FRIDAY: August 2, 2024
LOCATION:
Northwest Bible Church
8505 Douglas Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75225
(Dinner + Awards only)
7:30am-8:30am - Registration & Welcome
Session A
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
A1, Working With Comorbid Mental Health Diagnoses: Where Are Our Boundaries? DE
This presentation will introduce the topic of working with clients diagnosed with mental health disorders, in addition to their other diagnoses. We will discuss how to determine if a client is a good fit for therapeutic riding in the context of their mental health, some activities and adaptations to use with these clients, when to ethically refer, and other related topics. The goal is for attendees to leave this session with a greater understanding of boundaries as they pertain to accepting clients with mental health disorders, how to work with clients that fit within the scope of practice of a PATH Intl. CTRI®, and how to inform their methodology while they participate in sessions.
Katherine Anne Scott is a PATH Intl. CTRI® and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in Clinical Neuropsychology from the University of Tyler of Texas. She founded GRIT Therapeutic Horsemanship in November of 2020 and has turned it into a thriving program. As a child and adolescent, Kat was a competitive hunter-jumper who studied under Kathy McDonald with McDonald Performance Horses in Tucson, AZ. She enjoys spending time with her animals and family and you'll likely see her riding in between sessions.
A2, What Happens Next? CE Horsemanship and heart-felt compassion are often the foundation for a PATH Intl. Center, however, sustainability, strategic and succession planning are necessary to ensure your facilities, horses, volunteers and participants are not left hanging if something were to happen to the founder. Join us for an interactive hour of ideas that will help founders and executive directors plan for the future of their center in a manner that meets IRS requirements, increases the chance that your mission is fulfilled, and encourages boards to provide the governance needed for an organization to be respected by funders.
Julie Jones has a background and education in non-profit management that gives her a different perspective on what it takes to run a successful, sustainable center and she looks forward to sharing the knowledge with others throughout the industry. After raising five amazing adults, God directed Julie to move to a little area of Oklahoma called Shamrock. He promised her a blessing if she went and the blessings just continued to roll in. One of the best things to come into her Oklahoma life during the 2020 COVID-19 shutdown was an introduction to EAS. She has fallen in love with the 'business" of offering healing and empowerment through horsemanship. When she isn't helping nonprofits plan for their future, she serves as a Region 8 Ambassador for PATH Intl., works on improving her own horsemanship skills, goes on "Grandma Dates" with her nine grandchildren, and builds relationships with the people of Shamrock."
A3, Yoga as Union with Horses CE
This presentation will cover all 8 limbs of the practice of yoga. A detailed description of each limb will be discussed and handouts will be given out. The objective of this presentation is to demonstrate how each limb strengthens the horse-human bond and how developing a yoga program at an Equine Assisted Learning Center can establish a practice of wellness for staff, and clients, and benefit the horse in the process. We will end with a short chair yoga demonstration with an explanation given on how to modify the movements to practice with an equine.
Karen Perkins, is a certified life coach with a deep passion for helping others transform their lives. She is certified in trauma-informed yoga therapy but also in and Equine Yoga Therapy, a unique approach that combines the healing power of yoga with the wisdom of horses. As a Holotropic Breathwork Facilitator and facilitator of learning and coaching, Karen has honed her skills in guiding individuals through transformative experiences. With over 35 years of experience in horse disciplines such as hunter/jumper, endurance, and trail, she has developed a deep connection with these magnificent animals. For Karen, working with horses is not just a profession, but a soul calling and a privilege. Karen’s involvement in Healing with Horses Ranch (HHR) began as a volunteer in 2020. Karen joined the board in 2022 and is also a staff member working primarily as a group facilitator providing therapeutic equine services to members of Austin’s addiction recovery community. Karen holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas, Austin. When she's not working, she loves spending quality time with her family and friends. She also enjoys the vibrant wake surfing life in Austin and dotes on her two adorable dogs, Lola and Tiger Lily.
A4, Healthy, Happy, Sane, and Sound: Preventing Equine Burnout and Improving the Equine Experience - Part 1 CR All
As the EAS industry continues to expand and diversify- it is of utmost importance to keep the needs of our equine partners at the forefront of the movement. We’ll discuss topics such as appropriate equine selection (evaluate what your program needs and what to look for in those equines), proper training and integration into programming (including appropriate workload management, effective handling techniques, and time off) regular health assessment and maintenance, and other management best practices that help keep herd members engaged for the long haul.
Shelby Schult, Shelby grew up riding and showing American Quarter Horses, in a barn, where adaptive riding and therapy services were being offered every day. Upon graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, she took a full-time position at Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) as the Equine Operations Manager and has most recently moved into the role of Program Director. She is a PATH Intl. CTRI, ESMHL, Mentor, and was selected as the 2023 PATH Intl. Region 7 Equine Caretaker of the Year. Shelby is driven by building and maintaining a therapy herd that is “healthy, happy, sane and sound” and strives every day to learn from the horses and to share that knowledge with others in the EAS industry.
