Brynn Zajkowski '09, Therapeutic Riding Instructor

Brynn Zajkowski ‘09 is currently a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor at Promise Ranch Therapeutic Riding. While at Denver Academy, Brynn said she learned how to self advocate and believes that has helped her find a career that she loves. 

As a PATH International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor, Brynn teaches children and adults with disabilities how to ride horses. She attended Northwest College for horse training and Rocky Mountain College for therapeutic riding. 

“Horses helped me through life and I wanted to be able to give back,” said Brynn. “ I actually went into therapeutic riding because I had a college professor at my brief time at the University of Wyoming say, ‘You aren't happy where you are, what do you really want to do?’ That push made me realize what I wanted to do in life. I found out how to become a therapeutic riding instructor and went for it. It is one of the best decisions I've ever made.” 

Brynn loves her job because she gets to see riders make progress every week. When she teaches a lesson and the rider succeeds at something they have been working on for a while, she said it is the most amazing feeling. 

While at Denver Academy, Brynn most appreciated the support the teachers provided and the life skills she was taught. 

“ DA helped by teaching me to advocate for myself and build confidence and when to stand up for things that aren't right. Self-advocacy is a key skill in life.” Brynn said. 

Although Brynn graduated in 2009, she still stops by Denver Academy to catch up with Mr. Ernewein and say hello to Mr. Duhamel. 

"Brynn is one of those students who taught me more than I ever taught her. She was incredibly hardworking and an excellent self-advocate - traits that I know she exhibits on a daily basis in the work she does as a therapeutic riding instructor," said Mr. Ernewein. "One of the greatest rewards and feedback that teachers can receive is when students stay in touch with them after graduation, sharing updates, and celebrating accomplishments like graduating from college and getting jobs and making the world a better place - Brynn has done all of those things."

We love seeing our Denver Academy Alumni making a difference in the lives of others and we love seeing them come visit campus as well. Go, Mustangs!