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Meet The Team
Executive Director
Email Kathy
Director of Development
Email Kassie
Medical Billing Manager
Email Brenda
Billing Coordinator
Email Breinne
Development Manager
Email Katie
Marketing & Communications Manager
Email Amelia
Front Office Manager
Email Ivy
Volunteer Coordinator & Development Assistant
Email Luna
Equine Program Manager
Email Sophie
Lead Horse Handler
Janessa Snethen
Horse Handler
Horse Handler
Horse Handler
2026 Horse Handlers (not pictured):
Anica Isch
Erin Sheets
Christy Nowlin
Madeline Henley
Ellie Pruitt
Anica Isch
Lea Johnson
Caitlin Maddox
Kendra Schroeder
Lorelei Escobedo (Weekend Staff)
Taylor Kline (Weekend Staff)
Occupational Therapist
Email Charis
Charis is a dedicated occupational therapist who graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in May 2022 with a bachelor's degree in psychology, focusing on development across the lifespan. She went on to earn her master's in occupational therapy from Milligan University in December 2024.
Charis has a strong passion for working with children in a variety of settings, bringing her expertise in both psychology and occupational therapy to make a meaningful impact on their development and well-being. When not at work, she enjoys reading books, spending time with friends, and going on walks
Occupational Therapist
Email Courtney
Courtney is a child-led and family-centered occupational therapist who builds therapy around each child's unique strengths and interests to create meaningful expereinces that support participation in everyday life. She is passionate about supporting children and families through individualized, engaging, and collaborative care that promotes independdence and meaningful participation in daily activities.
Courtney graduated from Purdue University in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in Health and Kinesiology and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Indiana State University in 2024. She has experience working in pediatrics as a First Steps early intervention provider and pediatric outpatient experience with a focus on feeding. Additionally, she is certified in pediatric massage and has completed training in the SOS Approach to Feeding.
Courtney has always had a love for horses and as a child, eagerly sought out opportunites to spend time around them. Combining her passion for horses with her drive for increasing children's independence and participation has made working in hippotherapy especially meaningful.
Outside of work, Courtney enjoys golfing, swimming, taking walks on the Monon, and spending time fishing.
Occupational Therapist
Email Amanda
Amanda is a dynamic and compassionate occupational therapist who brings energy and enthusiasm to her practice. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Spanish from Indiana University in 2018. Following two years of experience as a rehabilitation technician at St. Vincent Hospital, she pursued her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Indiana State University, graduating in 2022.
Amanda’s passion for working with children and her lifelong love of horses came together while volunteering at TherAplay—an experience that solidified her path in pediatric hippotherapy. Today, she is proud to help foster meaningful, empowering connections between children and horses as part of the TherAplay team.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys staying active at the gym, horseback riding, hiking, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Physical Therapist
Email Mara
(317) 872-4166
Mara graduated from the University of Evansville in 2015 with a bachelors in Exercise Science. She continued at the University of Evansville to obtain her doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2017.
Mara has 9 years of experience in the hospital setting where she developed skills in clinical reasoning, adaptability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has a passion for working with individuals with high medical complexities. Mara has several years of volunteer experience as a side walker and loves utilizing the horses as part of therapy.
In her free time Mara enjoys hanging out with her husband and daughter, reading, and exercising.
Physical Therapist
Email Sam
(317) 872-4166
Sam graduated from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) with their bachelors in kinesiology in 2020 and went on to get their doctorate in physical therapy from Bellarmine University in 2023. Their capstone project in PT school focused on developing a novel tool to differentiate rock climbing skill level. Sam was invited to present their research findings both at the national level in San Diago and international level in Switzerland.
Since graduation Sam has worked in the pediatric outpatient setting. Sam is excited to help each child reach their unique goals. With a passion for creating fun and engaging therapy sessions, Sam ensures that every child enjoys their journey towards improved mobility, strength, and overall well-being.
Sam loves Children’s TherAplay because of the wide variety of opportunities to work towards goals. Whether that be on the horse, in the barn, at the playground, or one of the many clinic spaces.
Outside of work you can find Sam either outside rock climbing or at the studio turning chunks of clay into something functional.
Speech Therapist Team Lead
Email Karina
Karina graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Spanish and Communication Sciences and Disorders. Karina then received a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Christian University.
