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.
PATH Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL)
KAREN JOHANNSEN
Karen is a lifelong horse lover, with a strong desire for a connection from the ground with the horses she works with. As master practitioner of Reiki, she often practices this on the horses to bring a holistic approach to wellness at the farm. With a certification as an Equine Specialist, she offers group groundwork classes in addition to working in tandem with mental health professionals.
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. She began her education through the American Hippotherapy Association in 2022 and plans to take her certification examination in May 2024. Krista is excited to begin offering Physical Therapy services this Spring/ Summer 2024. Krista holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Physical Therapy from Ithaca College.