trail rides didn’t sit right with her. She knew, deep down, that there had to be a better way—one built on partnership, not control.
That search led her to Natural Lifemanship in 2017. One visit to the NL website, and suddenly, all the dots started connecting. She saw a vision where horses weren’t just tools for recreation but willing partners in an experience that could be profoundly transformational—for campers, staff, and families alike.
In 2018, that vision took its first real step forward when NL’s own Tanner and Kathleen facilitated a Fundamentals Training at Laura’s camp. Among the attendees was Ashley Stavig, a local therapist. The two connected instantly, and together, they began building something entirely new—a horse program rooted in the principles of healthy relationship.
What happened next was nothing short of magical.
Horses That Choose to Partner
Under Natural Lifemanship’s guiding philosophy, the camp’s horse program underwent a profound shift. No longer was it about what horses had to do—it was about what they chose to do.
Burnt-out horses, once weary of the repetitive nature of camp life, began showing up differently. They started to engage. They began volunteering to partner with campers and clients, stepping into relationships in ways that had never been seen before. And, in turn, the campers and staff learned a new way of being—one that was relational, intentional, and deeply connected.
By early 2023, Laura and her core barn team had completed their NL Dual Certification and had embarked on the Advanced Certification path. By the end of that year, they had completed it. And in May of 2023, Laura and her husband, Chip, took a bold leap—stepping away from over 30 years in professional camping ministry to become the Onsite Stewards at NL Headquarters.
Now, she welcomes others into this world, offering a space where people can come to learn, explore, and experience the depth of connection that NL fosters.
“This Way of Being is a Lifelong Adventure”
For Laura, Natural Lifemanship is a way of being. It’s a practice, a mindset, and a lifelong adventure.
“It’s not about doing it perfectly,” Laura shares. “It’s about being vulnerable enough to start, to take each step, and to do our own work alongside the horses and each other.”
That work, she believes, is where the real transformation happens. It’s about having the courage to ask—whether it’s a horse or a human—if they’d like to step into the dance of relationship. And then, it’s about creating the kind of space where both parties feel seen, heard, and safe enough to explore their answer.
Mistakes happen. But in Laura’s world, mistakes aren’t failures. They’re opportunities for reparative work, for strengthening relationships, for growth.
Walking the Path Together
Today, as the Onsite Steward of People and Place, Laura plays a vital role in the NL community. She’s here to walk beside those on this journey, to create a space where learning and connection flourish.
And for those just discovering Natural Lifemanship, she has this to say:
“This is the work. It’s about relationships—with ourselves, with others, with the horses, with nature. It’s about stepping into a way of being that honors connection above all else. And that… that is where the healing happens.”
Looking Forward: Growth, Community, and the Power of NL
We are beyond grateful to have Laura as a part of our NL family. Her passion, wisdom, and unwavering belief in the power of connection inspire us all. Thank you, Laura, for everything you bring to this journey!
If you’re interested in learning more about Natural Lifemanship and the amazing work our team is doing, we invite you to join our community.
“Oh Mary, where to even start? When Mary is in her element, everything about her is pure magic. Truly – she glitters and glows and exudes so much love. She is a brilliant artist and musician – rhythm simply seeps out of her entire being. She is such a talented teacher. Her role is probably the most unique in this organization, and she is an integral part of some of my most favorite trainings and offerings. She is also a gifted healer, and I trust the deeply intuitive work she does with all of my heart, and soul, and mind. The crossing of our paths was a divine introduction, for sure.”
-Bettina Shultz-Jobe, NL Co-Founder and CEO
Each month, we shine a light on one of our team members who continually inspires us and enriches our community. This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate Mary Oliver, our Rhythm and Art Education Coordinator.
Mary’s journey into the heart of Natural Lifemanship is an inspiring story of creativity, resilience, and passion for healing through the arts. From her background in teaching and art to her transformative work with rhythm and sound, Mary brings warmth, wisdom, and an infectious passion that uplifts everyone around her.
