Meet the Firefly Team
We have a wonderful staff that makes up our team for this locally owned & operated business here in the beautiful Flathead Valley! Learn more about the backgrounds of all the ladies who make up our team here at Firefly Horse Co.
Julie Dauner, LCPC
Owner & Founder / Lead Therapist
Julie is the owner and lead therapist at Firefly Horse Co and Firefly Healing Arts. She’s had a private counseling practice for 10 years and is a Certified Equine Assisted Therapist through Human Equine Alliances for Learning (HEAL). Horses have always been a mainstay in Julie’s life and she feels truly blessed to be able to work with them daily to assist humans in the growth and healing process.
She was in 4-H growing up and showed multiple horses in Western Pleasure and English Equitation, as well as barrels / speed events. She also started and trained foals from the ground up. Julie now focuses primarily on Natural Horsemanship, and the horse / human connection, and feels this can heal humans AND horses.
Julie has a Bachelor’s Degree is in Education, specializing in Spanish. She also was near completion of a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Development when she decided to switch into the Psychology field. Her Master’s Degree is in Mental Health Counseling specializing in Alternative and Holistic Therapies and she is licensed therapist in the state of Montana.
She has many additional certifications and specialties that are body and trauma focused including mindfulness-based therapies, meditation, tapping (EFT) and ThetaHealing (energy work). Julie includes movement and mindfulness into her practice and works with each client differently depending on their needs.
Julie is also an owner of Firefly Children’s Center a holistic, nature based child care and preschool in Kalispell, MT. Julie and her family love to hike, ride horses, and enjoy the great outdoors together.
Julie has a passion for helping people live their best life and break out of where they currently are, into where they’ve always dreamed of being! Join Julie for a holistic therapy session or retreat for a transformative experience.
Riding Instructors
We have two wonderful riding instructors that facilitate our Riding Lessons, Horse & Farm Camps, Pony Parties, Riding Experiences, Training, & more!
Kate P.
Kate has a background in English riding and participates in show jumping with her personal horse when she isn’t working with our wonderful horses and riding students.
Kate also offers training for horses & owners that are looking to take their groundowork, riding, & overall horsemanship to the next level!
Ireland R.
Ireland has a background in Western riding principles with a history of barrel racing. She loves working with all the animals and
Ireland is our primary horse & farm camp instructor and really enjoys teaching the kids all about horses and farm animals!
Cierra Atchley
Business Manager & Guest Relations
Cierra has been riding horses for over 20 years and loves all the animals! She is originally from Reno, Nevada where she grew up riding in both Western & English principles. She participated in 4-H for many years and grew a love for barrel racing, reining & cutting, and various gymkhana events.
She attended school at the University of Oregon obtaining a B.S. in Sociology & Business Administration. While at the University of Oregon she competed on the Equestrian Team for 4 years and was Team President for 2 years!
Cierra loves spending her free time with her two dogs and doing anything outdoors including rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, horseback riding, ice hockey, swimming, kayaking, SUP, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, you name it!
Looking to inquire about a riding lessons, therapy services, retreats, pony parties, group rides, billing, & more?