10:00 – 10:15 a.m. BREAK
LOCATION:
Northwest Bible Church
8505 Douglas Ave.
Dallas, Texas 75225
(Dinner + Awards only)
7:30am-8:30am - Registration & Welcome
Session A
8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
A1, Working With Comorbid Mental Health Diagnoses: Where Are Our Boundaries? DE
This presentation will introduce the topic of working with clients diagnosed with mental health disorders, in addition to their other diagnoses. We will discuss how to determine if a client is a good fit for therapeutic riding in the context of their mental health, some activities and adaptations to use with these clients, when to ethically refer, and other related topics. The goal is for attendees to leave this session with a greater understanding of boundaries as they pertain to accepting clients with mental health disorders, how to work with clients that fit within the scope of practice of a PATH Intl. CTRI®, and how to inform their methodology while they participate in sessions.
Katherine Anne Scott is a PATH Intl. CTRI® and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Arizona and a Master of Science in Clinical Neuropsychology from the University of Tyler of Texas. She founded GRIT Therapeutic Horsemanship in November of 2020 and has turned it into a thriving program. As a child and adolescent, Kat was a competitive hunter-jumper who studied under Kathy McDonald with McDonald Performance Horses in Tucson, AZ. She enjoys spending time with her animals and family and you'll likely see her riding in between sessions.
A2, What Happens Next? CE Horsemanship and heart-felt compassion are often the foundation for a PATH Intl. Center, however, sustainability, strategic and succession planning are necessary to ensure your facilities, horses, volunteers and participants are not left hanging if something were to happen to the founder. Join us for an interactive hour of ideas that will help founders and executive directors plan for the future of their center in a manner that meets IRS requirements, increases the chance that your mission is fulfilled, and encourages boards to provide the governance needed for an organization to be respected by funders.
Julie Jones has a background and education in non-profit management that gives her a different perspective on what it takes to run a successful, sustainable center and she looks forward to sharing the knowledge with others throughout the industry. After raising five amazing adults, God directed Julie to move to a little area of Oklahoma called Shamrock. He promised her a blessing if she went and the blessings just continued to roll in. One of the best things to come into her Oklahoma life during the 2020 COVID-19 shutdown was an introduction to EAS. She has fallen in love with the 'business" of offering healing and empowerment through horsemanship. When she isn't helping nonprofits plan for their future, she serves as a Region 8 Ambassador for PATH Intl., works on improving her own horsemanship skills, goes on "Grandma Dates" with her nine grandchildren, and builds relationships with the people of Shamrock."
A3, Yoga as Union with Horses CE
This presentation will cover all 8 limbs of the practice of yoga. A detailed description of each limb will be discussed and handouts will be given out. The objective of this presentation is to demonstrate how each limb strengthens the horse-human bond and how developing a yoga program at an Equine Assisted Learning Center can establish a practice of wellness for staff, and clients, and benefit the horse in the process. We will end with a short chair yoga demonstration with an explanation given on how to modify the movements to practice with an equine.
Karen Perkins, is a certified life coach with a deep passion for helping others transform their lives. She is certified in trauma-informed yoga therapy but also in and Equine Yoga Therapy, a unique approach that combines the healing power of yoga with the wisdom of horses. As a Holotropic Breathwork Facilitator and facilitator of learning and coaching, Karen has honed her skills in guiding individuals through transformative experiences. With over 35 years of experience in horse disciplines such as hunter/jumper, endurance, and trail, she has developed a deep connection with these magnificent animals. For Karen, working with horses is not just a profession, but a soul calling and a privilege. Karen’s involvement in Healing with Horses Ranch (HHR) began as a volunteer in 2020. Karen joined the board in 2022 and is also a staff member working primarily as a group facilitator providing therapeutic equine services to members of Austin’s addiction recovery community. Karen holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas, Austin. When she's not working, she loves spending quality time with her family and friends. She also enjoys the vibrant wake surfing life in Austin and dotes on her two adorable dogs, Lola and Tiger Lily.
A4, Healthy, Happy, Sane, and Sound: Preventing Equine Burnout and Improving the Equine Experience - Part 1 CR All
As the EAS industry continues to expand and diversify- it is of utmost importance to keep the needs of our equine partners at the forefront of the movement. We’ll discuss topics such as appropriate equine selection (evaluate what your program needs and what to look for in those equines), proper training and integration into programming (including appropriate workload management, effective handling techniques, and time off) regular health assessment and maintenance, and other management best practices that help keep herd members engaged for the long haul.
