Hallie Sheade, Ph.D, 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 Associate, PATH Intl. ESMHL
Under the Supervision of Hallie Sheade, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S 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 LPC-Associate. 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. |
Juliet Mary Amelia MossMS, LPC-ASSOCIATE, PATH Intl. ESMHL
Under the Supervision of Hallie Sheade, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, ESMHL Counselor & Equine Specialistmary amelia's bio
I recently graduated with my MS degree in clinical mental health counseling from the University of Memphis. I was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas and always knew this place had a special place in my heart. I have grown up with constant exposure to horses but did not pursue any lessons until graduate school. I have always known I wanted to tie animals into mental health but was never quite sure how to do it. Coming upon this field has changed my life for the better. I was a trail guide at Shelby Farms Park throughout the duration of my courses in Memphis and noticed that the days I was able to be around the horses, and simply spend time practicing my horsemanship skills, I was slowly showing confidence in other areas of my life. I was also noticing I was becoming more patient in my studies and in other stressful areas of my life. I believe animals have the ability to sense human emotion and that emotion can reach deep inside and touch people in their soul. If you can connect, you can start a new journey whether it is healing, love, comfort, decreased stress and or anxiety. 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, Graduate-Level Counseling Intern, ESMHL Candidate
Under the Supervision of Hallie Sheade, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, ESMHL Counselor & 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. Amara "Mara" YachimskiBA, Graduate-Level Counseling Intern, Equine Specialist Intern
Under the Supervision of Hallie Sheade, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, ESMHL Counselor & Equine SpecialistMara's bio
I grew up on the East Coast near Boston, MA, and my passion for horseback riding started at the age of 5 when I began riding horses. At the age of 8, I acquired my very first horse, Dyman. After moving to Texas in 2007, I was briefly introduced to barrel racing. While studying music at Southwestern University, I became interested in psychology after taking a course, and this prompted me to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Arts, which I obtained in 2017. Unfortunately, in 2016, my mother was diagnosed with Leukemia, and we had to sell our horses. After graduation, I took a break from horseback riding but later reconnected with horses, discovering their therapeutic benefits. This renewed passion led me to pursue a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern Methodist University in 2020. In 2021, I welcomed Raven, a wild mustang, into my life, and he became an important teacher to me. Apart from academics, I enjoy gardening, traveling, video games, and spending time with my cat. You can usually find me at the barn, maintaining my lifelong bond with horses. |
Ruth Abigail "Abbi" O'Leary
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Shelby Sherrill |
BA, Graduate-Level Counseling Intern
Under the supervision of Hallie Sheade, PhD, LPC-S, RPT-S, PATH Intl. ESMHL |
Administration
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Counselor |
Administrative Manager |
Abbi's bio
I was born and raised in North Carolina and will always feel most at home when in the Appalachian Mountains. I moved to Fort Worth in 2019 and have enjoyed building a home here as I have pursued a career in counseling. My love for nature and animals goes hand-in-hand as they have both taught me how interconnected we all are. One of my fondest memories during what was a hard time in my life is hiking hundreds of miles along the coast of England alongside the wild horses that live there. They became peaceful and steady companions for me along the cliffs of the coast. Since my distanced but meaningful time with those horses, I have wanted to learn about equines and their empathic nature in a more intimate way. I am excited and honored to be working alongside horses as it is evident that they are deep, empathetic animals who foster unconditional acceptance and genuine compassion. Through my own experience of seeing how impactful a relationship with an animal can be in my healing journey, I am excited to be working alongside horses to help others find their own healing. |
Shelby's bio
Shelby's story is one of deep personal connection and resilience. She grew up in a law enforcement and military family. Struggling to navigate the emotional complexities of her father's return from deployment, she and her family decided to channel their experiences into making a positive impact in the mental health community. For Shelby, this journey led her to discover equine-assisted therapy, a lifeline that not only saved her but also became her passion. Her therapy horse guided her through moments of darkness and providing a source of comfort and healing. When he retired, Shelby made the decision to step into horse ownership herself. With a newfound sense of purpose, Shelby immersed herself in the world of equine companionship and therapy, eager to share the healing power of horses with others facing their own struggles. Today, as a mother to two human boys and to two equine boys, Shelby's journey is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the profound bonds forged between humans and horses. |
Mailing AddressP.O. Box 123737
Fort Worth, TX 76121 |
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