Episode 44: My Recovery, My Horse Roo, and My Ranch with Melissa VashéEpisode 44: My Recovery, My Horse Roo, and My Ranch with Melissa Vashé
Recovery Plus Podcast: F*ck Yesterday, Focus on Today
Melissa Vashé lives on a ranch Tierra del Alma (Land of the Soul) with several acres along with her herd: three horses, one mule, and three dogs, with numerous cats she fosters. On this ranch located in a sleepy town, Hondo, New Mexico, life is far cry from what life was like during her addiction, heartbreak, and trauma that haunted her for years. Melissa now over 25 years in total recovery, has established a life she has always dreamed of. Melissa is a Certified Equus Coach through the Center for Equus Coaching and has an M.Ed. in art education with an emphasis in arts integration. Melissa believes, “we can all explore possibility, ask why not instead of why, and shift our lives to a deep sense of meaning, fulfillment and freedom”. She has 17 years of arts education experience in the California Bay Area teaching students as well as teaching teachers how to integrate the arts for learning and understanding. From her background in education, Melissa is highly qualified in facilitating and teaching active listening and conflict resolution. Having enjoyed diversity in her careers, Melissa has an extensive background in culinary, hospitality, events, and restaurant management. Before transitioning to New Mexico, she was a manager at a Michelin star restaurant on a boutique property in Sonoma County wine country. Melissa and her BLM mustang Roo are members of the California Centaurs and Mounted Archery Association of the Americas. She has trained with international equestrian Hilary Merrill for over 9 years and has been influenced and educated by Mustang Matt and Hilary Hanson. Melissa lives with her herd on her ranch, Tierra del Alma in Hondo, NM. Melissa is also the co-founder, and a visionary guiding the Transformational Equus Project. This innovative project offers powerful workshops that are unlike anything else out there. Combining Equus Coaching, which uses horses, with transformational life coaching leveraging evidence-based techniques with co-founder Dr. Mei-Li Hennen. The Transformational Equus Project is a unique and transformative experience that you won't want to miss! Melissa’s Upcoming Workshop in June 2023: Are you ready for a life-changing adventure? Melissa and Dr. Mei-Li Hennen are thrilled to invite you to their in-person workshop "Harnessing Your Fear As A Catalyst for Transformation: Strategies for Growth and Self-Discovery" on June 17 and June 18, 2023, at a beautiful ranch in Cotati, CA. Multiple horses, three coaches, and one amazing day! Get ready to experience an unforgettable journey where you'll gain confidence, clarity, and motivation, and learn how to use fear as a tool to get unstuck and transform your life. You'll have the opportunity to engage in breath work, Equus coaching in collaboration with horses, and transformative coaching with inspiring and knowledgeable hosts. More about Melissa: Website: https://melissavashe.com/ Email: melissavashe.tda@gmail.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melissa.vashe/ Facebook:
55:01•26 Apr 2023
Melissa Vashé: From Addiction to Healing with Horses
Episode Overview
- Melissa's recovery journey from trauma and addiction to the freedom and expansiveness of her ranch in New Mexico
- The transformative power of Equus coaching and its role in helping individuals reconnect with themselves
- Harnessing fear as a tool for growth and expansion in personal and professional life
- The significance of trust, vulnerability, and authenticity in Melissa's approach to Equus coaching
- Melissa's message of resilience and the capacity to create an authentic and fulfilling life
“It's always a pleasure to speak with you. That was really fun. Well, it's always a pleasure.”
Ever wondered how a ranch in New Mexico could be the backdrop for a profound recovery story? In this episode of 'Recovery Plus Podcast', Dr. Mei-Li Hennen chats with Melissa Vashé, whose life journey is both inspiring and transformative. Melissa's past was filled with addiction, heartbreak, and trauma. But today, she lives a life of fulfillment on her ranch, Tierra del Alma, surrounded by her herd of horses, a mule, dogs, and foster cats.
Her story isn't just about overcoming addiction; it's about finding peace and purpose in the most unexpected places. Melissa's journey to recovery was anything but straightforward. The punk rock scene once provided her with an escape, but it also led her deeper into addiction. It wasn't until she embraced the slow and challenging path of recovery that she began to see real change.
Her move to New Mexico marked a turning point, where she discovered the healing power of Equus coaching. Now a Certified Equus Coach, Melissa uses her skills to help others reconnect with themselves through the intuitive nature of horses. In this episode, Melissa shares how trust, vulnerability, and even fear play crucial roles in her coaching methods. She believes that these elements are not just obstacles but tools for personal growth.
Her story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible and that a fulfilling life awaits those who are willing to embrace change. Whether you're on your own recovery journey or supporting someone who is, Melissa's story offers valuable insights and hope. Tune in to hear how she transformed her life and how you can find your own path to healing.

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