Shelby Schult, Shelby grew up riding and showing American Quarter Horses, in a barn, where adaptive riding and therapy services were being offered every day. Upon graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, she took a full-time position at Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA) as the Equine Operations Manager and has most recently moved into the role of Program Director. She is a PATH Intl. CTRI, ESMHL, Mentor, and was selected as the 2023 PATH Intl. Region 7 Equine Caretaker of the Year. Shelby is driven by building and maintaining a therapy herd that is “healthy, happy, sane and sound” and strives every day to learn from the horses and to share that knowledge with others in the EAS industry.
10:00 – 10:15 a.m. BREAK
Session B
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
B1, Wrangle Your Data CE
Scared of data, metrics, client files or records? Get desensitized to data management and learn about free tools that your organization can implement to help organize and analyze all your data.
Arianna Roman (She/Her) is adaptive riding director at Healing with Horses Ranch and has spent a decade in the field of nonprofit work to make the world a more inclusive place for people with disabilities and youth atrisk. She holds a bachelor's degree in organizational communications and has a passion for simplifying business processes so staff can focus on "the real work."
Zoe Lacey (She/They) is client coordinator at Healing with Horses Ranch and has a passion for data science. They have a bachelor's degree in geosciences. Outside of their work in EAS, Zoe works to preserve Texas' natural resources through natural resource management.
B2, Where the Horses Heal the Soul - Part 1 CE Join us for a screening of "Where the Horses Heal the Soul,” a full feature documentary about the EAS industry, 4 participants, research, PATH Intl., ROCK (Ride On Center for Kids) and Texas A&M Courtney Cares.
Nancy O’Meara Krenek, PT, DPT, HPCS, PATH Intl. CTRI® has been a physical therapist since 1984 and has specialized in equine-assisted services for children, adults and veterans snce 1998. She is the CEO and Founder of ROCK (Ride On Center for Kids) in Central Texas and the Executive Director of the Texas A&M University Courtney Cares in College Station, TX. She co-teaches a class at TAMU with Dr. Lightsey on EAS. She has participated in over 24 research protocols, with 4 being published in peer-reviewed journals regarding EAS. She was the 2021 PATH Intl. Certified Professional of the Year.
B3, Staff Burnout CE
It happens, we’ve all been there! Learn about workplace stress and its potential impact to your center. Discover the brain systems and how they participate in the stress response. Learn how to avoid staff burnout and compassion fatigue and recognize when it’s happening. Find out what to do to help your staff (and you!) overcome it and thrive in their jobs! This will be an interactive session so please come with your ideas to share.
Marsha Anderson, PATH Intl. Advanced Instructor, CTRI, ESMHL has a master’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University. She has been involved in equine-assisted services for 30 years and founded Equul Access, Inc., a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center, in 2002. Marsha is a Mentor, Mentor Trainer, Associate Advanced Instructor Evaluator, Standards Course Faculty and Lead Site Visitor. She served six years as the PATH Intl. Region 6 Representative and was chair of the Region Representative Council (now known as the MOC). She has also served on PATH Intl. committees, subcommittees and task forces, including the Riding Certification Subcommittee and the Certification Oversight Committee. She is currently the PATH Intl. region conferences coordinator.
B4, Healthy, Happy, Sane, and Sound: Preventing Equine Burnout - Part 2 CR All
Continuation of A4.
10:45 – 11 a.m. BREAK
9:45 – 10:45 a.m.
B1, Wrangle Your Data CE
Scared of data, metrics, client files or records? Get desensitized to data management and learn about free tools that your organization can implement to help organize and analyze all your data.
Arianna Roman (She/Her) is adaptive riding director at Healing with Horses Ranch and has spent a decade in the field of nonprofit work to make the world a more inclusive place for people with disabilities and youth atrisk. She holds a bachelor's degree in organizational communications and has a passion for simplifying business processes so staff can focus on "the real work."
Zoe Lacey (She/They) is client coordinator at Healing with Horses Ranch and has a passion for data science. They have a bachelor's degree in geosciences. Outside of their work in EAS, Zoe works to preserve Texas' natural resources through natural resource management.
B2, Where the Horses Heal the Soul - Part 1 CE Join us for a screening of "Where the Horses Heal the Soul,” a full feature documentary about the EAS industry, 4 participants, research, PATH Intl., ROCK (Ride On Center for Kids) and Texas A&M Courtney Cares.
Nancy O’Meara Krenek, PT, DPT, HPCS, PATH Intl. CTRI® has been a physical therapist since 1984 and has specialized in equine-assisted services for children, adults and veterans snce 1998. She is the CEO and Founder of ROCK (Ride On Center for Kids) in Central Texas and the Executive Director of the Texas A&M University Courtney Cares in College Station, TX. She co-teaches a class at TAMU with Dr. Lightsey on EAS. She has participated in over 24 research protocols, with 4 being published in peer-reviewed journals regarding EAS. She was the 2021 PATH Intl. Certified Professional of the Year.
