Judy Skeen is a professor of religion at Belmont University. She is a full time teacher and the courses she teaches have allowed her to explore human development, both emotionally and spiritually. Her connection and care for nature have become a secondary layer of curriculum in her classes, inviting students to find their way back to finding groundedness on the earth and in the company of other creatures, especially horses and dogs. Her experience in leading groups has been developed in a variety of settings: classroom, congregations, spiritual direction, round pen work with humans and horses and conflict mediation. All these experiences found their home in facilitating Circle of Trust retreats. She is committed to the work of the Center for Courage & Renewal and values the innovation while holding the core of the principles and practices.