A Creative Journey Rooted in Family and Nature
Mary’s roots run deep in the rolling hills of Kentucky, where she grew up on a family farm established in 1889. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the land and grounded by her close-knit family, Mary developed a lifelong connection to nature that continues to inspire her work.
After spending 34 years teaching visual and performing arts in public schools, she decided it was time for a new chapter. Austin, Texas, where her daughter was already working in the gaming industry, became her new home.
Not long before her move to Austin, Mary took a workshop on group drumming—a practice she had enjoyed while teaching music to her young students. The experience rekindled her love for rhythm, and she quickly realized she wanted to deepen her knowledge. By becoming certified through Remo’s HealthRHYTHMS program and training with other experts like Christine Stevens and Arthur Hull, Mary unlocked new avenues for using rhythm and sound as tools for wellness.
She has since expanded her expertise, studying sound healing and energy work, all of which laid the groundwork for the invaluable skills she would later bring to NL.
A Chance Encounter and a New Path
Mary’s introduction to Natural Lifemanship happened during her HealthRHYTHMS training, as training she did while moving to Austin. There she crossed paths with another participant who shared a passion for rhythm and equine assisted therapy. Their conversation turned serendipitous when Mary mentioned she was moving to Austin and looking for ways to incorporate drumming into therapeutic work with horses. As fate would have it, this participant was already connected with Bettina, NL’s CEO and Co-founder, and quickly arranged an introduction.
In the spring of 2017, Bettina invited Mary to join a Fundamentals training to experience the NL approach firsthand. “My mind was blown,” Mary recalls, reflecting on her first encounter with the NL principles. “I wish I had known all I learned that weekend before I became a mom and before I became a teacher. It would have made me much better at both.”
That weekend marked a turning point, and Mary officially joined the NL team, where she channels her talents and insights into a role that’s perfect for her.
Mary’s teaching isn’t confined to conventional classrooms or schedules. At NL’s new school, Old Mill Creek Schoolhouse, her classroom is the barn (+ 73 beautiful acres, ponds, and a winding creek!), where kids explore rhythm, art, and mindfulness amid the natural sights and sounds of ranch life.
She lights up when she describes the flexibility and freedom the program offers. “At my [old] school, the kids only got 20 minutes of free play in an eight-hour day,” she shares. “Here, they can be outside, take breaks, and learn through play. Watching them thrive with nature, movement, and rhythm all around them has been incredible.”
Overcoming Challenges with a Grateful Heart
Despite her passion for teaching and creating, Mary faces the unique challenge of juggling many roles. Alongside her work at NL, she teaches visual art and drumming to diverse groups through Art Spark Texas, where she connects with elders, veterans, teens, and adults with disabilities. She also handcrafts instruments like drums, rattles, and rain sticks, and provides individual sessions for sound healing and Reiki.
At the core of everything Mary does is a desire to bring calm, connection, and healing to those she encounters. Her work with NL has played an essential role in her own growth and healing journey, and she considers her contributions to NL as part of a larger purpose. “NL has been such an integral part of my own growth and healing,” she reflects. “I am so grateful to be part of this amazing team.”
“Seeing the difference I make in people’s lives is worth every minute,” she says. Her schedule may be full, but Mary’s heart is even fuller—driven by the joy and peace she witnesses in others through her work.
Looking Forward: Growth, Community, and the Power of NL
As NL grows and its community expands and becomes even more deeply connected, Mary eagerly looks ahead to the new possibilities unfolding at the ranch. She marvels at the beauty of the space, which has become an ever-more welcoming haven for healing and connection.
The upcoming Rooted 2025 conference is another source of excitement. Mary has had the joy of participating in every conference since 2017 and she says, “It’s unlike any other conference. There’s so much to learn, so much to experience. If you haven’t been to an NL conference, you really need to come.”
