Our Collaborative Partners
Jenny Burnsed, LPC
PATH Intl., ESMLH Certified
Jenny is the Executive Director for Rocky Mountain Equi-Rhythm (RMER). RMER’s philosophy incorporates both psychological and spiritual focuses when working with horses in nature.
The psychological focus of equine therapy is based in the therapist’s knowledge of appropriate intervention strategies that support and allow for growth in individuals. We believe that the therapist is not the determinant of an individual’s change process, but is a guide who sets the stage and provides an individual with the opportunity to struggle with the lessons that he or she seeks to master, in collaboration with the horse as his or her guide. Learn more about Jenny and her programs on her website.
Suzanne Smith, MSW, EdS
Suzanne is an equine-assisted therapist with Rocky Mountain Equi-Rhythm (RMER).
Suzanne was a children’s program director on a guest ranch outside of Yellowstone National Park and a hippotherapy volunteer after college. She is passionate about connecting children, teens, and adults with horses for equine assisted therapy and learning. She has been a dual licensed clinical social worker and special education teacher in Colorado for more than 20 years. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and camping with her family and their two dogs.
Susie Mottashed
Reiki Practitioner
Reiki is a holistic system of energy healing. It is used today to help people in cancer centers, hospice programs and AIDS clinics across the country. Reiki is growing in popularity as an energetic healing modality that can benefit horses (and all animals), physically, emotionally and mentally as well.
Cathy Lauderbaugh, M.A., CCC-SLP
Speech Therapist
Cathy Lauderbaugh and Creative Strategies Inc. provide Speech-Language Therapy with the use of Hippotherapy (Equine Movement as a treatment tool).
Cathy enjoys forming partnerships with families and developing therapy strategies that value input from caregivers and support children in their everyday lives. She is an avid equestrian, with over 20 years of experience as a horse trainer and riding instructor. Cathy holds AHCB Certification in Using Equine Movement, and has completed the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level 1 and Level 2 Trainings. She is also a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. Learn more about Cathy and her programs on her website.
Elisabeth Denizot
Equine Gestalt Coach
Equine Gestalt Coaching is a type of coaching that helps people bring awareness to emotional blockages and unfinished business that may be holding them back in their lives. Horses provide feedback and help create a safe space to promote healing and growth.
Elisabeth works with clients in a variety of ways through individual, group, and phone sessions. Whether in an individual or group session, you don’t need to have prior knowledge of horses or have worked with horses in any capacity before. The horses are not ridden during the sessions and if you do not wish to be in physical contact with the horses at any time, you will still benefit from their wisdom. If you are a horseman, you may find that a session will allow you to connect with your horses in a much deeper way. Learn more about Elisabeth and her program on her website.
Shannon Watkins
Equine Massage Therapist
Shannon is the founder and owner of Forever Young Equine Therapy Solutions. She is a lifetime horse lover and is certified in Level 1 and Level 2 of Amassage Method, Myofascial Release Therapy, Craniosacral, Red Light & Acupressure as well as Advanced Anatomy. She partners with us in giving back to our hard working horses through therapeutic massage.
Therapeutic massage aids in overall health and wellbeing. It uses long soothing strokes in combination with some kneading/compression. Therapeutic massage promotes immune and circulatory function, improved muscle and skin tone, healthy digestion and comfort. Learn more about Shannon and her services through her website.