Exploring Life & Business with Becki Taylor of Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado

Today we’d like to introduce you to Becki Taylor. 

Becki, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was never the kid who knew what they wanted to be when they group up. I was, at times, envious of the kids that were so certain that when they grew up, they were going to become a pilot (shoutout to my brother-in-law) or a teacher and that’s what they did. That wasn’t my style. I changed my major 4 times in college, maybe more I don’t remember, and on the eve of graduation, I was still so uncertain about who I wanted to be. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music and planned to move to Africa for a period of time to teach music at an orphanage, but shortly before I was to begin the process, I received a call from a former college professor. He asked if I would be willing to work for his performing arts nonprofit in Wisconsin. I said yes and that began my career in nonprofit work. For several years I bounced around at various nonprofits working in programs and administration, and at one point I returned to college to receive a teaching license. I spent two years working at a public school and returned again to the nonprofit world. Finally, it was that experience that solidified it: I wanted my long-term career to be in the nonprofit sector. I decided that since I spent 7 years learning the nonprofit world by experience, I wanted some more structured learning. I enrolled in Red Rocks Community College Nonprofit Pathways Certificate program and it was there that I met my now Executive Director, Linda. I absolutely love the organization I work with and our mission. It was a very windy road, but I am thankful. I would not be where I am today if I hadn’t taken that road. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No! At times it felt like I was trying to fit an unknown-shaped peg through a square hole. I was in a career or doing a job that did not fulfill me but I didn’t know what I should be doing that would. In hindsight, I was going through various jobs and career paths on a trial-and-error basis – all with the intention of discovering what it was that fulfilled me. The greatest heartbreak I received along the way was being let down by an administration which effectively soured an entire career path. I knew I would never be satisfied with just doing a job and getting paid. It had to mean something to me, but it was a challenge to find out what that was. 

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado?
Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado (AATPC) is a unique nonprofit State of Colorado Designated Community Mental Health Clinic located on a 3 ½ acre ranch in Arvada Colorado. AATPC’s mission is to provide and promote animal-assisted psychotherapy to facilitate healing for all people in need, regardless of insurance or income, with rescued animals. AATPC’s beautiful urban ranch setting, professional therapists, and 30+ rescued domestic and farm animals create a truly one-of-a-kind therapy environment befitting of the organization’s motto: Rescued Animals Rescuing People. 

Unique from other animal-assisted therapy programs, AATPC is home to over 10 different animal species which include horses, mini-horses, donkeys, alpacas, goats, chickens, cats, dogs, rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits. All of these animals have been rescued or rehomed with the organization. Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado specializes in a practice called Animal Assisted Psychotherapy (AAP). AAP is a specialized goal-directed practice in which an animal provides critical support as part of the treatment process. This harmonious integration of rescued animals into the traditional therapy creates unique opportunities for change in clients. “It’s the type of therapy that works, often for whom other therapy has failed,” describes an AATPC counselor. 

I am incredibly proud of the work that we do and the lives our counselors and animals touch. 

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
As Development Director I have to cover a lot of bases when it comes to fundraising and community relations. But what means the most to me throughout everything is the relationship I get to create with our donors and the community as a whole. I believe in our work with my whole heart. Our ranch, our animals, and our people are so generous and loving. When I can connect someone to the heartbeat of our organization (regardless of if they make a donation), it is magic. I love people being excited about the things that I’m excited about. It’s a meaningful connection and start to a wonderful relationship. That journey is precious to me. 

Contact Info:

• Email: rtaylor@aatpc.org
• Website: https://www.animalassistedtherapyprograms.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aatpc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AATPC/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjV7AFq-4PdkPHQ6KG-ypgA