Meet Valerie Steele
Bringing together education, compassion, and the remarkable connection between horses and people to inspire learning, confidence, and personal growth.
A Passion for Horses. A Purpose in Education.
Valerie Steele is the owner of Hearts of Steele Equine Facilitated Learning and a certified special education teacher and equine-facilitated learning instructor based in Brandon, Mississippi.
Valerie has always had a passion and love for horses. Growing up around them, she developed a deep appreciation for their beauty, strength, and unique personalities.
During her teenage years and into adulthood, she experienced her own social and emotional challenges and discovered peace in the presence of horses.
That personal connection inspired a lifelong commitment to helping others discover confidence, belonging, and their own individual strengths.
Master of Public Policy and Administration (MPPA)
Equine Facilitated Learning Level One (EFL1)
Certified Special Education Teacher
Doctoral Student, Public Policy and Administration
Where Education Meets the Power of the Horse
Valerie’s compassion and empathy for individuals struggling to find their place in the world drive her work.
Through Hearts of Steele, she brings together her experience in special education, equine-facilitated learning, and community service to create opportunities for meaningful growth.
Her approach emphasizes patience, trust, emotional development, and recognizing the strengths that make every individual unique.
Book Valerie for Your Next Experience
Whether you are planning a school event, author visit, professional presentation, or community gathering, Valerie welcomes opportunities to share her experiences and connect with audiences.
Children’s Book Readings
Invite Valerie to share her children’s books through an engaging reading experience designed to encourage imagination, conversation, and a love of reading.
Ideal for schools, libraries, literacy events, youth organizations, and community programs.
REQUEST AN AUTHOR VISIT →Speaking Engagements
Invite Valerie to speak about her experiences in education, equine-facilitated learning, inclusive programming, and the importance of meaningful connections.
Suitable for conferences, professional development, community events, and educational gatherings.
REQUEST A SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT →Educational Workshops
Explore opportunities for interactive learning centered on social-emotional development, inclusion, communication, and equine-facilitated learning.
Workshops may be discussed for educators, organizations, and community groups.
INQUIRE ABOUT A WORKSHOP →Community & Organizational Events
Collaborate with Valerie on educational events, awareness activities, community presentations, and programs that connect people with learning opportunities.
Share your organization’s goals to explore possible collaboration.
DISCUSS A COLLABORATION →
A Foundation in Education, Service, and Research
University of Texas at Arlington
Bachelor of Science in Communication.
Jackson State University
Master of Public Policy and Administration.
Mississippi State University
Doctoral studies in Public Policy and Administration.
Equine Facilitated Learning
Level One certification through the Human Equine Relationship Development Institute.
Special Education & Special Olympics
Certified special education teacher, Special Olympics Club Unify sponsor, and Special Olympics equestrian coach.
Moments That Matter
Valerie’s work reflects a commitment to expanding educational opportunities and helping individuals experience the benefits of meaningful equine connections.
Mississippi Public Educators Classroom Grant
Valerie received a Mississippi Public Educators Classroom Grant for the 2020–2021 school year, allowing her to introduce Equine Facilitated Learning into the public school system.
Special Olympics USA Games
Valerie’s equestrian coaching experience includes participation in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, an important milestone in her commitment to inclusive equestrian opportunities.
Bring a Story to Life
Books create opportunities for children to explore new ideas, develop curiosity, and connect with the world around them.
Invite Valerie for a children’s book reading at your school, library, literacy celebration, or community event.
Author Visit Opportunities
School and Classroom Readings
Request an author reading for students and discuss age-appropriate activities, scheduling, and group size.
Library and Community Readings
Invite Valerie to participate in a library program, community literacy event, or family-centered reading experience.
Author Conversations and Questions
Ask about including a conversation with Valerie about her writing, creative process, and experiences as an educator.
Research That Informs Meaningful Change
In addition to her work as an educator and equine-facilitated learning instructor, Valerie is pursuing doctoral studies in Public Policy and Administration at Mississippi State University.
This section will serve as a home for her completed dissertation and related scholarly work as materials become available.
Doctoral Dissertation
Once the dissertation is completed and approved for public distribution, visitors will be able to access a printable PDF from this page.
Dissertation PDF — Coming SoonHow to Invite Valerie
Interested in having Valerie participate in your event? Begin with an inquiry so the details can be discussed.
Share Your Event
Send your organization, event type, preferred date, location, and audience information.
Discuss the Details
Review availability, event goals, format, travel needs, and any applicable fees.
Confirm the Experience
Once arrangements are agreed upon, finalize the event details and prepare for the experience.
Before You Book
Can Valerie visit our school or library for a book reading?
You can submit an inquiry for a school, library, or community author visit. Availability and event arrangements will need to be confirmed.
Does Valerie offer speaking engagements?
Speaking inquiries are welcome for educational, professional, and community events. Please include your proposed topic, audience, date, and location.
Can an organization request a customized workshop?
Yes, organizations may inquire about customized educational workshops and collaborative learning opportunities. Program format and feasibility can be discussed directly.
Are there fees for booking Valerie?
Any applicable fees, travel arrangements, and other event requirements should be discussed during the inquiry process.
Will Valerie’s dissertation be available on this page?
This page includes a dedicated research section where a printable PDF can be added after the dissertation is completed, approved, and cleared for public distribution.
Let’s Create a Meaningful Experience
From children’s book readings to educational presentations and community collaborations, discover how Valerie can contribute to your next event.
REQUEST TO BOOK ME →