Markley grew up riding horses and spending time outdoors in Virginia, Colorado and North Carolina; experiences that continue to shape her approach to equine-assisted work. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina (2009), where she developed an appreciation for experiential, nature-based approaches to wellbeing.

Markley is certified in the Movement Method enjoys working within a child-led model that intersperses riding with child directed play. She values the role of the natural environment—horses, woods, and open space—in supporting regulation, curiosity, and connection. Markley enjoys creating a calm, responsive setting where children can explore, move, and build confidence at their own pace. She started at CHATS as a playdate volunteer & transitioned to staff late in 2025.