Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Michelle Goss of Heber

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Michelle Goss. Check out our conversation below.

Michelle, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
I am being called to finish and launch my online program for recently dingle women looking to regain their confidence called “Confidence Through Connection” as well as my law enforcement/first responders in-person program called “Silent Wounds.” I have recently gone through some big life changes that I did not expect and it has shaken my confidence not only in myself but in others as well. Up until now, I have been very afraid of criticism and judgment. However, I have been working on myself and healing and I am feeling that I am now being called to put the final touches on both programs and launch them.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Michelle Goss, founder of Spirit Mountain Healing Services, a nonprofit nestled in the high desert of Heber, Arizona. With over 40 years of experience with horses and a background in life coaching and equine-assisted mental health, I’ve built a healing sanctuary where horses help people navigate trauma, grief, and life transitions through connection, presence, and trust.
My work is deeply personal—after surviving domestic violence and rebuilding my life, I found strength and guidance in the horses, and now I help others do the same. At Spirit Mountain Healing Services, we serve first responders, women healing after trauma, and youth in crisis, offering ground-based, horse-led experiences that promote emotional growth and self-acceptance. We’re currently expanding our programs and raising funds to build a permanent barn and improve our off-grid ranch so we can continue to change lives—one connection at a time.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
I believed that I was “not good enough” as a child and I carried that belief through most of my adult life. Through working with my horses and lots of inner work, I no longer believe that I am “not good enough.” I now believe I am good enough right now, as I am and that there is always room for improvement and “making things better.”

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I recently stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power when I found myself in a relationship that had turned toxic and I knew I needed to get out of that relationship. During the process of ending the relationship, I became the victim of domestic violence. It was through this pain of betrayal, lies, and manipulation that I chose to use the pain as power to get myself out of the toxic and abusive relationship. I chose myself over the relationship and used the pain to fuel my power to make hard decisions about my safety and how to heal the relationship wounds

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
There are actually several projects that I am committed to no matter how long it takes or what obstacles I face and those projects are launching the online women’s program for recently single women called “Confidence Through Connection”, my in-person law enforcement/first responders program called “Slient Wounds” and raising funds to build and complete the “Healing Barn” at the off-grid location of Spirit Mountain Healing Services called the “Looking Within Ranch.” I feel driven to complete these projects no matter what. I feel that these projects represent not only Spirit Mountain Healing Services, but who I am and my greater purpose in life.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I am working with my own horses at the Looking Within Ranch and connecting not only with nature and my horses but with myself in the moment. To actually be in the present moment and acknowledge how truly blessed I am in my life despite the obstacles and setbacks I have had to face head on recently.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.spiritmountainhealing.com

Image Credits
Michelle Goss