What year did you begin your relationship at High Horses? I joined the staff in March 2025.

How did you become involved with High Horses? One of my friends who lives in the area told me about this organization, knowing it was right up my alley. When I found out there was an opening for a Mental Health Practitioner, I had to apply!

What is your educational background? I completed my masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through UVM in the spring of 2025. Before that I completed my B.S. in Behavioral Science and Human Services at Bellevue University.

What are your current or previous career highlights? Previously, I worked as a middle school math and science teacher. During the 2024-2025 school year I worked as a school-based clinician at Vergennes Union Elementary school supporting students from K-5. I have also been working at different barns throughout my life in order to spend more around horses.

What therapeutic credentials do you have outside the realm of equine-assisted services? Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

What impact do you see with equine-assisted services? I believe that there is a need for more therapy options alternative to office-based talk therapy. Horses have a special way of being in the world and interacting with others that allows space for people to better understand themselves and those around them.

Did you grow up around horses? Do you currently have horses? I loved horses beginning before I can remember. I have an off-track thoroughbred mare named River. We like taking it easy and have tried out different disciplines, realizing that we like switching it up.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in California, starting in the San Francisco Bay Area and then relocating to Los Angeles.

What are some of your favorite non-horse or therapy-related hobbies? In my free time (if I have any) I enjoy rock climbing and playing viola, piano, and guitar. I also enjoy spending time with my friends and being outdoors. At home, I have a cat and a snake who both make great cuddle buddies.

Anything else you would like to share about family or special interests? I run a monthly climbing group for LGBTQ+ individuals and play viola in a mental health awareness symphony orchestra!

If a horse from High Horses could speak, who are they and what would they say? Kora would say “Hiiiiiiiii!”