Our Story & Mission
The heart of
BEYOND liberty
A retirement sanctuary, education center, and community hub for outdoor learning and wellness
About BEYOND liberty
Beyond Liberty is a sanctuary, wellness, and education center dedicated to creating connection, community, and well-being — through the voice of the horse. Horses live at liberty, in herds, with voice and choice, and humans are invited to slow down, share space, and learn from who horses truly are.
Our mission is to build community and enrich lives through accessible and equitable outdoor education and experiential programs that connect nature, horses, and humans through consent, presence, and partnership.
Our Philosophy
Shaped by the pioneering work of Carolyn Resnick
At the heart of our retirement sanctuary and equine education center is a philosophy shaped by the pioneering work of Carolyn Resnick—a renowned horse communicator, author, and advocate for the emotional well-being of horses.
In her acclaimed memoir Naked Liberty, Carolyn recounts the formative summers she spent living among wild horses as a child. Through these experiences, she came to understand how to align with a horse’s natural rhythms and emotional language—honoring their autonomy and cultivating relationships through connection.
“A central practice of her approach is Sharing Territory—spending time in a calm, neutral state in the presence of horses, without agenda. In this shared stillness, a bond can develop organically.”
Our Leadership
Dedicated professionals committed to our mission
Angel Batt, MSW
Founder & President
Social Worker for Horses
Advocate for Horse Justice
About Angel
Angel Batt is a master-level social worker whose lifelong work has centered on justice, equity and advocacy. She brings decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and trauma-informed care to her work with both humans and animals.
Her compassion and steadfast commitment to equity have guided a distinguished career in social service, earning her recognition as Woman of the Year for California’s 21st Assembly District.
Angel comes to horses not as a trainer or therapist, but as a social worker – a witness and advocate – for their consent, their voice, and their agency.
“I consider myself a social worker for horses—I feel I’ve been called to speak on their behalf, as an advocate, to help ensure their voices are heard.” —Angel Batt
Board of Directors
Angel Batt, MSW
President | Founder
social worker | nonprofit specialist
Joanna Oshman
Vice President
non-profit governance
Adam Tostado
Treasurer
financial management | auditing | compliance
Rick Batt, JD
Secretary
intellectual property | legal strategy | compliance.
Jenifer Lineau Thompson
Director
educator | community outreach
Ready to Experience the Connection?
Schedule a visit or learn more about how you can become involved.