What year did you begin your relationship at High Horses?  I joined High Horses in March 2024.

How did you become involved with High Horses? While living in CO, one of my in-home pediatric clients said his one wish was to ride a horse.  This initiated my pursuit into Equine-Assisted Therapy.  While in CO I was able to secure a position with an EAS Facility, where I began to work with this child, along with many others and truly saw the holistic value of EAS.  Fast forward several years, several states and several jobs later, my family and I moved to VT to be caretakers on a farm.  Once that experience had ended, I knew I wanted to continue to spend time outside, around horses, while continuing to work as an OT.  I volunteered at one of High Horses’ special events and was hooked!

While on the farm I was truly able to live out the “Model of Occupation” realizing the mental and physical health benefits of “doing with purpose.”  I am excited to share that lived experience with others along with all the many benefits emotionally and physically that teaming with horses can provide.

What is your educational background? M.A. in Occupational Therapy

What are your current or previous career highlights? I have enjoyed so many aspects of my career.  I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings throughout my career, led by my curiosities and the needs of my clients.  I have worked in homes, at sensory-based outpatient clinics, at Children’s hospitals, in the NICU, at an EAS facility, at a Brain Injury Rehabilitation Center, at a University and owned 2 private practices.  I have had the privilege of being a part of feeding teams within the hospital and in client’s home, traveling with a client to learn about intensive therapy using the Neurosuit, assisting with building the feeding and developmental program within the NICU, assisting in an adaptive ski program in Colorado, building individualized programs to assist children with a history of trauma, and teaching as adjunct faculty at the University of Pittsburgh.

What are your credentials related to equine-assisted services? Hippotherapy Treatment Principles

What therapeutic credentials do you have outside the realm of equine-assisted services? I am an occupational therapist with certifications in Neurodevelopment Treatment Principles, Infant Mental Health, Certified Neonatal Therapist, the Safe and Sound Protocol.  I also have my Level 1 and Level 2 certifications in Craniosacral Therapy.

What impact do you see with equine-assisted services? It’s so transformative! I’m grateful that I get to witness the positive changes our clients go through on a daily basis, but I also see how the human-horse bond affects our volunteers, staff members, donors, and anyone who steps foot on our farm.

Did you grow up around horses? Do you currently have horses? As a child, I spent time at my Aunt and Uncle’s house with their 4 horses.

Where did you grow up?  Texas

What are some of your favorite non-horse or therapy-related hobbies? Traveling and all things included in traveling – good food, new adventures, meeting new people and gathering with friends and family.  I also enjoy reading, skiing, biking, hiking and yoga.  I love to learn – wherever my passions and curiosity lead me!

If a horse from High Horses could speak, who are they and what would they say? Sam - “A scratch, right there on the forehead, well maybe between the ears.”  And, “I’m here!”