B3, Staff Burnout CE
It happens, we’ve all been there! Learn about workplace stress and its potential impact to your center. Discover the brain systems and how they participate in the stress response. Learn how to avoid staff burnout and compassion fatigue and recognize when it’s happening. Find out what to do to help your staff (and you!) overcome it and thrive in their jobs! This will be an interactive session so please come with your ideas to share.
Marsha Anderson, PATH Intl. Advanced Instructor, CTRI, ESMHL has a master’s degree in animal science from Texas A&M University. She has been involved in equine-assisted services for 30 years and founded Equul Access, Inc., a PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center, in 2002. Marsha is a Mentor, Mentor Trainer, Associate Advanced Instructor Evaluator, Standards Course Faculty and Lead Site Visitor. She served six years as the PATH Intl. Region 6 Representative and was chair of the Region Representative Council (now known as the MOC). She has also served on PATH Intl. committees, subcommittees and task forces, including the Riding Certification Subcommittee and the Certification Oversight Committee. She is currently the PATH Intl. region conferences coordinator.
B4, Healthy, Happy, Sane, and Sound: Preventing Equine Burnout - Part 2 CR All
Continuation of A4.
10:45 – 11 a.m. BREAK
Session C
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
C1, Summer Camp CE Summer Camp is an alternative to traditional horsemanship activities. ROCK (Ride On Center for Kids) has been conducting summer camps for more than 15 years. During that time, there have been different formats and partnerships. Camp Brightside is an inclusion camp for kids ages 8-15. Camp Courage is offered to military-related children ages 8-15. Join us for descriptions of activities and camp objectives along with planning and onboarding processes. Take away camp activities and streamlined procedures for running your summer camp!
Gaby Stephens is an avid equestrian with 20+ years of competition experience competing to the FEI level in both 3-day eventing and dressage. Gaby holds bachelor’s degrees in therapeutic horsemanship and psychology and a master’s degree in business administration from St. Andrews University. She is a PATH Intl. CTRI® and ESMHL, and a USEF Bronze Level Para-Dressage Coach.
Lauren Crabb is a PATH Intl. CTRI® and physical therapist assistant. She began her journey in the therapeutic horsemanship world at the Cheff Center in Michigan during high school and went on to graduate from St. Andrews Presbyterian College with a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic horsemanship in 2010. She spent the past nine years working at different physical therapy clinics in southwest Michigan. Lauren enjoys anything outdoors, astrophotography and running with her Heinz 57 mutt!
C2, Where the Horses Heal the Soul - Part 2 CE
Continuation of B2.
C3, Counseling with h Equine Interactions DE
This lecture serves as an introductory guide to counseling with equine interactions, offering insight into its fundamental principles, clinical theories, differentiation from similar equine-assisted services, essential provider competencies, nuances of equine behavior and the integral role of horses in therapeutic partnerships. Join us for an exploration of the evolving landscape of counseling with equine interactions and its implications for modern mental health practices.
Courtney Utter is a PATH Intl. ESMHL and holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Texas Christian University. She is licensed in the state of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor and her formal education and clinical experience prepared her to counsel individuals across the lifespan as well as groups, couples and families. Courtney grew up eventing and has over 28 years of equine experience. Courtney's unique approach integrates the therapeutic power of equine connection offering clients a holistic path to healing and growth.
C4, Understanding Seizures in Equine-Assisted Services DE
Seizures are complex neurological events that can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds. More and more of our participants are presenting with the risk for seizures, including complex genetic diagnoses, epilepsy and more. Those in the EAS industry need to understand the intricacies of seizures, as we must consider the safety risk when working with 1,200 lb. animals. In this presentation, we will explore a basic knowledge of the different types of seizures and how they impact the body. More importantly, we will apply our knowledge directly to how this impacts us in EAS.
Dr. Katie Otte is a licensed occupational therapist and a PATH Intl. CTRI® at HETRA (Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Center). She has a background in pediatric clinical therapy focusing primarily on sensory dysfunction and behavior modification. She is also a project coordinator at HETRA, producing numerous educational webinars, mentoring professional students and hosting HETRA’s exclusive podcast, “Not Just a Pony Ride."
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
C1, Summer Camp CE Summer Camp is an alternative to traditional horsemanship activities. ROCK (Ride On Center for Kids) has been conducting summer camps for more than 15 years. During that time, there have been different formats and partnerships. Camp Brightside is an inclusion camp for kids ages 8-15. Camp Courage is offered to military-related children ages 8-15. Join us for descriptions of activities and camp objectives along with planning and onboarding processes. Take away camp activities and streamlined procedures for running your summer camp!
Gaby Stephens is an avid equestrian with 20+ years of competition experience competing to the FEI level in both 3-day eventing and dressage. Gaby holds bachelor’s degrees in therapeutic horsemanship and psychology and a master’s degree in business administration from St. Andrews University. She is a PATH Intl. CTRI® and ESMHL, and a USEF Bronze Level Para-Dressage Coach.
