ABOUT US
The Equipowerment Foundation for Healing Horses and Helping Humans (EFH4) was founded in 2020 with the goal of providing safe, nurturing and enriching environments for abused, unwanted, rescued, and retired horses and donkeys — giving them a "second life" of purpose and health.
We believe that a loving and engaging environment is as essential to an equine as their physical welfare and rehabilitation. EFH4 ensures that the equines receive treatment and training from a relational/natural horsemanship perspective and are provided with fulfilling social interactions.
In addition to providing care and healing for our equines, EFH4 is committed to giving them new purpose in life by involving them in Equine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy programs where they in turn provide help and healing to humans in need.
We support organizations in Los Angeles, Ventura and Santa Barbara counties to care for equines and provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and learning experiences for veterans and first responders, disenfranchised youth, domestic violence victims, and others. All of the equine assisted programs focus on building relationships and treating the equines as partners, not tools, in the healing process.
We are incredibly grateful for the valuable support from our donors, sponsors and partners, empowering us with the means for healing horses and helping humans! Without your help this important work empowering equines and humans through "Equipowerment" would not be possible.
Board of directors
Lorraine Rose, Ph.D. President
Merle DerVartanian, D.V.M. Equine Welfare
Lorraine Rose, Ph.D. President
Dr. Rose is a licensed psychologist who has both worked in non-profit settings in the past and has experience caring for horses. She is certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) as a Mental Health Specialist.
Rebecca Weinberg Treasurer
Merle DerVartanian, D.V.M. Equine Welfare
Lorraine Rose, Ph.D. President
With 15 years of sales and marketing experience combined with sound fiscal knowledge based on managing businesses from the ground up, Rebecca has the knowledge and experience needed for the role of Treasurer. She is currently the President of a company known for its cutting edge products. She is known for her strong leadership combined
With 15 years of sales and marketing experience combined with sound fiscal knowledge based on managing businesses from the ground up, Rebecca has the knowledge and experience needed for the role of Treasurer. She is currently the President of a company known for its cutting edge products. She is known for her strong leadership combined with broad technical and business operations knowledge.
Rebecca grew up around horses and her interest in horse rescue activities combined with her experience of how equines can help humans heal and leaders and teams excel make her an invaluable director.
Tiffany-Marie Austin Secretary
Merle DerVartanian, D.V.M. Equine Welfare
Merle DerVartanian, D.V.M. Equine Welfare
Tiffany-Marie has provided services for small businesses including marketing, social media, web design, strategy, systems, HR - hiring & training for the past 20 years. She has excellent organizational skills, communication skills, and is dedicated to the well-being of both equines and humans.
Merle DerVartanian, D.V.M. Equine Welfare
Merle DerVartanian, D.V.M. Equine Welfare
Merle DerVartanian, D.V.M. Equine Welfare
Dr. DerVartaninan is an Equine Veterinarian who is dedicated to the well-being of equines. She works with all breeds and her areas of interest include ophthalmology, internal medicine, wound management, lameness, and geriatric care.