Marsha E. Morse, Captain (Ret.), BA, MA, has built a career defined by courage, innovation and a lifelong commitment to guiding others toward growth through science and empathy. As the founder of Holistic Equine Assisted Life Coaching, she has combined her deep understanding of human behavior with her passion for equine-assisted methodologies. In her practice, she works with individuals, families, groups and corporate teams, integrating traditional coaching models with cutting-edge approaches such as computer simulation software and artificial intelligence-assisted simulation in augmented reality environments. These tools allow clients to visualize systems, behaviors, and decision-making processes in real time, creating measurable outcomes and sustainable change.
Ms. Morse’s educational background laid the groundwork for her forward-thinking approach. She earned a Master of Arts in whole systems design from Antioch University, where she cultivated her understanding of systems theory, design processes and holistic problem-solving. The principles she studied became central to her work across disciplines, blending structure with intuition and analytical reasoning with creativity. She credits her family of educators, particularly her father, whose shift from business to teaching inspired her to view learning as a lifelong practice. This foundation continues to influence her commitment to mentorship, innovation and meaningful service.
Before her work in life coaching, Ms. Morse spent nearly five decades with Washington State Ferries, where she worked as captain and emerged as a trailblazer in a field long dominated by men. Her tenure stands as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and the quiet strength required to break barriers. Throughout her maritime career, she guided crews through challenging conditions, navigated complex systems of safety and logistics, and modeled integrity in leadership. Many of her peers and successors credit her with opening doors that had remained closed to women for generations. Her influence continues to echo through the industry, reminding others that resilience and vision can redefine what is possible.
Ms. Morse’s contributions extend beyond her professional pursuits. Her philanthropic interests reflect a deep respect for the natural world and its connection to human well-being. She supports global conservation efforts through contributions to the World Wildlife Fund and encourages others to consider how environmental balance mirrors the principles of systemic harmony found in her academic and coaching work. The same mindfulness that guided her at sea and in the arena informs her approach to life, leadership and sustainability.
Born in Wenatchee, Ms. Morse is the parent of three stepchildren and remains deeply connected to her family. She finds renewal through hiking, music and the arts, activities that allow her to reconnect with nature and creativity while maintaining balance between personal reflection and professional ambition. Her appreciation for both structure and spontaneity reflects the duality of her life’s work, bridging precision and intuition, discipline and compassion.
Looking ahead, Ms. Morse aspires to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy in systems, with plans to expand her holistic research and integrate it more deeply into her equine-assisted coaching practice. Her ongoing work with simulation technology aims to compare theoretical and real-world outcomes, advancing the field and contributing valuable insights into the ways humans learn, adapt and grow.
Across every chapter of her career, Ms. Morse has demonstrated that leadership is not defined by position but by purpose. Whether commanding a vessel or facilitating transformation in a coaching session, she continues to guide others toward clarity, resilience and self-understanding. Her journey stands as a living example of how knowledge, courage and compassion can align to create lasting impact, one system, one person and one step at a time.