Hallie Sheade, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-SExecutive Director & Co-FounderI grew up in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. I fell in love with horses at age 2, begging to ride a pony at a local carnival without my mother holding my hand. When I was 9, I would spend all day the barn doing chores in exchange for free riding time. The journey that led me to start S.T.E.P.S. With Horses really began the day Cowman arrived at the barn. He had a reputation for being strong willed and uncooperative. I believed he was just misunderstood.
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Paul Ziehe, USMC Veteran, PATH Intl. CTRI/ESMHLCo-FounderI am a Fort Worth native raised in Benbrook. I enlisted into the United States Marine Corps Reserve in 1996, rising to the rank of sergeant. I was called to active duty and deployed with VMGR-234 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and again in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II in 2004. I was honorably discharged in 2005 and will be forever proud to be a US Marine.
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Laura HamrinPATH Intl. CTRI/ESMHL, CHA Certified
Equine Manager, Equine Specialist, & Therapeutic Riding InstructorLaura's Bio
At STEPS, I serve in the role of Equine Manager, Equine Specialist, and Therapeutic Riding Instructor. I work with all disciplines helping to build confidence in both the horse and the client. I am a CHA IRD clinic staff, CHA standard certified, and a PATH CTRI/Mentor and ESMHL certified. I am committed to strengthening the equine-assisted services industries and enjoy mentoring and training new professionals.
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Brittany Briswalter-KuqiMS, LPC, PATH Intl. ESMHL
Counselor & Equine SpecialistBrittany's bio
I grew up in Arkansas where my love for nature and animals started. I moved to Texas six years ago to pursue my undergraduate and graduate degree from University of North Texas. My love for working with horses and clients started as I took a role of a therapeutic riding instructor. I watched how the relationship between horses and their riding partners could flourish physical, mental and emotional benefits. When I discovered the possibility to work with them in a mental health capacity, I found my passion in life that combined helping people and getting to connect with these amazing creatures. I pursed my Masters of Rehabilitation Counseling and took an internship facilitating Animal Assisted Counseling and Equine Assisted Counseling. I currently am a PATH certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Incorporating animals into sessions brings a deeper connection, genuine acceptance and an awareness that stimulates growth. Enter an environment that encourages self-reflection, grounding from life stressors and connections that will always be remembered. I fully believe every person has the innate ability to heal when given a safe place to process. Horses give us that safe space that allow us to explore our own solutions. I work with clients across the lifespan and who have a variety of physical, intellectual and mental disabilities. Horses only see the intentions we have and fully accept us exactly how we are. They are my partners and my friends; whatever you might be seeking we are here waiting with open hooves. |
Lauryn MannPATH Intl. ESMHL
Equine SpecialistLauryn's bio
Lauryn is a Texas native and have had a passion for equines since she was a little girl. She was a bit anxious as a child but through connecting with horses in her youth, she gained confidence and the ability to apply that confidence throughout the rest of her life. She also has a passion for the mind, especially the mind when it is affected by trauma. She is fascinated by the ways we choose to cope with trauma and how the body and brain interact to help us survive adverse experiences. Lauryn feels so blessed to be working with STEPS as she earns her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of North Texas, and eventually her Masters in Counseling. Lauryn hopes to become a counselor specializing in equine assisted mental health services. She has earned her PATH Intl. credential as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning and plans to enroll in a graduate program to gain a deeper understanding of equines as animals and co-therapists. We are all connected whether we realize it or not and the intrinsic abilities of equines to connect us to ourselves, others, and the world around us is something she does not take for granted. |
Samantha GarradBA, PATH Intl. ESMHL
Under the Supervision of Hallie Sheade, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, ESMHL Equine SpecialistSam's BIo
Sam is originally from Georgia and grew up as an Army Brat. Shortly after graduating high school in Savannah, she joined the Army. Once that chapter was complete, Sam transitioned out of the field and into the classroom earning her B.A in Psychology in Naples, Florida. She is currently a counseling intern attending Nova Southeastern University. Her military service has given her a deep understanding of the challenges and trauma that can come with that experience, providing her with the empathy and insight to connect on a more profound level. She understands the importance of trauma-focused care, and is dedicated to helping clients heal and overcome the challenges they face. Ultimately she is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals and improve their lives. |
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 123737
Fort Worth, TX 76121 |
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