Karina has experience within a variety of settings including outpatient clinical care, home health, inpatient, and academic settings. She is passionate about alternative and augmentative communication and has experience in the areas of speech and language, feeding and swallowing, cognition and executive function, fluency, voice, literacy, as well as social pragmatics.
Karina loves that Children's TherAplay's environment provides the opportunity to explore, have fun, and be creative within therapy.
Outside of TherAplay, Karina enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her husband and pups, as well as lifting and fitness.
Speech-Langugae Pathologist
Email Emily
Emily is originally from Westfield, IN, and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, with a minor in Interpersonal Relations, and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Ball State University.
Before joining Children's TherAplay, Emily spent three years working in an elementary school in Maryland, serving students from preschool through fifth grade, including those in specialized autism programs. She provided evaluations and therapy for a range of areas, including articulation, fluency, social communication, AAC, expressive language, receptive language, and cognition.
Emily is passionate about supporting children’s growth as they achieve their goals and is dedicated to the transformative impact of hippotherapy and collaborative care at Children's TherAplay.
Outside of TherAplay, Emily enjoys traveling, hiking, and boating with friends and family. She also enjoys DIY projects and gardening. Her pet rabbit, Roxie, proudly serves as the top gardening supervisor and expert produce critic.
Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
Email Jenny
Jenny graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the Ohio State University. She has a Certificate in Educating Deaf Students with Disabilities from Gallaudet University.
Before joining Children's TherAplay, Jenny spent eight years as a speech-language pathologist in Deaf education. She worked for four years at the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis and four years at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center in Washington DC. She is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and trained in See the Sound Visual Phonics. Jenny has experience working with both hearing and deaf/hard of hearing students ages 1 to 21 in the areas of articulation, listening, receptive and expressive language, social pragmatics, executive functioning, literacy, and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC).
Jenny loves TherAplay's unique environment to support each child's speech and language needs while integrating hippotherapy as a tool to reach their goals. This can be done in the barn, clinic, gym, or playground!
Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog George. She loves traveling, hiking, reading, and watching college football.
Barbie is funded by Hayden Haddad Bishop in honor of Lilian & Kinley
18-year-old pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: November 2024
Barbie's small size and unique blue eyes make her a favorite for many kiddos!
Beau is funded by Indiana Thermal Solutions
Beau's stall is generously funded by Tom & Debbie Shine and Mark & Janet Nelson
19-year-old large pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: November 2022
Beau is social, sweet, and cuddly. He has an athletic build that is the perfect size for kiddos ready to move up from our smallest ponies and transition to using the mounting block for a more independent mount.
Chipper is funded by The Gerald & Adele Kraft Foundation
17-year-old Quarter Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: May 2025
Chipper previously showed in the Quarter Horse circuit (and did very well)! Everyone that meets him comments on how friendly and gentle he is. Chipper has a high wither which offers a narrow base of support for the kiddos - something that is often requested but not many of our horses can offer!
Coco and her stall are funded by Leslie Ackerman
9-year-old Pony of the Americas
Joined Children's TherAplay: July 2025
Coco loves humans and horses, and her favorite thing is making friends. She is also blind in one eye, but it doesn’t slow her down one bit!
Coco is a very calm, steady ride; but can be quite high movement as well! This makes her such a special pony as she can meet many different rider needs.
Ella and her stall are both funded by Leslie Ackerman.
17-year-old Welsh Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: March 2022
Ella used to be a lesson horse at Lucky Farms next door, so she gets to live by many of her old friends!
Ella has a lower movement and is very rhythmic and versatile, making her a great fit for any of our littlest kiddos!
Giuseppe is funded by Tom & Kelly - supporting the horses who inspire us everyday
23-year-old Paint Horse, Thoroughbred, and Mustang Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: August 2021
Giuseppe is a former eventer and hunter/jumper. He is an absolute sweetheart and loves working with our kiddos! He is a great horse for our bigger kids who need higher movement within their sessions. He is a gentle giant and has an extremely easygoing temperment.
Jade is funded by Jana and Tim Wiley, Kathy Wiley Smith, Dillon Wiley and Alexandra Brooks, & The Richardson Family
Jade's stall is funded by Copper Creek Canyon
26-year-old Pintaloosa
Joined Children's TherAplay: November 2024
Jade has already proven herself to be one of the quietest, most reliable members of the herd! Her narrow stature makes her a great mount for kiddo's who are working on their balance.
