Shannon Brock, LCSWR; Director/Therapist; Natural Lifemanship Level 2 Trained; Certified Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapist. She/Her

Shannon is a licensed therapist who graduated from Ithaca College with a BA in Sociology/Minor in Clinical Social Work and from SUNY Albany with a Master’s in Social Work.  Shannon formed Adirondack Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, LCSW, in 2014 alongside Jim and Sue Hooper of Haven Oaks farm. Shannon’s approach is holistic, supportive, and client-centered. Shannon specializes in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, and recovery from narcissistic abuse.

Shannon provides both in-person therapy and remote telehealth therapy by phone or video.

Richelle Parulski, LCSW; Therapist. Natural Lifemanship Level 1 Trained. She/Her

Richelle graduated from Keuka College with both her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Social Work. Richelle rode on the Keuka College Equestrian team and has had a lifelong passion for horses. Richelle has worked with many challenging populations, and specializes in forensic social work with individuals, families, and groups, as well as treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, and many other mental health concerns.

Richelle provides both in-person therapy and remote telehealth therapy by phone or video.

Ramon Santos, LMSW, Remote therapist, He/Him

“I believe that we are better when we are in community. When we start sharing our stories, our ups and downs, we strive to find solutions to our problems. The ideal client is the one that takes the first step and opens to receive help to become a better version of themselves.

I am a dedicated and resourceful Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a strong commitment to working in mental health. I have a strong background in clinical practice providing psychotherapy and empowering individuals. I aim to assist others in reaching stability, resilience and growth to achieve social, emotional, professional, and academic growth and healing. My approach had been described as direct and actively involved in session. My preference is to work with clients on an individual basis, as well as in conjunction with others who are important in their life.

I strongly believe we all have the potential to change and grow. Having the ability to feel another person’s emotional experience and respecting their space, while being present, awakens our curiosity and passion to be better to one another.”

Ramon specializes in anxiety, depression, grief/loss, PTSD, and eating disorders. Specific modalities that Ramon may use include CBT, DBT, IPT, Existential therapy, and Supportive feedback.

Ramon is a strong ally with the LGBTQ community. Ramon is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish. Ramon offers telehealth therapy by phone or video.

Laurel Green, LMSW, Remote and In-person therapist, She/Her

I am excited by the opportunity to work with AEAP clients! My ideal clients are those who are in need of a non-confrontational space to be seen and heard. Some populations that I have a strong skill set in working with are those on the autism spectrum, justice involved youth, and LGBTQ+ teens.

I offer an empathic and open space for clients that focuses on the therapeutic relationship. I use a holistic approach to my work that integrates different therapeutic modalities to best suit my client’s individual needs. Some of these modalities include play-based therapy, somatic embodiment, and social emotional learning.

In your therapy, I may utilize play therapy, CBT, MI, restorative practices, somatic embodiment, and other treatment modalities that best suit your therapeutic needs. I specialize in anxiety, depression, autism, and ADHD.

I am open and willing to work with all populations regardless of race, age, gender, sexual orientation. I especially enjoy working with children and adolescents. I am currently taking on new clients and looking forward to hearing from you! Please feel free to reach out so we can get started.

Laurel provides both in-person therapy and remote telehealth therapy by phone or video.

Katie Cresci, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her

“I have a passion for working with clients who struggle with issues related to anxiety, depression, work stress, life transitions, and parenthood. As a cognitive-behavioral practitioner, I strive to provide a safe, caring & collaborative environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings all while learning new skills to help navigate the challenges you are facing. I welcome individuals of all backgrounds and identities. Therapy is a partnership and I believe that you are the expert in your own life. I look forward to meeting you and being a part of your journey.”
Katie works with adults via telehealth by phone or video.

Melissa Collins, LMSW, Remote Therapist, she/her/hers

Melissa is passionate about working with individuals who are struggling with symptoms of trauma, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, family challenges, survivors of childhood or adult abuse, and college students who are adjusting to living independently. When someone is struggling, it can lead to feelings of loneliness, confusion, powerlessness, stress, and worthlessness. With the right support and knowledge, Melissa hopes to empower you and assist you to cope better in your day-to-day life. I specialize in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), family based treatment (FBT) for eating disorders, and motivational interviewing (MI). My approach is holistic and seeks to help you feel supported and safe. I offer telehealth sessions by phone or video.

