The Staff
About Sharon
I started riding when I was 9 years old. Since then, horses have been a passion of mine. I never could get enough! I have spent time at multiple barns with many instructors and horses helping develop the horseperson I have become today. It wasn't just the time in the saddle I cherished, it was also the grooming, tacking, feeding and barn chores that gave me the opportunity to see and feel the depth of the horse/human relationship.
Because of these experiences and wanting to learn more, I studied and graduated at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls with a B.S. in Animal Science with Equestrian Emphasis. It was during my sophomore year I became the proud horse owner of Emma, a Thoroughbred off the track. With her troubled past and my yearning for a stronger bond, we found ourselves entering into a journey of Natural Horsemanship.
With the knowledge of putting the relationship first, I became more aware of reading the horse and understanding when to apply more pressure versus wait.
I have been an active Parelli student since 1997, learning and soaking up as much knowledge as I can. I am level 3 certified and working on my level 4. I have been a certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor since 2004. I began as a NARHA instructor, which is now known as PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). I have also been certified as a horse specialist in EAGALA, since 2001, and O.K. Corral since 2007, which focuses on personal growth and learning.
All these combined experiences have helped me to be the trainer and instructor I am today with a strong emphasis on the relationship.
I started riding when I was 9 years old. Since then, horses have been a passion of mine. I never could get enough! I have spent time at multiple barns with many instructors and horses helping develop the horseperson I have become today. It wasn't just the time in the saddle I cherished, it was also the grooming, tacking, feeding and barn chores that gave me the opportunity to see and feel the depth of the horse/human relationship.
Because of these experiences and wanting to learn more, I studied and graduated at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls with a B.S. in Animal Science with Equestrian Emphasis. It was during my sophomore year I became the proud horse owner of Emma, a Thoroughbred off the track. With her troubled past and my yearning for a stronger bond, we found ourselves entering into a journey of Natural Horsemanship.
With the knowledge of putting the relationship first, I became more aware of reading the horse and understanding when to apply more pressure versus wait.
I have been an active Parelli student since 1997, learning and soaking up as much knowledge as I can. I am level 3 certified and working on my level 4. I have been a certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor since 2004. I began as a NARHA instructor, which is now known as PATH (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). I have also been certified as a horse specialist in EAGALA, since 2001, and O.K. Corral since 2007, which focuses on personal growth and learning.
All these combined experiences have helped me to be the trainer and instructor I am today with a strong emphasis on the relationship.
About Allen
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) that has been trained in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and has been providing EAP for over 15 years. I have experience with children/adolescents and adults with anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, autism, substance abuse disorders, bipolar disorder, behavioral issues, depression, and other presenting issues.
As a therapist, I have worked both in clinic settings and also with horses in an "Experiential Therapy" setting for many years. Experiential Therapy is a type of therapy that occurs while doing a variety of activities and the growth and learning occurs in the context of the activity or experience. I believe that for many people, therapy in a clinic and office setting is a good fit. However, many people need a therapy experience where they learn hands-on. Animals, and horses in particular, are a good fit with Experiential Therapy and help people to "be in the moment" because they are forced to focus on the horse and are able to get "out of their heads" and just experience the activity. I have seen dramatic changes in people I work with even in the first session with horses, and continue striving to find new ways to utilize the power of horses in therapy.
Allen is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of IL PPO and billing insurance is available for all major insurance carriers.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) that has been trained in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and has been providing EAP for over 15 years. I have experience with children/adolescents and adults with anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, autism, substance abuse disorders, bipolar disorder, behavioral issues, depression, and other presenting issues.
As a therapist, I have worked both in clinic settings and also with horses in an "Experiential Therapy" setting for many years. Experiential Therapy is a type of therapy that occurs while doing a variety of activities and the growth and learning occurs in the context of the activity or experience. I believe that for many people, therapy in a clinic and office setting is a good fit. However, many people need a therapy experience where they learn hands-on. Animals, and horses in particular, are a good fit with Experiential Therapy and help people to "be in the moment" because they are forced to focus on the horse and are able to get "out of their heads" and just experience the activity. I have seen dramatic changes in people I work with even in the first session with horses, and continue striving to find new ways to utilize the power of horses in therapy.
Allen is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of IL PPO and billing insurance is available for all major insurance carriers.
About Amanda
I am a Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist. I have been providing Hippotherapy for over 15 years. I work both in a clinical setting and in the natural environment utilizing the horse's movement to aid in my therapy. Using horses with therapy provides such a motivational component to children, teens, and adults to help them reach their therapeutic goals. Please call for more information.
Amanda is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of IL PPO.
I am a Licensed Speech and Language Pathologist. I have been providing Hippotherapy for over 15 years. I work both in a clinical setting and in the natural environment utilizing the horse's movement to aid in my therapy. Using horses with therapy provides such a motivational component to children, teens, and adults to help them reach their therapeutic goals. Please call for more information.
Amanda is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of IL PPO.