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 in Moreau, NY, and remote therapy by phone or video to any resident of New York State.

Emily Sherman, LMSW, In-person Therapist, She/Her

Emily specializes in treating anxiety, depression, life transitions, mood disorders, interpersonal relationship conflict, stress management, and trauma. She utilizes various treatment modalities based on the individual client’s needs. These include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, supportive therapy, among others. Emily’s goal is always to help clients feel safe and supported, with lots of tools and strategies to bring into their everyday life. Emily offers a warm, non-judgemental space for clients to grow and heal by utilizing a positive, holistic, collaborative, strengths-based approach.

Emily provides both in-person therapy in Moreau, NY, and remote therapy by phone or video to any resident of New York State.

Stephanie Railey, LMSW, In-person therapist, She/Her

Stephanie specializes in helping others overcome challenges including anxiety, depression, grief and bereavement, adjustment to life stressors, and trauma. Her therapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, strengths-based, person-centered, and trauma-informed care. Stephanie is devoted to helping clients navigate their healing journey with empathy, compassion, and attention to each person’s individual needs. She strive to create a safe and collaborative space for clients of all demographics.

Stephanie provides both in-person therapy in Moreau, NY, and remote therapy by phone or video to any resident of New York State.

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

Laurel specializes in working with people on the autism spectrum, justice involved youth, and LGBTQ+ teens, as well as people with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues.

Laurel offers an empathic and open space for clients that focuses on the therapeutic relationship. She uses a holistic approach that integrates different therapeutic modalities to best suit each client’s individual needs, including play-based therapy, somatic embodiment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, restorative practices, and social emotional learning.

Laurel provides both in-person therapy in Moreau, NY, and remote therapy by phone or video to any resident of New York State.

Terika Harrell, LMHC, Remote Therapist, She/Her

Terika specializes in working with clients who experience significant anxiety, depressive, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, challenging life transitions, and relationship issues. She uses a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach to work towards the client’s goals and help create positive outcomes. Terika has special training in the treatment for OCD-related disorders that would include Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Comprehensive Behavioral Model (ComB Model) and Body Acceptance Work (directed towards to Body Dysmorphic Disorder). Terika is willing to meet clients where they are, and always takes her lead from the client.

Terika provides remote therapy by phone or video to any resident of New York State.

Katie Cresci, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her

Katie specializes in treating anxiety, depression, work stress, life transitions, and parenthood. Katie strives to provide a safe, caring, and collaborative environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings all while learning new skills to help navigate the challenges they are facing. Katie typically provides cognitive behavioral therapy with a strengths-based approach. She welcomes individuals of all backgrounds and identities.

Katie provides remote therapy by phone or video to any resident of New York State.

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

Melissa specializes in 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 clients and to assist them in feeling better in their day-to-day life. She specializes 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). Her approach is holistic and seeks to help clients feel supported and safe.

Melissa provides remote therapy by phone or video to any resident of New York State.

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

Emily specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, as well as helping people through life challenges and relationship concerns. Emily has a lot of clinical experience working in hospitals, client’s homes, mental health clinics and schools. The majority of her experience includes helping those who have experienced trauma.  Emily enjoys working with couples, as well as family counseling. Through her warm, compassionate care, Emily 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 remote therapy by phone or video to people in New York State.

Desiree Mather, LMSW, Remote therapist, She/Her

Kayla Wilson, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her

Kayla specializes in helping people heal from anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and perinatal depression. Her goal is to help clients stabilize their mood, develop and improve coping skills, and help enhance their relationships. Kayla’s certification in perinatal mental health is in progress, so people with issues around pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood parenting will find relief with her. When working together, Kayla promises that clients’ skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness will improve.

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!

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.