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COMMON GROUND INC | MOUNT AIRY, MD

About Common Ground

Common Ground Inc. | Paradise Stables | Maryland, USA
Harness Lessons at COMMON GROUND INC

// Welcome to Common Ground at Paradise Stables.

We are a 501c(3) Non-Profit Organization.

At Common Ground, we offer a tranquil and peaceful environment where you can leave all your "stuff" behind and be one with a horse.

 

Our experiences with horses provide opportunities for people to learn life skills, heal from trauma, reduce stress, become self-confident, and achieve an overall sense of accomplishment and well being through the experience of trusting their equine teacher. 

We proudly serve our beloved military, first responders, corporate professionals, and numerous groups, including Adults and Youth at-risk.  We are centrally located one-hour N of Washington, D.C and 45 minutes W of Baltimore, MD. 

About Our 501c(3)
Common Ground Inc. | Paradise Stables | Maryland, USA

Our Mission

Common Ground envisions a world where the healing connection between horses and humans is available to everyone, and all participants can learn how to problem solve and move forward in their own lives. We harness the powerful connection between horses and humans to teach, learn, grow, and heal.

Mission & Vision
Team
Common Ground Inc. | Paradise Stables | Maryland, USA

// Founder & Director

Elizabeth Tate

Elizabeth is a Founder and Director of Common Ground Inc. She holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology/Pastoral Counseling and she is a Certified Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator. Elizabeth has successfully owned and operated many businesses over the years. However, her passion is Paradise Stables, LLC, a state of the art equine boarding stable she built 2006.

 

“Common Ground is the natural progression to my years of helping people in a more clinical setting. This program allows me to do what I love through horses”

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// BOD Treasure

Jeanette Mathias

Jeanette is a dedicated board member who brings both passion and expertise to her role as Treasurer. With a deep commitment to giving back to the community, Jeanette’s journey with Common Ground therapy has profoundly influenced her outlook on overcoming challenges. She shares, "The old saying, ‘In order to get over your fear, you must get back on the horse,’ was never something I considered after a traumatic childhood horse incident until I met Elizabeth. She believed she could help me with Common Ground therapy, and she was right. After just a few visits, I felt in control and had a better understanding of what it meant to overcome my fear."

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Jeanette's personal experience drives her dedication as the Board of Directors Treasurer, ensuring Common Ground's financial health and allowing others to benefit from this transformative therapy as she has.

Common Ground Inc. | Paradise Stables | Maryland, USA

// BOD President

Angelica Driskell

Angelica has been a long standing volunteer for the Common Ground activities and has been an instrumental part in program development, marketing and achieving our nonprofit status.

 

"After my first time volunteering, I was hooked! I got as much out of the day as the participants. Horses are amazing creatures with the ability to transform lives. I've experienced it first hand and love sharing this special connection with others."

 

Angelica is the Board of Directors President for Common Ground Inc.

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JOE LONDON | COMMON GROUND INC

// Consultant

Joe London

Joe is a consultant for Common Ground and has a lifetime of experience working as a horse trainer, athlete, and instructor. He was trained at Meredith Manor, and has been a world renowned Tennessee Walking Horse Champion for many years.

 

“It just felt right. Elizabeth asked me one evening, how can we use all of our gifts to help others…and with our collective knowledge we developed Common Ground!”

Common Ground Inc. | Paradise Stables | Maryland, USA

// BOD Secretary

Adam Abramowitz

Adam is a dedicated board member who is deeply committed to Common Ground's mission. Horses have always been a special part of his life, providing a calming and joyful connection to his grandfather.

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"Horses were a special part of my childhood and remain a calming and joyful connection to my grandfather.  These horses and this program came into my life through Angelica and Jim Driskell.  The connection my children now have with these horses and the learning experiences that have resulted are priceless."

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Inspired by Elizabeth to get involved, Adam is now passionate about supporting this amazing program and its impact on others as a member of the Board of Directors.

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Common Ground Inc. | Paradise Stables | Maryland, USA

// Equine Care Coordinator/Trainer

Betsy DeGonia

Betsy brings a lifetime of horse experience to Common Ground. She was one of our first volunteers! In addition to supporting our participants, the care and wellbeing of our equine partners is her priority. 


“Horses have always been an important part of my life. I want to share the healing and joy they bring to me, and I can do that through our work at Common Ground.”

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// BOD Member 

Kevin Simmers

Kevin is a veteran, retired police officer, and currently the Founder & Director of Brooke’s House, an addiction recovery center in Hagerstown, MD. 

 

"I have seen first-hand the positive effects of Common Ground’s work with the residents of our recovery center and want to help Common Ground succeed by fundraising so we can, in turn, help more people for years to come."

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// Volunteer Coordinator

Jim Driskell

Jim is a coach at heart and is a dedicated volunteer for Common Ground.  His passion for helping folks through the love of horses is unmatched. 

 

“I really enjoy helping people and have discovered the healing power of horses in my own life. It’s amazing how horses can touch so many lives in unbelievable ways. I am honored to be a part of Common Ground and this transformative work.”

Common Ground Inc. | Paradise Stables | Maryland, USA

Meet Our Horse Partners

Here at Common Ground, is where the remarkable connection between humans and horses leads to personal growth and transformation. Our horses are more than just animals; they are the guiding forces on your path to self-improvement. Get to know our exceptional team of equine teachers by clicking on their pictures below. Each horse has a unique story to share, and many of them are still seeking sponsorship to continue their vital work. Look for the "SPONSOR" button beneath their stories to support these incredible creatures on their mission.

Meet Our Horses
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