About Us
What Does Speech & Occupational Therapy with Horses Look Like?
Occupational therapy is always rooted in goals to improve overall engagement in life. Speech therapy is rooted in language, communication, social participation and also- function! Horses prove to be a unique tool that with proper application, can be used to engage sensory, neuromotor, emotional, and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes in both speech and OT. In other words, each patient will need the horse to be utilized in different ways to address their individual goals. This may look like riding the horse while doing a familiar activity, to brushing the horse and engaging in horse care activities. The application of the horse in therapy is as unique as the patients we serve.
Meet The Therapists
Kelsey Herman, OTD, OTR/L
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Dr. Kelsey Herman is the owner of Healing Steps, and the President of the 501(c)3 non-profit entity, Healing Opportunities Foundation, and is excited to show Southwest Washington the value of pairing equine and occupational therapy! Dr. Herman received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Pacific University in 2019 with experience in both pediatric and adult rehabilitation, with the majority of her professional experience in outpatient pediatrics with an emphasis in Sensory
Processing Disorder, Autism, ADHD, and behavioral concerns. Kelsey is a lifelong equestrian who enjoys riding, training, and rehabilitating rescue horses as well as educating people about horses. Dr. Herman is thrilled for the opportunity to blend her expertise in equine and occupational therapy to improve the lives of her patients.
Riley Smetzler, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Riley Smetzler received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Baylor University in 2022. Born and raised in Ridgefield, Washington, Dr. Smetzler has grown up around horses, and is so excited to combine her knowledge of equine and occupational therapy. Dr. Smetzler has experience in both pediatric and adult rehabilitation, with a specialized interest in Sensory Processing, Autism, neuro-rehabilitation, and musculoskeletal impairments. Riley places an emphasis
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on holistic, client-centered care for each of her patients, and is eager to educate and provide therapy services to those in her community that can benefit from a non-traditional approach to occupational therapy!
Breanne Davis- Shoemaker, OTD, OTR/L
Dr. Bre Davis-Shoemaker graduated from the school of Occupational Therapy in 2019 from Pacific University, Oregon, with owner, Dr. Kelsey Herman. She has experience in pediatrics (birth-18) specifically surrounding movement development, sensory processing, ASD, ADHD, and other behavior concerns. She also has experience in adult rehabilitation and lifestyle redesign, and adolescent transition to adulthood with life skills. She finds so much joy working with children, families,
and adults, helping them target challenges, as well as discover and foster their successes. She grew up riding horses and living on a farm, and is so excited to be a part of a unique and passionate team that is striving to help our community to thrive!
Alivia Stone, MOTR/L
Alivia received her Masters of Occupational Therapy from Eastern Washington University in 2021. She was raised in Battle Ground, WA, and has ridden, shown, and owned horses since she was seven years old. In graduate school, she completed her capstone research project on the benefits and efficacy of animal-assisted occupational therapy. Since then, she has specialized in pediatrics, working with children with developmental disabilities or delays such as autism, ADHD, Down syndrome, sensory processing difficulty, as well as mental health and behavioral concerns. When Alivia is not in the barn or working in clinic, she enjoys hiking with her weenie dog, loving on her retired show horse, rock climbing, and painting. Alivia is excited to bring together her passion for horses and dedication to promoting fun and function for her clients and community.
Ashley Meade, MS, CCC-SLP
Ashley Meade graduated with her masters in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of North Texas in 2023. She has experience primarily in pediatrics specifically surrounding receptive and expressive language, articulation of speech sounds, ASD, and AAC. She values a dynamic approach to treatment and looks forward to collaborating with families to help children grow. Ashley was introduced to hippotherapy in college when she volunteered at a facility in Lubbock, TX. Since then she has looked for opportunities to provide speech therapy in this setting and can't wait to be a part of things at Healing Steps!