IVLP Impact Awards Perspectives – Healing Hooves: Restoring Community through Innovative Solutions
Nastya Popandopulos is an alumna of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) and a 2024 recipient of the IVLP Impact Awards for her project From Trauma to Triumph: Harnessing the Power of Horses & Healing for War-Affected Children.
Meridian International Center, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, implements the IVLP Impact Awards Initiative. IVLP Impact Awardees from across the world administer community impact projects that build on their experiences and promote innovative solutions to shared challenges. The IVLP Impact Awards Initiative engages alumni, strengthens global networks, and supports lasting community impact.
Building Meaningful Connections and Strong Networks
In my professional journey, I have been involved with Victory Center, an organization focused on the psycho-emotional recovery of veterans and children affected by war. My IVLP exchange experience provided invaluable insights and connections that have significantly influenced my work. Through the program, I had the opportunity to engage with professionals and organizations dedicated to similar causes including impactful interactions with individuals like Kathlyn Conway at New Hampshire's UpReach Therapeutic Equestrian Center and Marilyn Sokolof at The Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International AISBL.
Building on these connections, I collaborated with Denise Redmond from Carousel Ranch and Martha McNiel from DreamPower Horsemanship, where we integrated best practices and innovative techniques into Victory Center’s therapeutic programs. Additionally, staying connected with a diverse group of participants from 22 countries has provided valuable insights, including engaging conversations with an inspiring entrepreneur from Nepal.
Equipped with the knowledge and a powerful network, I introduced my IVLP Impact Award project that combines equine therapy with cutting-edge psychological techniques. This innovative approach significantly enhances the emotional resilience of children, aged 6 to 12, leading to measurable improvements in their well-being, thereby supporting their recovery and reintegration into civilian life. These strategies could serve as a model for others by demonstrating how diverse therapeutic approaches can be harmonized to achieve greater impact.
The IVLP network has been crucial in achieving this goal. Through the connections and knowledge gained, I’ve adopted proven strategies and collaborate with experts in the field. The initiative is committed to remaining in Ukraine for many years, to build a healthier society capable of addressing its own challenges.
The IVLP Impact Awards have also facilitated valuable international connections and knowledge exchange. The workshops and lectures organized by Meridian International Center have been instrumental in deepening my understanding of global issues and expanding my network. I am also particularly grateful to Vira Maximova at the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine for organizing alumni gatherings, which have been a source of inspiration and solidarity.
Receiving the award felt like an endorsement from a global community that believed in my ability to drive change. This support gave me the confidence and resources to turn my ideas into reality, and I am now witnessing the positive impact of these changes. My next goal is to scale this impact and broaden its reach.
Fostering Lifelong Healing
Every time parents bring their children to the ranch, they appreciate the peaceful atmosphere, which helps them relax and recharge. This, in turn, means that children return home with more positive energy. Interacting with horses and other animals on the ranch provides much-needed peaceful moments for children who live under constant threats from Russian attacks, drone strikes, and missile strikes. The ongoing war and the pandemic have severely impacted the educational system in Ukraine, leading to a decline in educational standards.
A quote from one of the mothers captures the essence of our work:
"My daughter seemed to enter her dream world, where she cares for the horses, learns about them, and even rides…Indeed, for these two days, my daughter forgot that there was a war. You have proven that no matter how difficult things are for our country, there are always people who think not only about the present but also about the future and care about the dreams of little people.”
The growing recognition of mental health's importance in trauma recovery provides a chance to advocate for increased support and resources. Advances in therapy techniques and heightened awareness of equine therapy's benefits offer new pathways to enhance programs and reach more individuals in need. I’m committed to sharing our research with the world, especially as Ukraine grapples with profound mental health challenges after nearly three years of ongoing war. Constant fear and anger are detrimental to well-being, making our work more crucial than ever.
This war not only exacerbates existing issues but also drives many skilled professionals out of the country. To address this, we must enhance our standards and educational systems in the mental health field, as well as create job opportunities and attract attention to this crucial social work. One of my goals is to bring our specialists—particularly those mentoring our program—to the USA to explore opportunities and best practices there.
Additionally, there is a pressing need for more comprehensive training for equine-assisted therapists to effectively address trauma and facilitate recovery. To tackle this issue, we, along with other equine specialists, have established the Ukrainian Equine-Assisted Therapy and Adaptive Riding Association (UEAT-ARA).
Despite the ongoing war, the support from the IVLP community and the opportunities it has created underscore that positive change is possible even in challenging circumstances. This experience has not only enriched my perspective but also strengthened my resolve to integrate these global insights into my work, fostering resilience and innovation in our therapeutic programs.
One fundamental insight I've gained is that people facing similar challenges are naturally inclined to collaborate, and those with experience are eager to share their knowledge. This is especially clear when you have a broad perspective and are supported by a network that fosters growth and care. The IVLP Impact Awards provided me with this perspective, along with the support needed to initiate a program I had envisioned for months.
Embracing Responsibility and Opportunity
Being selected as a finalist for the IVLP Impact Awards signifies support from a prestigious network and a belief in your ideas. It’s a testament to the value of your vision and the potential impact of your work. Now, it’s your turn to give back and make a difference by caring for and supporting others in your community.
Don’t be afraid to take responsibility and embrace the opportunity if you are selected. Think strategically and plan ahead. Invest your time and energy into building connections around a shared vision and seek out people who share your values. Remember, not everything can be achieved with financial resources alone—there are countless opportunities that arise from human connections and collaborative effort. Leverage the resources and support available to you and remain open to the many possibilities that may come your way. The power of human connections and shared passion can lead to extraordinary results.
Nastya Popandopulos was a participant on the IVLP Social Entrepreneurs in the United States, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Cultural Vistas, in partnership with Colorado Springs World Affairs Council, WorldOrlando, World Affairs Council of New Hampshire, and Global Minnesota. Learn more about her IVLP Impact Award project, From Trauma to Triumph: Harnessing the Power of Horses & Healing for War-Affected Children on our website.