Kira is funded by Hank & Jayma Meyers in honor of Rylee & Coen Bauer
20-year-old Percheron Cross
Joined Children's TherAplay: July 2025
Before TherAplay, Kira has mainly showed in Dressage, but also been trained in novice level cross country, and hunter/jumper.
Kira is an exceptionally calm and gentle horse in the arena. She loves working with kids, and it shows!
Luna is funded by Copper Creek Canyon.
Luna's stall is funded through Mudsock Fest.
28-year-old Percheron
Joined Children's TherAplay: April 2022
Luna was rescued by one of our own handlers! She is a great horse for our kiddos who need a medium to high movement within their sessions. She is a very steady horse to get our kiddos used to this type of movement, and she is always very attentive to what our handlers ask of her.
Odin is funded by Barb Bixler in honor of Evelyn & Isadora Dock
Odin's Stall is funded by Mudsock Fest
12-year-old Fjord
Joined Children's TherAplay: February 2026
Odin is a perfect size because he’s short enough for therapists to reach easily, but has a short, strong back that helps him carry some heavier riders!
Peanut & Banana are funded by Ilene & Karl Smith, and Michael & Karen Schankerman
Peanut is a 23-year-old Miniature Horse and Banana is a 20-year-old Minature Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: March 2023
Peanut and Banana are a bonded pair! They have been together their entire lives and have been therapy ponies for a long time. These horses are not for riding, instead they are used for our Theraputic Animal Assisted Groundwork (TAAG) sessions. Kiddos utilize Peanut and Banana to practice grooming, feeding, leading, and other groundwork activities.
Willow is funded by the SOL Foundation
16-year-old Welsh Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: November 2023
Willow has a low-back mid size horse with AP/Lateral movement. He is generally a low-movement horse.
Zella and her stall are both generously funded by The Phil and Sharen Myers Living Trust in honor of Ally, Livy, Luke, and Kenzy.
19-year-old Paint Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: September 2024
Zella was used for trail riding before coming here. We are excited about her size, her wide base of support, and slow rhythmic movement.
Executive Director
Email Kathy
Director of Development
Email Kassie
Medical Billing Manager
Email Brenda
Billing Coordinator
Email Breinne
Development Manager
Email Katie
Marketing & Communications Manager
Email Amelia
Front Office Manager
Email Ivy
Volunteer Coordinator & Development Assistant
Email Luna
Equine Program Manager
Email Sophie
Lead Horse Handler
Janessa Snethen
Horse Handler
Horse Handler
Horse Handler
2026 Horse Handlers (not pictured):
Anica Isch
Erin Sheets
Christy Nowlin
Madeline Henley
Ellie Pruitt
Anica Isch
Lea Johnson
Caitlin Maddox
Kendra Schroeder
Lorelei Escobedo (Weekend Staff)
Taylor Kline (Weekend Staff)
Occupational Therapist
Email Charis
Charis is a dedicated occupational therapist who graduated from the University of Southern Indiana in May 2022 with a bachelor's degree in psychology, focusing on development across the lifespan. She went on to earn her master's in occupational therapy from Milligan University in December 2024.
Charis has a strong passion for working with children in a variety of settings, bringing her expertise in both psychology and occupational therapy to make a meaningful impact on their development and well-being. When not at work, she enjoys reading books, spending time with friends, and going on walks
Occupational Therapist
Email Courtney
Courtney is a child-led and family-centered occupational therapist who builds therapy around each child's unique strengths and interests to create meaningful expereinces that support participation in everyday life. She is passionate about supporting children and families through individualized, engaging, and collaborative care that promotes independdence and meaningful participation in daily activities.
Courtney graduated from Purdue University in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in Health and Kinesiology and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies. She earned her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from Indiana State University in 2024. She has experience working in pediatrics as a First Steps early intervention provider and pediatric outpatient experience with a focus on feeding. Additionally, she is certified in pediatric massage and has completed training in the SOS Approach to Feeding.
Courtney has always had a love for horses and as a child, eagerly sought out opportunites to spend time around them. Combining her passion for horses with her drive for increasing children's independence and participation has made working in hippotherapy especially meaningful.
Outside of work, Courtney enjoys golfing, swimming, taking walks on the Monon, and spending time fishing.