Emily Wesoloski, LMSW, Remote Therapist, she/her/hers

Emily has a lot of clinical experience that includes working in hospitals, client’s homes, mental health clinics and schools. The majority of her experience includes helping those who have experienced trauma. Trauma can often manifest itself as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, and Emily is well-equipped to help clients address these concerns. Emily also enjoys working with clients in relationship, as well as family counseling. Emily expresses that the drive that keeps her loving what she does are the people she works with every day. Emily enjoys learning about people and their experiences, while helping them to heal. Through her warm, compassionate care, she hopes to help re-spark the drive that lies within us that can sometimes get lost in the busy-ness that life brings. Emily provides telehealth therapy by phone or video.

Jiwon Kang, LMSW, Remote Therapist, she/her/hers

Jiwon specializes in the treatment of depression and anxiety, eating disorders, and sleep concerns. Jiwon encourages cognitive reframing, behavioral interventions, and self-expression in sessions. Jiwon enjoys partnering with clients to improve their coping skills, relationship skills, and communication skills. Jiwon loves to travel the world and experience new places, meet new people, and explore all that life has to offer!

Jiwon offers telehealth therapy by phone or video.

Caitlin Westfall, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her/Hers

I am a licensed social worker in the state of New York. I have a Master of Social Work degree from Binghamton University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from Syracuse University. I am passionate about providing a safe, supportive space for individuals to express themselves and reach their goals. I use a variety of approaches in working with individuals including strengths-based, solution-focused and dialectical behavior therapy. I offer telehealth sessions via phone or video. My specialities include Anxiety, stress, mood disorders, grief/loss, and working with young adult/college student population.

Caitlin offering telehealth therapy by phone or video.

Jim and Sue Hooper, Owners of Haven Oaks Farm

Sue Hooper, Equine Specialist. She/Her

Sue Hooper is a Riding Master graduate of Meredith Manor International Equestrian College. She also holds a B.S. in Equestrian Studies from Salem College. Jim, her husband, helps out whenever needed and always has a treat for the dogs!

Olivia Rooke, Office Manager/Equine Specialist.  Natural Lifemanship Level 1 Trained. She/Her

Olivia is a 2015 graduate of SUNY Adirondack with a Liberal Arts Math/Science degree. Olivia started at Haven Oaks in October of 2021 and joined the AEAP team in February 2022. A natural leader with a gift for compassionate communication and impeccable organization, Olivia has quickly become an integral part of the team. When she’s not working, you can find her tending to her plants and caring for her horse, Honey.

Therapy Horses:

Miss Hy Hu Hickory (Misty)

Miss Hy Hu Hickory (Misty) is a 16 yo Quarter horse mare. Misty and her owner Kristina enjoyed competing in Western Pleasure, Equitation, Horsemanship and Showmanship at local open horseshows prior to Kristina’s untimely passing in 2020. Misty is a sweet girl who is loved by many!

Hero

Hero, a quarter horse born in 2007, is the newest member of our equine therapy team. He joined us at Haven Oaks Farm on Christmas Eve, 2017. He has quickly become acclimated to his job, and seems to think that being a therapist is the best job ever! Photo by TC Photography of Saratoga.

Bluegrass Flag (Angel)

No discussion of the Adirondack EAP team would be complete without mentioning Angel!  Angel, a thoroughbred filly by Bluegrass Cat, out of No More Flags (Lucy), was foaled at Haven Oaks on April 16, 2014. She rocked a very impressive racing career, with multiple stakes wins, and is now retired as a broodmare for her owners, Tom Albrecht and Vinnie Fusaro. Although Angel is not officially a therapy horse, her owners are very kind and allow us to visit her over the fence while she’s in her paddock.  What can we say? She’s an Angel! Photo by TC Photography of Saratoga.

Romanoatsee (Roman)

Roman is a thoroughbred who was foaled at the farm on May 7, 2017. He’s a big love who likes chin scratches and nuzzling your neck. Roman charms everyone he meets and loves to build new relationships with clients! Photo by TC Photography of Saratoga.

Inherit the Gold (Harry)

Harry is the Big Man on Campus at Haven Oaks and is the star attraction! A multiple stakes winning OTTB with almost $500,000 in winnings, Harry is a favorite of all who meet him. Harry is not an official therapy horse but he has been known to offer a strong shoulder and a kind hug over the fence.