Lauren Crabb is a PATH Intl. CTRI® and physical therapist assistant. She began her journey in the therapeutic horsemanship world at the Cheff Center in Michigan during high school and went on to graduate from St. Andrews Presbyterian College with a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic horsemanship in 2010. She spent the past nine years working at different physical therapy clinics in southwest Michigan. Lauren enjoys anything outdoors, astrophotography and running with her Heinz 57 mutt!
C2, Where the Horses Heal the Soul - Part 2 CE
Continuation of B2.
C3, Counseling with h Equine Interactions DE
This lecture serves as an introductory guide to counseling with equine interactions, offering insight into its fundamental principles, clinical theories, differentiation from similar equine-assisted services, essential provider competencies, nuances of equine behavior and the integral role of horses in therapeutic partnerships. Join us for an exploration of the evolving landscape of counseling with equine interactions and its implications for modern mental health practices.
Courtney Utter is a PATH Intl. ESMHL and holds a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Texas Christian University. She is licensed in the state of Texas as a Licensed Professional Counselor and her formal education and clinical experience prepared her to counsel individuals across the lifespan as well as groups, couples and families. Courtney grew up eventing and has over 28 years of equine experience. Courtney's unique approach integrates the therapeutic power of equine connection offering clients a holistic path to healing and growth.
C4, Understanding Seizures in Equine-Assisted Services DE
Seizures are complex neurological events that can affect individuals of all ages and backgrounds. More and more of our participants are presenting with the risk for seizures, including complex genetic diagnoses, epilepsy and more. Those in the EAS industry need to understand the intricacies of seizures, as we must consider the safety risk when working with 1,200 lb. animals. In this presentation, we will explore a basic knowledge of the different types of seizures and how they impact the body. More importantly, we will apply our knowledge directly to how this impacts us in EAS.
Dr. Katie Otte is a licensed occupational therapist and a PATH Intl. CTRI® at HETRA (Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Center). She has a background in pediatric clinical therapy focusing primarily on sensory dysfunction and behavior modification. She is also a project coordinator at HETRA, producing numerous educational webinars, mentoring professional students and hosting HETRA’s exclusive podcast, “Not Just a Pony Ride."
12 – 2:30 p.m. Lunch and the PATH Intl. Update and Field Test Standards Update
2:30 – 2:45 p.m. BREAK
2:30 – 2:45 p.m. BREAK
Session D
2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
D1, Neurodivergent Clients and the PATH Intl. Center DE The use of terminology and definitions to describe neurodivergent behaviors will provide a better understanding of this term for PATH Intl. center staff and instructors. Specific conditions such as OCD, ODD, ADD, and ADHD will be discussed with attention to the ‘why and how” to improve the client's responses during EAS.
Becke Williams is a PATH Intl CTRI® and one of the AR PATH Intl./LSTEN Ambassadors. Becke manages her herd of 7 horses at her facility, Arkansas Heart & Sole, a PATH Intl. Center in Monticello, AR. She is a K-12 educator with a lifetime certification in education and school counseling and has 28 years of experience in behavior counseling and trauma counseling. She is also trained with the National Organization of Victim's Assistance (NOVA) and was deployed to the Mississippi gulf coast after Katrina.
Connie Holt is a PATH Intl CTRI®, ESMHL, and manager/director of Equestrian Zone, a PATH Intl. Center in Dardanelle, AR. She is also one of the AR PATH Intl./LSTEN Ambassadors. She has an early childhood education degree and was a director of a childcare center for many years. Connie grew up with horses and still has horses she and her family ride and compete. She has completed mentor training with PATH Intl. and coordinates with Arkansas instructors in training. Connie is also a certified Masterson Method equine specialist.
D2, Volunteers - Round Table Collaboration CE Volunteers are vital to our program in so many ways. They help in the arena, barn, competitions, administration and so much more. We could not do what we do without them. There always seems to be a core group of volunteers that stick with the program through the years, but how do we recruit others to do the same? How do we keep them coming back and engaged? How do we show our appreciation for the time they give us? What additional educational opportunities can we provide? This session will be set up as four round-tables with the topics of: recruiting, retention, training and appreciation.
Julia Stephan started at SIRE as a volunteer and quickly fell in love with the program. Although she has over a decade of customer service experience, she had never worked in this type of environment or as a volunteer coordinator. Fast forward to the present, she’s now been the SIRE volunteer coordinator for 3 years. She has gained so much knowledge over the past few years, especially by reaching out to other centers and volunteer coordinators. She is excited to learn and grow within the EAS industry while being able to help others.