Occupational Therapist
Email Amanda
Amanda is a dynamic and compassionate occupational therapist who brings energy and enthusiasm to her practice. She earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Spanish from Indiana University in 2018. Following two years of experience as a rehabilitation technician at St. Vincent Hospital, she pursued her Master of Science in Occupational Therapy at Indiana State University, graduating in 2022.
Amanda’s passion for working with children and her lifelong love of horses came together while volunteering at TherAplay—an experience that solidified her path in pediatric hippotherapy. Today, she is proud to help foster meaningful, empowering connections between children and horses as part of the TherAplay team.
Outside of work, Amanda enjoys staying active at the gym, horseback riding, hiking, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Physical Therapist
Email Mara
(317) 872-4166
Mara graduated from the University of Evansville in 2015 with a bachelors in Exercise Science. She continued at the University of Evansville to obtain her doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2017.
Mara has 9 years of experience in the hospital setting where she developed skills in clinical reasoning, adaptability, and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has a passion for working with individuals with high medical complexities. Mara has several years of volunteer experience as a side walker and loves utilizing the horses as part of therapy.
In her free time Mara enjoys hanging out with her husband and daughter, reading, and exercising.
Physical Therapist
Email Sam
(317) 872-4166
Sam graduated from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) with their bachelors in kinesiology in 2020 and went on to get their doctorate in physical therapy from Bellarmine University in 2023. Their capstone project in PT school focused on developing a novel tool to differentiate rock climbing skill level. Sam was invited to present their research findings both at the national level in San Diago and international level in Switzerland.
Since graduation Sam has worked in the pediatric outpatient setting. Sam is excited to help each child reach their unique goals. With a passion for creating fun and engaging therapy sessions, Sam ensures that every child enjoys their journey towards improved mobility, strength, and overall well-being.
Sam loves Children’s TherAplay because of the wide variety of opportunities to work towards goals. Whether that be on the horse, in the barn, at the playground, or one of the many clinic spaces.
Outside of work you can find Sam either outside rock climbing or at the studio turning chunks of clay into something functional.
Speech Therapist Team Lead
Email Karina
Karina graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Spanish and Communication Sciences and Disorders. Karina then received a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Christian University.
Karina has experience within a variety of settings including outpatient clinical care, home health, inpatient, and academic settings. She is passionate about alternative and augmentative communication and has experience in the areas of speech and language, feeding and swallowing, cognition and executive function, fluency, voice, literacy, as well as social pragmatics.
Karina loves that Children's TherAplay's environment provides the opportunity to explore, have fun, and be creative within therapy.
Outside of TherAplay, Karina enjoys being outdoors, spending time with her husband and pups, as well as lifting and fitness.
Speech-Langugae Pathologist
Email Emily
Emily is originally from Westfield, IN, and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, with a minor in Interpersonal Relations, and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Ball State University.
Before joining Children's TherAplay, Emily spent three years working in an elementary school in Maryland, serving students from preschool through fifth grade, including those in specialized autism programs. She provided evaluations and therapy for a range of areas, including articulation, fluency, social communication, AAC, expressive language, receptive language, and cognition.
Emily is passionate about supporting children’s growth as they achieve their goals and is dedicated to the transformative impact of hippotherapy and collaborative care at Children's TherAplay.
Outside of TherAplay, Emily enjoys traveling, hiking, and boating with friends and family. She also enjoys DIY projects and gardening. Her pet rabbit, Roxie, proudly serves as the top gardening supervisor and expert produce critic.
Speech-Language Pathologist who specializes in working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children
Email Jenny
Jenny graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Hearing Sciences and a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology from the Ohio State University. She has a Certificate in Educating Deaf Students with Disabilities from Gallaudet University.
Before joining Children's TherAplay, Jenny spent eight years as a speech-language pathologist in Deaf education. She worked for four years at the Indiana School for the Deaf in Indianapolis and four years at the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center in Washington DC. She is fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and trained in See the Sound Visual Phonics. Jenny has experience working with both hearing and deaf/hard of hearing students ages 1 to 21 in the areas of articulation, listening, receptive and expressive language, social pragmatics, executive functioning, literacy, and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC).
Jenny loves TherAplay's unique environment to support each child's speech and language needs while integrating hippotherapy as a tool to reach their goals. This can be done in the barn, clinic, gym, or playground!
Outside of work, Jenny enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog George. She loves traveling, hiking, reading, and watching college football.
