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

Shannon is a licensed therapist who 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 offers an eclectic, somatic, attachment-based approach to therapy, and specializes in the treatment of trauma and recovery from narcissistic abuse. Shannon is a two-time breast cancer survivor and offers insight and compassion to clients who have also dealt with breast cancer.

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/Hers

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 to residents of New York State.

Laurel Green, LMSW, In-person therapist, She/Her/Hers

Laurel specializes in working with people with autism, 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 in-person therapy at our offices in Moreau, NY, and remote therapy to residents of New York State.

Jenn Smith, LMSW, In-person Therapist, She/Her/Hers

Jenn specializes in working with clients who struggle with trauma-related disorders, military trauma, sexual trauma, anxiety/depression, substance abuse, and personality disorders. She works with youth, adults, LGBTQIA+, and Veterans utilizing an eclectic mix of evidence-based modalities including, but not limited to, Mindfulness, Trauma-Focused CBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy. Jenn offers non-judgmental safe spaces to explore and process difficult emotions so clients can heal and grow through a collaborative, individualized, person-centered, strengths-based approach.

Jenn offers in-person therapy in Moreau, NY, and remote therapy to residents of New York State.

Gretchen Roesch, LMSW, In-person Therapist, She/Her/Hers

Gretchen specializes in working with people who would like support around gender identity and sexuality, anxiety, depression, and trauma. She offers an eclectic, evidence-based therapeutic approach, including Geek therapeutics, strengths-based therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Gretchen offers in-person and remote therapy.

Jacqueline Suarez, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her/Hers

Jacqueline specializes in working with justice involved youth and adults, individuals in the LGBTQ+ community, depression, anxiety, coping with personality disorders, individuals diagnosed with OCD, individuals diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, adjustment to life stressors, trauma and PTSD. Jacqueline utilizes a variety of therapeutic interventions, including CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy. Jacqueline is bilingual and speaks both English and Spanish. Jacqueline provides remote therapy to residents of NYS.

Abby Johnson, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her/Hers

Abby specializes in working with LGBTQ+ population, children/adolescents, and people experiencing substance use disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. Abby offers a compassionate and affirming space where clients can explore their identity, process their emotions, and develop coping strategies tailored to their needs. Through a combination of evidence-based therapeutic modalities and an interpersonal approach, Abby facilitates meaningful conversations and provide practical tools to support my clients in achieving their goals. Abby provides remote therapy to residents of New York State.

Shannon Lynch, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her/Hers

Shannon’s goal as a social worker is to help teens, adults, families, and couples live their lives radically and authentically as they heal from trauma. She uses a range of practices such as Trauma Systems Therapy, DBT, and Family Therapy through a feminist and health at every size lens. She primarily works with clients who may struggle with trauma-related disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders. She also enjoys working with clients who are queer, neurodiverse, and or polyamorous/Non-Monogamous. Shannon has worked in victim advocacy, substance use disorder treatment facilities, group home, home based, and in a community health setting.

Anneka Vanderveen, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her/Hers

Anneka offers a warm and nonjudgmental space to hold and process through intense emotions. She has experience working with individuals and families who are healing from traumatic events and losses, and specializes in helping people heal from trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression. Anneka utilizes several evidence-based treatment modalities, including trauma focused-CBT, DBT, Trauma Systems Therapy, and Eco-Systemic Structural Family Therapy. Anneka offers telehealth therapy to residents of NYS.

Kayla Annett, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her/Hers

Kayla specializes in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, generational trauma, domestic violence, and eating disorders, including poor self-esteem, confidence, and body image. She particularly enjoys working with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, trauma survivors, and children/adolescents. Kayla provides Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Dialectical Behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy approaches. Kayla offers telehealth therapy to residents of NYS.

Kara Bax, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her/Hers

Kara specializes in treating individuals with addiction issues (including substance use, food, pornography, and sex), trauma, depression, anxiety, codependency, relationship conflicts, and family-of-origin issues. Kara has experience working as an Integrated Counselor, serving those seeking help for Mental Health and Addiction issues. She also has experience working with Survivors of Domestic Violence. Her goal in therapy is to help an individual go from a place of survival mode to finding hope and freedom in life. Kara works with clients using therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, and MI to help an individual learn the skills they need to overcome the stressors of life. Kara offers remote therapy to residents of New York State.

Gabby Gockel, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her/Hers

Gabby specializes in treating adults, adolescents, and children with a variety of concerns including anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral issues, life transitions and stressors, family conflict and parenting concerns, and trauma. Gabby’s goal is to create a warm and nonjudgmental space to help support and empower clients as they are facing challenges and making difficult but necessary and beneficial changes in their life.

Each client that comes in is unique and can benefit from a flexible therapeutic approach that best fits them and their needs. Gabby integrates a person-centered approach with a number of different techniques and perspectives that will meet the client where they are and assist them in reaching their therapeutic goals. Some of these modalities include cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, trauma-focused therapy, strength-based approach, family therapy, play-based therapy, and motivational interviewing.

Finding the right therapist and building a comfortable and strong therapeutic relationship can take time. Gabby offers a safe space with a collaborative and holistic approach that will help support clients as they begin this journey.

Gabrielle provides remote therapy to residents of New York State.

Katie Cresci, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her/Hers

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 to residents 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 to residents of New York State.

Melanie Keem, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her/Hers

Melanie offers a compassionate, highly supportive, solution-focused style of therapy. She is a Solution-Focused Brief Therapist (SFBT), who helps individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic illness and caregiver fatigue. You can expect to feel safe, heard and understood as you work together to seek growth and positive change. Melanie is LGBTQIA+ friendly and affirming and is open to working with all races/ethnicities. Melanie takes a Solutions-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) approach. SFBT incorporates positive psychology principles and practices. Melanie provides remote therapy to residents 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 to residents of New York State.

Desiree Mather, LMSW, Remote therapist, She/Her/Hers

Emily Stern, LMSW, Remote Therapist, She/Her/Hers

Emily specializes in providing support for a diverse range of life’s challenges, including adjustments, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, family of origin issues, relationships, parenting, self-esteem, social anxiety, social skills, trauma, and women’s issues such as pregnancy and the postpartum period. She is trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) and Psychological First Aid (PFA) and uses various evidence-based practices tailored to client’s individual needs.
Emily provides a safe and welcoming environment for clients to be themselves and to heal. She believes that every individual deserves to feel supported and empowered as they navigate life’s challenges.

Emily provides remote therapy by phone and video to residents of New York State.

Kayla Wilson, LCSW, PMH-C, Remote Therapist, She/Her/Hers

Kayla specializes in helping people with anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and perinatal depression/anxiety. Her goal is to help clients stabilize their mood, develop and improve coping skills, and help enhance their relationships. Kayla is certified in perinatal mental health, so people with concerns about pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood parenting will find relief with her. Kayla works with clients to improve their skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Kayla provides remote therapy to residents of New York State.

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.

Jennifer Comisky, Administrative Assistant/Equine Specialist. She/Her or They/Them

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.