D3, Goal Development CR All
The foundation of any learning-based program is the goal; it’s the achievement of a certain level of understanding, knowledge and/or performance of a skill or behavior. Attendees will learn how to create an individual goal plan from information gathered during an intake evaluation to be consistent with the industry requirements of a SMART goal. With the presentation of 2-3 client evaluations, attendees will go through the steps to gather the necessary information and assemble according to the four steps of goal development and the six elements of a SMART goal. Attendees will be given a summary of one of the evaluations and as a group work through the steps and elements to present 2-3 goals for the given client.
Nadine Joy has been a certified PATH Intl. instructor for nearly 20 years, and her many accomplishments as an equestrian include long-distance riding. She has a bachelor’s degree in creative arts therapy. Her 25+ years of work in the foster care field have given her experience working with the varied populations served by Triple H. Nadine has taken on some of the most difficult clients at Triple H, including a group of young girls living at a facility receiving intensive trauma therapy, all of whom are victims of sex trafficking. She has helped developgoals specifically related to their trauma as well as goals that can be used for anyone who has suffered trauma. Nadine runs a point on researching a variety of different diagnoses, to help all Triple H instructors with setting appropriate SMART goals for all the clients participating in the different programs offered. Keisha Gonzales has been working at Triple H Equitherapy Center for 13 years and has been an instructor for almost that long. She is a PATH Intl. CTRI® and ESMHL. Keisha was raised with horses and is happy combining her love and knowledge of horses with her love of helping others. She has a degree in criminal justice and a background in corporate leadership, both of which come in handy working with clients and volunteers. Keisha is currently the director of operations for Triple H and prides herself on helping our team achieve the highest level of programming, safety and equine management. D4, Understanding ADHD & ADD in EAS: Effective Strategies for Success DE ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in children, with an estimated 6 million aged 3-17 years old (CDC, 2023). Partnering with horses can provide a powerful opportunity to practice skills that those with ADHD can struggle with including executive functioning skills such as attention, concentration, memory and social skills. This presentation will provide clarification of the symptoms and differences between ADHD and ADD and explore the differences in learning that those diagnosed sometimes experience. We will investigate various adaptations and simple, effective ways to help participants with ADHD reach new heights with their equine partners in the arena. Dr. Katie Otte see bio in session C4.
3:45 – 4 p.m. BREAK
2:45 – 3:45 p.m.
D1, Neurodivergent Clients and the PATH Intl. Center DE The use of terminology and definitions to describe neurodivergent behaviors will provide a better understanding of this term for PATH Intl. center staff and instructors. Specific conditions such as OCD, ODD, ADD, and ADHD will be discussed with attention to the ‘why and how” to improve the client's responses during EAS.
Becke Williams is a PATH Intl CTRI® and one of the AR PATH Intl./LSTEN Ambassadors. Becke manages her herd of 7 horses at her facility, Arkansas Heart & Sole, a PATH Intl. Center in Monticello, AR. She is a K-12 educator with a lifetime certification in education and school counseling and has 28 years of experience in behavior counseling and trauma counseling. She is also trained with the National Organization of Victim's Assistance (NOVA) and was deployed to the Mississippi gulf coast after Katrina.
Connie Holt is a PATH Intl CTRI®, ESMHL, and manager/director of Equestrian Zone, a PATH Intl. Center in Dardanelle, AR. She is also one of the AR PATH Intl./LSTEN Ambassadors. She has an early childhood education degree and was a director of a childcare center for many years. Connie grew up with horses and still has horses she and her family ride and compete. She has completed mentor training with PATH Intl. and coordinates with Arkansas instructors in training. Connie is also a certified Masterson Method equine specialist.
D2, Volunteers - Round Table Collaboration CE Volunteers are vital to our program in so many ways. They help in the arena, barn, competitions, administration and so much more. We could not do what we do without them. There always seems to be a core group of volunteers that stick with the program through the years, but how do we recruit others to do the same? How do we keep them coming back and engaged? How do we show our appreciation for the time they give us? What additional educational opportunities can we provide? This session will be set up as four round-tables with the topics of: recruiting, retention, training and appreciation.
Julia Stephan started at SIRE as a volunteer and quickly fell in love with the program. Although she has over a decade of customer service experience, she had never worked in this type of environment or as a volunteer coordinator. Fast forward to the present, she’s now been the SIRE volunteer coordinator for 3 years. She has gained so much knowledge over the past few years, especially by reaching out to other centers and volunteer coordinators. She is excited to learn and grow within the EAS industry while being able to help others.
D3, Goal Development CR All
The foundation of any learning-based program is the goal; it’s the achievement of a certain level of understanding, knowledge and/or performance of a skill or behavior. Attendees will learn how to create an individual goal plan from information gathered during an intake evaluation to be consistent with the industry requirements of a SMART goal. With the presentation of 2-3 client evaluations, attendees will go through the steps to gather the necessary information and assemble according to the four steps of goal development and the six elements of a SMART goal. Attendees will be given a summary of one of the evaluations and as a group work through the steps and elements to present 2-3 goals for the given client.