When asked what she would say to someone unfamiliar with Natural Lifemanship, Mary is quick to emphasize how universally relevant it is. “NL isn’t just for people who work with horses—it’s for everyone,” she explains. “We’ve all experienced trauma of one kind or another. Our minds and nervous systems develop ways to keep us safe, but these can also prevent us from forming healthy relationships. NL teaches us how to rewire our brains, retrain our nervous systems, and foster meaningful connections. It’s a game changer.”
A Lasting Impact
Mary brings her whole heart to each endeavor. Her passion for rhythm, healing, and authentic connection is felt by everyone in the NL community, making her an invaluable member of our team. Thank you, Mary, for all you bring to NL. You are a true inspiration, and we’re grateful to walk this path with you.
If you’re interested in learning more about Natural Lifemanship and the amazing work our team is doing, we invite you to join our community.
Each month, we celebrate a remarkable member of our community. This time, our spotlight shines on Donna Wilson, a dedicated and inspiring professional whose journey through the Natural Lifemanship Certification Process has been transformative not only for her career but for her personal growth as well.
Donna’s journey reflects the transformative power of Natural Lifemanship. Through her work with her horses, her clients, and her community, she demonstrates what it means to live these principles—building authentic relationships, fostering trust, and creating spaces for healing and growth.
Donna’s Path to Natural Lifemanship Certification
Donna Wilson lives in Strasburg, Virginia, on a serene property she shares with her husband, her mother’s spirited Chihuahua, two barn cats, and three horses. Her journey with NL began in 2016 when a serendipitous recommendation led her to explore NL’s trauma-informed approach.
Donna recalls her initial experience with the NL Fundamentals training in 2019, where her confidence was unexpectedly tested. She shares a pivotal moment when she confronts her own trauma response—a freeze in the middle of training. Instead of retreating, she found the courage to stay and reflect. This experience taught her to lean into vulnerability and grow from it.
“That moment taught me about the power of being present and accepting where I am,” Donna shares. “It was one of the most impactful experiences of my life, and I carry it into every session with my clients.”
What Certification Means to Donna
For Donna, the decision to pursue dual NL Certification (NLC-P, EP) was both a professional necessity and a personal goal. As the founder of Heart Horse Healing, LLC, she integrates trauma-conscious yoga, nature connections, and equine-assisted therapy into her work. The NL Certification added depth to her practice and provided her with essential tools for growth and connection.
“The certification process wasn’t just a box to check for me. The whole package of consultations, the group consultations, the recordings, the intensive, just all of that, just every piece of it, I would say is life-changing if you let it be, if you want it to be,” Donna explains.
The mentorship she received during her consultations was a standout feature. One consultation with Bettina remains vivid in her memory: “Her willingness to simply be with me in that moment—no rush, no pressure—was incredibly healing. It’s something I strive to replicate in my work every day.”
The Impact of NL Certification on Donna’s Work and Life
Donna’s commitment to the NL principles—particularly the emphasis on being present and attuned—has transformed her practice. She emphasizes the importance of meeting clients where they are and allowing sessions to unfold naturally rather than adhering rigidly to a treatment plan.
This shift has also influenced her personal life. Family and friends often comment on how she has become calmer, more assertive, and deeply grounded. Donna attributes much of this transformation to the skills and insights gained through NL certification.
Advice for Aspiring NL Certified Practitioners
For those considering the NL Certification journey, Donna has one key piece of advice: Just start.
She also highlights the importance of mentorship and consultation: “Every consultation offered new insights and solidified my confidence. It’s such a rich experience.”
Ready to Begin Your Certification Journey?
Donna’s journey is one of many success stories that highlight the impact of the Natural Lifemanship Certification process. Explore a trauma-informed approach, build meaningful connections, and discover the unique power of Natural Lifemanship.
Get started today and take the first step toward a more impactful career.
Each month, we take a moment to recognize one of our members who’s made an impact in our beloved community.
