Story/Faculty
FRIENDSHIP RANCH was formed as an outdoor learning space to interact with farm animals and learn to handle new experiences.
Our outdoor learning space will include
- Animal encounters
- TRAP Learning (drums)
- Friendship Circle
- Sensory Games/ Brain Gym
- Cooperative Team Play
FRIENDSHIP RANCH works with many individuals and organizations to rescue the animals that we work with.
Debbie Braun, Owner
Just me : Free to Be
I am the owner/operator of The Goddard School in Crabapple for the last 15 years. My joy comes from teaching children through new experiences and building their love of learning through hands on exploration.
Friendship Ranch is the natural outcome of learning by doing and my love of children and animals. Our tag line "Making Friends Through Farm Experiences" captures the essence of why we exist. Our Equine Assisted Programs include moduled horsemanship skills based on safety, relaxation, responsiveness and confidence. These are the building blocks to teach motor skills, social/emotional regulation, balance and coordination, positive mood regulation, peer group opportunities, increased confidence, expressive language and leadership skills. I am thrilled to be a certified instructor in the Happy Horse Happy Life program with Linda Parelli and many of our horse hold certifications making them the perfect partners in our journey.
Sue Lukashevich
Sue Lukashevich is a life-long lover of all things horse who first started riding back when she was just 7. In her early days she successfully campaigned Hunters and Jumpers, showed Saddle-Seat Riding and drove Road Ponies.
Later she discovered polo and ultimately became the lead riding instructor at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. She taught and played with the Celebrity Polo Team. Sue has taught hundreds of students to understand and respect their horses and to love the game of polo. She is currently a USPA Certified Polo Umpire and Polo Instructor.
While still in California, Sue also wrangled horses for television and movie productions.
Sue has extensively studied and trained with master horsemen, Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Monty Roberts, Pat and Linda Parelli.
She’s an accomplished and recognized Horse Whisperer who believes that many “horse problems” are really “people problems.”
Sue will help you create a true partnership with your horse and can teach you to “speak horse” too …”
Nina Braun
Attends UGA - Agr Business Major
Social Coordinator for UGA Eventing Team
Competed thru 3rd level dressage with a 17
Dressage championships and AEC's - 13th place finish for the US southeast
Intern teacher at The Goddard School
Tasha Merrill
While working on a dissertation in graduate school, Tasha got a job with a dog trainer, at a dog daycare and training center. She never looked back, apprenticing under the dog trainer for the next three years.
She taught people and their dogs for the next 20+ years, while competing in Agility. After moving back to the Atlanta area in 2016, she started taking natural horsemanship lessons and adopted two horses from the local rescue in 2017.
She recently has adopted her third horse, and is looking forward to training him in natural horsemanship. Tasha lives in Canton with her husband and ninth grade son.
Lynn Sandberg
Over the past ten years, I have spent many happy hours in the company of horses, not only as a rider and a care taker, but also as a volunteer for several therapeutic horseback riding and hippotherapy programs. As a participant in these therapy programs, I have witnessed the many benefits of equine-assisted learning.
In my life away from the barn, I pursue several creative interests in the theater and photo studio. It’s excitiing to have a chance to combine my creativity energies and love of horses with Friendship Ranch’s innovative equine- and animal-assisted lessons.
Elysa Greenwald
Community Involvement and Instructor
Elysa is a certified Special Education teacher in Georgia who has spent the last 20 years advocating for families and helping them navigate the world of special education. When she’s not teaching or advocating, you’ll often find her in an ambulance as a certified First Responder or volunteering with her local fire department. She has a heart for working with kids and adults of all abilities and is deeply connected to the mission of Friendship Ranch. She believes in meeting each person — and each horse — right where they are. Whether it’s a child overcoming challenges, a young adult building confidence, or a horse learning to trust, her approach is always centered on patience, respect, and relationship. She’s passionate about natural horsemanship and the “happy horse, happy life” philosophy, knowing that the connection we build with animals can teach powerful lessons in trust, communication, and personal growth. At the Ranch, she loves helping people discover new confidence and joy through hands-on experiences with horses, and seeing how those connections can open doors far beyond the barn.
Peership Interns
Dani Reed
Growing up, I was terrified of animals, but working with these gentle giants helped me overcome that fear. My equestrian journey began in the fall of 2013 when I was 7. I started learning natural horsemanship and English-style riding at Chukkar Farm Polo Club with Sue and a fantastic pony, Georgie. Years later I got thrown into the sport of polo, and I immediately fell in love with the discipline. In 2019 my parents surprised me with my heart horse, Cheetah, for my 13th birthday after she had been my lesson pony for years. Spending time with animals is so amazing; it makes me very happy. I truly belong with the animals as they have the most special place in my heart! I am trilled to continue my equestrian journey at Friendship Ranch and am so excited to pass down all my horsey knowledge to these incredible kids!
Rachel Greenwald
Rachel has a natural gift for working with both children and animals. She’s been helping with kids for as long as she can remember and loves creating positive, encouraging experiences for them at Friendship Ranch. Rachel enjoys working alongside her peers and takes pride in mentoring younger participants, as well as stepping into leadership roles when teaching lessons or guiding activities. Her favorite part of ranch life is groundwork, especially natural horsemanship, where she helps others build trust and meaningful connections with horses through calm, respectful communication. Rachel’s heart for mentorship, along with her love of art and music, shines through in everything she does, making her a valued part of the Friendship Ranch team.
Continuing Education with Happy Horse, Happy Life with Linda Parelli