Barbie is funded by Hayden Haddad Bishop in honor of Lilian & Kinley
18-year-old pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: November 2024
Barbie's small size and unique blue eyes make her a favorite for many kiddos!
Beau is funded by Indiana Thermal Solutions
Beau's stall is generously funded by Tom & Debbie Shine and Mark & Janet Nelson
19-year-old large pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: November 2022
Beau is social, sweet, and cuddly. He has an athletic build that is the perfect size for kiddos ready to move up from our smallest ponies and transition to using the mounting block for a more independent mount.
Chipper is funded by The Gerald & Adele Kraft Foundation
17-year-old Quarter Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: May 2025
Chipper previously showed in the Quarter Horse circuit (and did very well)! Everyone that meets him comments on how friendly and gentle he is. Chipper has a high wither which offers a narrow base of support for the kiddos - something that is often requested but not many of our horses can offer!
Coco and her stall are funded by Leslie Ackerman
9-year-old Pony of the Americas
Joined Children's TherAplay: July 2025
Coco loves humans and horses, and her favorite thing is making friends. She is also blind in one eye, but it doesn’t slow her down one bit!
Coco is a very calm, steady ride; but can be quite high movement as well! This makes her such a special pony as she can meet many different rider needs.
Ella and her stall are both funded by Leslie Ackerman.
17-year-old Welsh Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: March 2022
Ella used to be a lesson horse at Lucky Farms next door, so she gets to live by many of her old friends!
Ella has a lower movement and is very rhythmic and versatile, making her a great fit for any of our littlest kiddos!
Giuseppe is funded by Tom & Kelly - supporting the horses who inspire us everyday
23-year-old Paint Horse, Thoroughbred, and Mustang Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: August 2021
Giuseppe is a former eventer and hunter/jumper. He is an absolute sweetheart and loves working with our kiddos! He is a great horse for our bigger kids who need higher movement within their sessions. He is a gentle giant and has an extremely easygoing temperment.
Jade is funded by Jana and Tim Wiley, Kathy Wiley Smith, Dillon Wiley and Alexandra Brooks, & The Richardson Family
Jade's stall is funded by Copper Creek Canyon
26-year-old Pintaloosa
Joined Children's TherAplay: November 2024
Jade has already proven herself to be one of the quietest, most reliable members of the herd! Her narrow stature makes her a great mount for kiddo's who are working on their balance.
Kira is funded by Hank & Jayma Meyers in honor of Rylee & Coen Bauer
20-year-old Percheron Cross
Joined Children's TherAplay: July 2025
Before TherAplay, Kira has mainly showed in Dressage, but also been trained in novice level cross country, and hunter/jumper.
Kira is an exceptionally calm and gentle horse in the arena. She loves working with kids, and it shows!
Luna is funded by Copper Creek Canyon.
Luna's stall is funded through Mudsock Fest.
28-year-old Percheron
Joined Children's TherAplay: April 2022
Luna was rescued by one of our own handlers! She is a great horse for our kiddos who need a medium to high movement within their sessions. She is a very steady horse to get our kiddos used to this type of movement, and she is always very attentive to what our handlers ask of her.
Odin is funded by Barb Bixler in honor of Evelyn & Isadora Dock
Odin's Stall is funded by Mudsock Fest
12-year-old Fjord
Joined Children's TherAplay: February 2026
Odin is a perfect size because he’s short enough for therapists to reach easily, but has a short, strong back that helps him carry some heavier riders!
Peanut & Banana are funded by Ilene & Karl Smith, and Michael & Karen Schankerman
Peanut is a 23-year-old Miniature Horse and Banana is a 20-year-old Minature Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: March 2023
Peanut and Banana are a bonded pair! They have been together their entire lives and have been therapy ponies for a long time. These horses are not for riding, instead they are used for our Theraputic Animal Assisted Groundwork (TAAG) sessions. Kiddos utilize Peanut and Banana to practice grooming, feeding, leading, and other groundwork activities.
Willow is funded by the SOL Foundation
16-year-old Welsh Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: November 2023
Willow has a low-back mid size horse with AP/Lateral movement. He is generally a low-movement horse.
Zella and her stall are both generously funded by The Phil and Sharen Myers Living Trust in honor of Ally, Livy, Luke, and Kenzy.
19-year-old Paint Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: September 2024
Zella was used for trail riding before coming here. We are excited about her size, her wide base of support, and slow rhythmic movement.