Blue Suede Sue (Stella)

Stella is the first foal out of Bluegrass Flag (Angel) and she is a very special old soul. A Nyquist filly, Stella has a gentle demeanor and kind spirit. Although she is a racehorse and not a therapy horse, she comes home for visits and is a popular favorite of our therapy clients (and us!) when she visits us over the fence.

Deputy Flag (Desi)

After five years of racing, 30 starts, and over $153,000 in earnings, Desi retired from racing on October 28, 2022. Desi was foaled at the farm and was very special, right from the start. Despite being claimed and changing hands many times, Shannon always kept track of him, finding contact information for each of his owners, and making sure they knew that we would take him back when he retired. Desi is a gentle, sweet boy, who adores attention and connects deeply with our clients!

The Iceman Commeth (Ice)

Ice retired off the track with a minor injury in August 2022. When Tom Morley, his trainer, knew he was to be retired, he contacted Shannon to let her know about this gem of a horse. Smart, spirited, and handsome, Ice is starting to lean into the retired life of a therapy horse!

Dogs, Cats, Chickens, and other fun farm animals

Nugget and Tucker

Bundles of absolute, pure joy, Nugget and Tucker love to interact with therapy clients. They are both in training to be certified therapy dogs and practice with our clients regularly!

Gretchen

Gretchen was adopted by Sue Hooper in November 2019 and she has spent her days brightening up the farm ever since. Gretchen is very acclaimed in the show ring with Sue and she is also a certified therapy dog. She loves to visit with clients and take a few zoomies laps with Nugget! Where Gretchen goes, smiles follow.

Deuce

Feral barn cat-turned-housecat Deuce is a beautiful fixture around the farm. You can admire him from afar and if he grants you the privilege of petting his belly, you know you’re someone special to Deuce!

THE CHICKENS!

One of the highlights for many clients are the sweet hens! Each one has her own personality (and her own shade of egg). The chickens provide endless entertainment and joy. We call it Chicken TV.

In Memoriam:

This Trick’s a Pro (Matilda)

This Trick’s a Pro, aka Matilda, was foaled at Haven Oaks Farm and after a successful racing career, retired from racing in 2008 with 7 wins out of 36 starts and earnings of $80,000.  Owner Brenda Stark trained her in dressage and in her first dressage show in the fall of 2013, she earned the Reserve Champion award. Matilda went on to change mange lives, capture many hearts, and lead a life of authenticity and connection. Matilda died suddenly on January 1, 2023, due to a sudden injury. Matilda will always be part of the farm, and will live on in our hearts.

Marley

Marley was our official greeter, supplier of tail wags and purveyor of belly scratches! Marley brought joy and happiness wherever he goes and was an integral part of the Adirondack EAP team. Marley died on June 15, 2021 after a long life filled with love. While we miss him terribly, we are also so glad that he was able to be a part of the farm family for so long. Marley knew only love for his entire life and his memory is a blessing.

Jack

Jack, a registered QH, had a gentle, relaxed personality, and loved to be part of sessions. Jack came to the farm after being a riding horse for children with TBIs and  fit right in as a therapy horse. Jack died suddenly as a result of colic in June 2022 and he is sadly missed.
Photo by TC Photography of Saratoga.

Chief

Chief, a Morgan pony, came to Haven Oaks after his pasture buddy passed away at his owner, Jennifer Comisky’s, farm. It became clear quite quickly that with his sweet, friendly, curious disposition that Chief would make a wonderful therapy horse. Chief enjoyed spending his days with his friends, both human and horse, and looked forward to his connections with clients.

Chief died peacefully in November 2020 after a very long life filled with lots of fun, lots of love, and lots of carrots.

Ahugaroundtheneck (Hug)

Ahugaroundtheneck, aka Hug, is a thoroughbred mare.  She retired from racing with 2 wins out of 25 starts and earnings of $99,000.  After her racing career, Hug had 2 babies and then, after a difficult birthing, became a riding horse for an 8yo child. In spring of 2013, Hug returned to Haven Oaks Farm and began her fourth career as a therapy horse, and riding horse for young family members. Hug died on November 10, 2016, just shy of her 21th birthday, and while we miss her very much, her legacy lives on in all that we do.

Tigger

Tigger and his owner, Sue, enjoyed eventing and competing in dressage before his retirement to the farm.  Tigg was our lovable “curmudgeon” and a fixture on the farm until his passing of old age in 2014.