Sam Balcezak

Interim Executive Director

Equine Specialist

Samantha Balcezak grew up on a ranch in Arizona where horses have been a part of her entire life. While working towards her degree in nutrition, Sam began doing research on failure to thrive infants and discovered that the ability to thrive had nothing to do with food but nurture. This led her down the path to raise ten children. She soon realized the need to utilize her horses and therapy as imperative support for her family. Sam sought out others doing this work and connected with the founders of EAGALA where she joined the inaugural class certified in 1999. Sam also holds certifications with the Certified Horse Association (CHA), Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH), and as a life coach. Sam has served ROH as Program Director and Executive Director, and was instrumental in ROH becoming a distinguished EAGALA site. Her passion for ROH has found her driving two miniature horses all over the county where she has become the face of ROH and is often greeted by others, “I know you, you’re the lady with the horses!”