For this month’s Member Spotlight, we’re focusing on Beth Burgmeyer, a Fundamentals graduate who is also a licensed mental health therapist and equine professional. Beth recently completed Dual NL Certification as a practitioner and equine professional (NLC-P,EP), and is well on her way to becoming Advanced Certified!
Learn more about Beth’s journey, including her life-changing experiences with Natural Lifemanship and how it has helped her learn more about herself and live a rewarding life doing what she is passionate about.
Journeying with Horses and Healing
Beth has been a horse person her whole life, tracing back to her teenage years and early 20s. She started her work with horses as a trainer, but got out of that world because she didn’t like the horse show world and the methods they used.
Embarking on a new journey, Beth ended up going to college and grad school to become a therapist. After about a decade of working as a therapist, she experienced burnout, and this was when she decided to have a career shift.
Beth had been away from horses for eight years when she found a barn near her home and discovered an equestrian program. It was there that she learned how Natural Lifemanship works and realized that this was the piece about working with horses that she’d been missing in her life.
Fundamentals Experience
About a year after learning about NL, Beth signed up for Fundamentals. Initially, she wanted to go the equine professional track as she had no interest in reactivating her therapy license. But as she was taking Fundamentals, she resonated with how NL approaches trauma, therapy, and working with horses. “It all just felt really right to me,” Beth said.
She then decided to reactivate her therapy license and become an equine professional and mental health therapist. Now, she is doing what she is passionate about and having the career she has always dreamed of.
“I never thought I’d love doing mental health therapy as much as I love doing it now,” she said. “I love that the way we do therapy is principle-based, and not technique-focused.”
After taking the Fundamentals, Beth learned that when she let go of the tasks she wanted to do in therapy and simply lived out the NL principles, things beautifully unfolded in the therapy session far beyond what she ever could have imagined.
Beth’s Insights about NL
We asked Beth a few questions about her insights on Natural Lifemanship and what she loves about her membership.
What has changed since you completed the Fundamentals training?
“NL has been life-changing for me personally. I’ve seen clients with complex trauma who have tried many kinds of therapy without results. This approach is transformative for both people and for horses.”
“Even for people who don’t want to go on and get certified, the membership gives people so much. All of the classes available online for free with your membership are just invaluable. It’s amazing all the videos and classes that you can take part in. I use some of them to get my CE credits.
In the videos, you can find anything you’re interested in – breathwork, different modalities of therapy, ice breakers if you’re working with groups, connection games, and so many other topics.There’s a really broad range of training available.”
What would you say to someone who is starting out with NL Membership?
“I would tell them you’re starting on a journey that will be life-changing for you and the people around you, including friends and family. Whatever career you’re in, whether it’s horses, therapy, or something else entirely – NL will enrich your work and you will get to a much deeper level of working with people and animals. And you can’t help but learn a lot about yourself in this process. “
You are so right, Beth!
We’re so grateful to have Beth as a member of the NL community. Her story is a testament to the profound power of trying familiar things in a new way. We are so glad she found NL when she did and proud to be part of her journey.
Each month, we take a moment to recognize one of our members who’s made an impact in our beloved community.
For this month’s Member Spotlight, we’re connecting with Christina Strayer, a lifelong advocate for nature therapy, NL dual certification student, and Natural Lifemanship Member.
Read on to learn more about Christina’s journey connecting with nature, animals, and horses to support her work as a trauma informed therapy professional.
A History of Connecting Through Nature and Animals
From a young age, Christina knew that cultivating a relationship with the natural world around her was important. When she was bullied as a child, she sought solace in nature and with animals, even wild ones. She shares that she even used to leave out M&M’s or other food for a local bobcat in the area where she grew up.
