Shining Star -- Kami Grim

This month's instructor profile spotlights Kami Grim. A familiar face to most of us, Kami gives her time, energy and heart to Shining Stars in a multitude of areas.  Kami started working with horses early in life. “I’ve been in the saddle riding horses since I was 5 years old, starting out like some of our students on a spunky, stubborn pony. I grew up in Hunterstown on a 140-acre cattle farm with six horses.”

Kami explains how she ended up as a devoted volunteer at Shining Stars. “I first heard of therapeutic riding as a teenager watching a program about a summer camp for the handicapped. I couldn’t move from the TV. The thought of using what I loved most in life... horses... to help all kinds of kids intrigued me. I knew how my horse affected me emotionally as it gave me a true sense of freedom.  As I was wiping my tears, I knew what I wanted to do in life-- teach therapeutic riding.”

Sometimes even a chance TV program can change a lot of lives. We are so glad that
Kami happened upon that show years ago. As a trained instructor, Kami brings her
experience and knowledge to the arena. “I was attending Freedom Valley Worship Center when I first met Brandy Crago. After finding out that we both shared the same passion, I signed on to become an instructor and completed Phase I & Phase II of training at Wilson College in 2003. I started instructing in 2004.  I took some time off to have my youngest daughter Samantha and have been instructing ever since.”

Kami also adds a personal touch to her lessons, and you will see a lot of smiles and maybe even hear an occasional song being sung. The combination of instructor knowledge and that warmth makes her an excellent mentor for her students and a great example to the volunteers who might just be inspired to become instructors someday themselves.

As for Kami, when not at Shining Stars: “I have three daughters, Cheyenne 14, Sarah 10, and Sami 6. I work full time at Susan Mosser, CPA, an accounting office, where I am in charge of the payroll department.  Although, raising three girls is a most challenging and full time job in itself.” As we mentioned earlier, Kami devotes her time to Shining Stars in a variety of ways. “Besides instructing two times a week when sessions are running, I do Shining Stars finances and co-head the fund raising team with Maggie Strous.  My biggest project is the annual silent auction. I also teach every other month in our Saturday Night Respite Class. The last couple years, I had to be creative and come up with ideas for our Halloween and Christmas parades.”

We'll let Kami finish her own profile with a few nice words that will hit home for many in the Shining Stars family. “Not only have I grown spiritually and emotionally but also I wouldn’t trade anything in the world for the friendships I have encountered through Shining Stars. When I lost a dear friend to Cancer two years ago, I didn’t realize the blessing I was going to gain in a friendship with his wife. Today I am proud to call her my best friend ... Maggie Strous. God has definitely blessed my life with not only three beautiful daughters and wonderful friends but a life filled with joy and happiness because when I instruct at Shining Stars I see God’s hand and love touching every one of us.”

Thanks Kami.  You are a Shining Star!!