Nadine Joy has been a certified PATH Intl. instructor for nearly 20 years, and her many accomplishments as an equestrian include long-distance riding. She has a bachelor’s degree in creative arts therapy. Her 25+ years of work in the foster care field have given her experience working with the varied populations served by Triple H. Nadine has taken on some of the most difficult clients at Triple H, including a group of young girls living at a facility receiving intensive trauma therapy, all of whom are victims of sex trafficking. She has helped developgoals specifically related to their trauma as well as goals that can be used for anyone who has suffered trauma. Nadine runs a point on researching a variety of different diagnoses, to help all Triple H instructors with setting appropriate SMART goals for all the clients participating in the different programs offered. Keisha Gonzales has been working at Triple H Equitherapy Center for 13 years and has been an instructor for almost that long. She is a PATH Intl. CTRI® and ESMHL. Keisha was raised with horses and is happy combining her love and knowledge of horses with her love of helping others. She has a degree in criminal justice and a background in corporate leadership, both of which come in handy working with clients and volunteers. Keisha is currently the director of operations for Triple H and prides herself on helping our team achieve the highest level of programming, safety and equine management. D4, Understanding ADHD & ADD in EAS: Effective Strategies for Success DE ADHD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders diagnosed in children, with an estimated 6 million aged 3-17 years old (CDC, 2023). Partnering with horses can provide a powerful opportunity to practice skills that those with ADHD can struggle with including executive functioning skills such as attention, concentration, memory and social skills. This presentation will provide clarification of the symptoms and differences between ADHD and ADD and explore the differences in learning that those diagnosed sometimes experience. We will investigate various adaptations and simple, effective ways to help participants with ADHD reach new heights with their equine partners in the arena. Dr. Katie Otte see bio in session C4.
3:45 – 4 p.m. BREAK
Session E
4 – 5 p.m.
E1, The Americans with Disabilities Act: Beyond Basic Etiquette CE
The ADA impacts PATH Intl. facilities, administration, services and the day-to-day operations and interactions with the public and others. Certain PATH Intl. Standards require ADA knowledge, compliance and guidance. This session and handout go to the heart of the ADA to help EAS professionals understand the history and reasoning for the ADA and provide a quasi-legal briefing on a few ADA requirements and suggested ADA etiquette in the EAS setting. Because EAS professionals serve a diverse population of all abilities, industry professionals must navigate the ADA's complex requirements from design standards, to employee/employer relations and client services. Some risk management practices and techniques will be presented. Attendees will learn to recognize and use some ADA terminology and be able to identify etiquette techniques appropriate for ADA compliance. Participants will also discuss the application of appropriate ADA etiquette in potentially awkward situations in the EAS setting.
Deborah Manasco is a lifelong equine enthusiast and has competed, judged, coached and taught horsemanship in various settings for over 45 years. She practiced law with the State of Alabama; the last 20 years were with the Alabama legislature where she drafted bills and performed legal research and advising duties. After retirement, she obtained her first PATH Intl. certification and is now a PATH Intl. CTRI®. She taught at a PATH Intl. member center for several years and has served on PATH Intl. committees and as a PATH Intl. mentor and site visitor. She has presented at various conferences across the country on subjects relating to equine law.
E2, Education and Research at the University Level CE
This presentation outlines an example of a successful collaboration between an equine-assisted services (EAS) program and Texas A&M University (TAMU) including the Parson’s Mounted Cavalry. The partnership leads to an opportunity to teach a class on EAS at the university and to conduct research with the mechanical engineering department at TAMU. Discussion will include the significance of research and the importance of cultivating future leaders in the growing field of EAS.
Priscilla Lightsey, PT, DPT, MA, HPCS, PATH Intl. CTRI® is a physical therapist, former special education teacher, and a lifelong horse enthusiast. She is the founder of HOPE Beijing (Horses Offering People Enrichment) and is the lead Physical Therapist at R.O.C.K. (Ride On Center for Kids) and Texas A&M University Courtney Cares in College Station, TX. She co-teaches a class with Dr. Krenek at TAMU on EAS.
Nancy O’Meara Krenek see bio in session B2.
E3, PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) Training & Certificates CE
PATH Intl. offers online training and a certificate program for professionals in equine-assisted services wishing to facilitate experiential learning. Specially trained professionals may offer three distinct non-therapy, EAL services: equine-assisted learning in education, equine-assisted learning in organizations and equine-assisted learning in personal development. Explore how innovative EAL activities can provide an environment integrating equinehuman interaction supported by a planned learning experience and meet identified goals for participants to reach new heights.
Christine Cannon is a professional Co-Active Coach, Mayo Clinic Trained Wellness Coach and EAL facilitator. She is an intuitive equestrian and artist and she proudly serves as the membership manager at PATH Intl.