Christina’s journey with horses began in third grade when a local teenager came by to ask her parents if she could ride her black stallion. While she was nervous at first, she got on the back of the stallion, and all of the fear and pain she carried from the adversity she faced at such a young age completely disappeared. Christina continued to build a bond with that horse, learning how to show up as herself and overcome her own obstacles and blocks in order to build a true relationship—a process that she walks through with her clients to this day.
As she grew older, Christina was drawn to counseling and began working with families and children with behavioral challenges. Before animal assisted therapy was widely recognized, Christina had the idea to bring her Boston Terrier, Piggy, to a local boys residential facility for her first ever group session. When the boys walked into the room—big, tough, and resistant to the idea of meeting with a therapist—they melted at the sight of Piggy. As they passed Piggy around and reciprocal love was exchanged between the boys and the dog, they opened up and shared their vulnerable stories in what Christina described as a, ”heartwarming, just amazing, spiritual experience.”
Thus began Christina’s journey into animal assisted therapy, and her road to Natural Lifemanship.
Christina’s Insights About Natural Lifemanship
We asked Christina some questions about her experience with Natural Lifemanship, and this is what she had to share.
What do you think it is about this approach – what you’ve already been doing with dogs and people, and now with horses too – that is so remarkable?
It’s the interconnectedness. It’s the fact that even though animals are nonverbal, it doesn’t mean there is not a connection and that we share this Earth with them.
It’s that reciprocity of being in relationship that acts as a corrective attachment experience for clients. And it’s very humbling that I don’t have to be the expert in the situation, you know? I just have to show up and listen to the animals.
There have been so many times, with horses especially, they are so intuitive that they will read the person’s energy and already know what to do. I just have to step back to watch and guide the client through what they are experiencing.
What has the Natural Lifemanship certification process brought to your practice and your work with clients?
It’s deepened the understanding of all that I’ve been taught and experienced. They can only teach us so much in school. It’s more about getting out in the world and learning how to be in relationship with ourselves.
Since I began with horses, I’ve had a few amazing spiritual experiences myself. I’ve gone through exercises and worked with my own coach with horses before I ever worked with clients, so that I would understand both sides. The certification process has deepened my own secure attachment, my bond with my own animals, and my work with my clients, too.
The NL Intensive is coming up soon. In your experience, why is that particular training a good choice for people to take part in?
The NL Intensive is a lot like when I go into sessions with an animal and a client. You really have to show up and be ready and open minded. Because things are going to happen, as they do with everybody. Even though we’re therapists and coaches, the animals still read our energy and interact with us accordingly. Things can come up somatically.
It’s also the staff’s enthusiasm. I think they are wonderful teachers and leaders. You can feel everything from their presence to the people they’ve selected in their organization and you can see their connection with their own horses and animals as well. I’ve always had a great experience with them. Without these programs, people are missing out on deepening their relationships with themselves and their clients and animals.
If you were to give advice to a fellow therapist who had never worked with Natural Lifemanship before, what would you tell them in order for them to get the most out of their experience?
I would say that we spend so much money and time on certifications we may not use, or that we’re just taking to hurry up and get our CE hours. But Natural Lifemanship is an investment. It piques your curiosity. Just because you go to an intensive or a practicum and work with that one animal, that’s not it. You can go to another one and have a totally different experience. It’s an organization that has a lot to offer. I, personally, invest in being an annual member, and plan to always go to as many trainings as I can with them.
Anything else you think is important to share about your experience with Natural Lifemanship?
The last thing I’d like to mention is their trauma informed approach. I work mainly with clients with PTSD and the principles that NL teaches and the experiences you have are just so profound and can deepen anyone’s practice. And it doesn’t only have to be for people working with animals, it is great for working with humans too. I love their trauma informed approach.
We’re so grateful to have Christina as an annual member of Natural Lifemanship, and for all of the work she does through equine therapy, animal therapy, and nature therapy as a whole.
If you’re interested in joining our membership community and taking advantage of all of the opportunities Christina shared about, we would love to welcome you. Learn more at naturallifemanship.com/memberships.
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