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Hobby: Barrel racing
How did you get into barrel racing? I didn't choose the sport. It chose me. I always felt this strong pull to it. It's not just a hobby, it's who I am.
What do you like about it? I love the surge of adrenaline I feel when my name is called, and I turn my 1,100-pound horse loose into the arena.
How often do you compete? Competition is a big part of what we do. We live out of our trailer almost every weekend during race season. My horses and the competitors I meet on the road become family.
How often do you practice? Keeping our horses fit is important, so we ride them almost every day.
Did you grow up in Indiana? I grew up in Indiana, but I've lived in New Jersey, Vermont, and Texas. Texas was the best. A lot of barrel races, and no bad winters!
How did you hear about the job at Steuben County REMC? Through a friend who works here.
What were you doing before joining the co-op? I was running an equine therapy business. I loved it, but the hours were very unpredictable.
What do you like most about working at the co-op? Everyone takes care of our members and each other.
Education: Associate degree in legal studies from Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I write a monthly column for the Herald Republican Newspaper that covers addiction and recovery issues. I also love to read; I'm a bit of a bookworm.
Something most people do not know about you: My sister died of an accidental drug overdose in 2019. I'm passionate about educating and reforming drug policy so that more people stay alive.
Know someone who could be profiled in New Employee Spotlight? Contact Megan McAtee at
megan.mcatee@nreca.coop or 703-907-6105.