E4, The PATH Intl. CTRI® Submission Video - Helpful Hints for Success CE
Are you working towards your PATH Intl. CTRI® certification or mentoring someone towards certification? Wondering how to get all that information in a 20-minute video submission? This session provides tips and outlines as well as a video example of a successful submission. Learn about the resources PATH Intl. has to offer to help candidates better prepare for the successful submission of the application packet.
Amy Causey is a PATH Intl. Master Instructor and director of Equest's PATH Intl. Approved Instructor Training Course. She has helped mentor over 100 certification candidates including many for the new PATH Intl. CTRI® process. Amy is a PATH Intl. faculty evaluator for the advanced riding, interactive vaulting and carriage driving certifications.
Liz Pemberton is a newly certified PATH Intl. CTRI® and the horse show coordinator at Equest. Fresh from the process, Liz provides a candidate perspective on the application and video submission. She graduated from William Woods University in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in equine studies with a concentration in EA
4 – 5 p.m.
E1, The Americans with Disabilities Act: Beyond Basic Etiquette CE
The ADA impacts PATH Intl. facilities, administration, services and the day-to-day operations and interactions with the public and others. Certain PATH Intl. Standards require ADA knowledge, compliance and guidance. This session and handout go to the heart of the ADA to help EAS professionals understand the history and reasoning for the ADA and provide a quasi-legal briefing on a few ADA requirements and suggested ADA etiquette in the EAS setting. Because EAS professionals serve a diverse population of all abilities, industry professionals must navigate the ADA's complex requirements from design standards, to employee/employer relations and client services. Some risk management practices and techniques will be presented. Attendees will learn to recognize and use some ADA terminology and be able to identify etiquette techniques appropriate for ADA compliance. Participants will also discuss the application of appropriate ADA etiquette in potentially awkward situations in the EAS setting.
Deborah Manasco is a lifelong equine enthusiast and has competed, judged, coached and taught horsemanship in various settings for over 45 years. She practiced law with the State of Alabama; the last 20 years were with the Alabama legislature where she drafted bills and performed legal research and advising duties. After retirement, she obtained her first PATH Intl. certification and is now a PATH Intl. CTRI®. She taught at a PATH Intl. member center for several years and has served on PATH Intl. committees and as a PATH Intl. mentor and site visitor. She has presented at various conferences across the country on subjects relating to equine law.
E2, Education and Research at the University Level CE
This presentation outlines an example of a successful collaboration between an equine-assisted services (EAS) program and Texas A&M University (TAMU) including the Parson’s Mounted Cavalry. The partnership leads to an opportunity to teach a class on EAS at the university and to conduct research with the mechanical engineering department at TAMU. Discussion will include the significance of research and the importance of cultivating future leaders in the growing field of EAS.
Priscilla Lightsey, PT, DPT, MA, HPCS, PATH Intl. CTRI® is a physical therapist, former special education teacher, and a lifelong horse enthusiast. She is the founder of HOPE Beijing (Horses Offering People Enrichment) and is the lead Physical Therapist at R.O.C.K. (Ride On Center for Kids) and Texas A&M University Courtney Cares in College Station, TX. She co-teaches a class with Dr. Krenek at TAMU on EAS.
Nancy O’Meara Krenek see bio in session B2.
E3, PATH Intl. Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) Training & Certificates CE
PATH Intl. offers online training and a certificate program for professionals in equine-assisted services wishing to facilitate experiential learning. Specially trained professionals may offer three distinct non-therapy, EAL services: equine-assisted learning in education, equine-assisted learning in organizations and equine-assisted learning in personal development. Explore how innovative EAL activities can provide an environment integrating equinehuman interaction supported by a planned learning experience and meet identified goals for participants to reach new heights.
Christine Cannon is a professional Co-Active Coach, Mayo Clinic Trained Wellness Coach and EAL facilitator. She is an intuitive equestrian and artist and she proudly serves as the membership manager at PATH Intl.
E4, The PATH Intl. CTRI® Submission Video - Helpful Hints for Success CE
Are you working towards your PATH Intl. CTRI® certification or mentoring someone towards certification? Wondering how to get all that information in a 20-minute video submission? This session provides tips and outlines as well as a video example of a successful submission. Learn about the resources PATH Intl. has to offer to help candidates better prepare for the successful submission of the application packet.
Amy Causey is a PATH Intl. Master Instructor and director of Equest's PATH Intl. Approved Instructor Training Course. She has helped mentor over 100 certification candidates including many for the new PATH Intl. CTRI® process. Amy is a PATH Intl. faculty evaluator for the advanced riding, interactive vaulting and carriage driving certifications.
Liz Pemberton is a newly certified PATH Intl. CTRI® and the horse show coordinator at Equest. Fresh from the process, Liz provides a candidate perspective on the application and video submission. She graduated from William Woods University in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in equine studies with a concentration in EA
5 – 6:30 pm Dinner and the 2024 PATH Intl. Region 8 Awards Ceremony
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