Director and Head Trainer- Sarah Ritchie
Sarah Ritchie is the Director and Head Trainer at Heartbeat Connections Animal Rescue and Therapy Center. Her unwavering passion for animals and their well-being is at the heart of everything she does. After navigating her own personal trauma, Sarah found profound healing through animal communication and training—a discovery that not only transformed her life but became the driving force behind Heartbeat Connections. A certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Instructor, Sarah brings both expertise and heart to her work. She has spent the past five years professionally training dogs and the last two years working with horses, with a particular focus on those facing euthanasia due to behavioral issues and horses trapped in the slaughter pipeline. Her mission is to give these animals a second chance by helping them build the skills they need to live safely and confidently alongside humans. Sarah is also a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) and has trained through the Karen Pryor Academy, maintaining a firm commitment to least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) training methods. She believes deeply in the power of the human-animal bond and that healing is a shared journey— one that humans and animals can take together.
Lucia Ferrazzoli- Art Instructor
Lucia Ferrazzoli is an art teacher, primarily teaching through the Kimball Art Center’s Elementary Visual Art program at McPolin Elementary with all students, from kindergarten through fifth grade. Growing up with artistic parents and seeing the positive impact of using her imagination daily, she has carried that love for creativity into her current practices. With a BA in Psychology, Lucia has years of experience in behavioral health, working with children with ASD. She believes that everyone deserves to enjoy the highest quality of life and is passionate about the power of creativity as a constructive and necessary outlet. Working for the Kimball Art Center for the past four years, she has brought art to youth in her community through various programs in Park City, including the National Ability Center and Basin Recreation. Lucia cares deeply about connection, nature and self-expression and hopes to empower others through access and guidance in creative endeavors.
Nathan Oler - Grief Group Facilitator
Nathan is the Grief Group Facilitator at Heartbeat Connections Animal Rescue and Therapy Center, where he supports individuals navigating the emotional journey of loss. With a deep commitment to fostering healing and connection, Nathan combines personal insight with professional expertise to guide others through grief. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Utah Valley University, with a focus on cognitive and behavioral psychology, and is a certified Grief Counselor through the American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP). Known for his compassionate and empathetic approach, Nathan creates a safe, supportive environment where participants can find meaning, community, and hope after loss.
