STAFF
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI)
JULIE O'DONNELL
Julie has been working with horses for 18 years. What started as a hobby quickly became her passion and livelihood. Julie earned a certification and licensure as a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Instructor through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International at Centenary University under the mentorship of PATH founder, Octavia Brown. Julie also holds a B.A. in Psychology from Seton Hall University. She has been practicing Natural Horsemanship for 12 years and loves to share her knowledge with her students.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
MARY SZACIK
Mary is a therapist in private practice working with people who struggle with the impacts of trauma, anxiety, complicated relationship dynamics, and low self-worth through a variety of treatment approaches including equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP) in the Natural Lifemanship approach. A lifelong horse person and career social worker, Mary became a therapist in order to help people and horses to heal through this uniquely powerful connection between humans and equines. She is thrilled to partner with a dapple a day in order to do this amazing work.
Physical Therapist
American Hippotherapy Association (AHA)
KRISTA STRAFFORD
Krista is a Physical Therapist who has practiced for over thirty years providing services for pediatric through geriatric clients. As her career unfolded, she always dreamed about offering a camp for special needs children. Through her time volunteering at A Dapple A Day, Krista
discovered the opportunity to incorporate Physical Therapy utilizing the horse’s movement to heal. Krista holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College, as well as an AHCB Certificate in Physical Therapy through the AHA.
Natural Horsemanship Trainer
ROSIE KERKVLIET
Rosie has been working with horses using the Natural Horsemasnhip training approach for over 12 years. She studied under Parelli Natural Horsemanship trainer Pat Parelli in Colorado, and with Linda Parelli in Florida. Rosie loves working with problem horses and will be providing group classes and training at the barn.