Johnny A. Clark, LMSW, author of The SPUR Model: An Equine-Facilitated Social Intelligence Approach to Relationship Building. The creation of this manual provides a unique context for developing social intelligence integrating Clark's educational and spiritual background, work with children and families, and his love of horses into a dynamic model created to "spur" others on towards building positive relationships. Clark is a graduate from Oklahoma State University receiving his bachelor's degree in Human Environmental Science, Interior Design and Architecture in 1977. He later received his master's degree from Kansas University in Social Work in 1993. As a young adult, Clark served in youth ministry later to be ordained as a minister. After ordination, he followed a call to Cookson Hills Christian Ministries where he and his wife served for 21 years (1987-2008). In his time at Cookson Hills, he served in different capacities including being a house parent, case manager, equine program manager, child care director and clinical director. During this time, Clark became one of the certified charter members in the American Association for Christian Counselors as well as a certified conciliator. After joining the mission at Tulsa Boys' Home in 2008, he received the highest level of certification referred to as an Advanced Certified Professional in the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). He is the blessed husband of Karen Clark and father to three biological children. He is known as dad to many more kids he and his wife have served and loved over the years. He has the joy of being cowpa to ten grandchildren. He and his wife make their home in Glencoe, Oklahoma on their 40-acre Rockin' J48 Ranch.