Montvale Therapeutics

Montvale Therapeutics

Montvale Springs offers a variety of therapeutic services through our Barn Program. The Barn’s mission is to create safe opportunities for humans to experience the love, acceptance, transformation, and healing that results when humans and nature come together in harmony.

What We Offer

Equine Facilitated Groups & Camps

The Barn’s equine facilitated experiences are dedicated to strengthening children, families, individuals, and groups through connecting the human and horse. Through the group dynamic, individuals have experienced growth through integrating mindfulness, finding self-efficacy, building problem-solving, enhancing planning and organizing, team building, and strengthening relationships through creating healthy boundaries and clear communication. Those participating in equine facilitated experiences will additionally benefit from the healing and peaceful multi-sensory setting at Montvale Springs.

Occupational Therapy

Play is one of the most critical occupations for children (and adults, too!) and when integrated into the multi-sensory experiences in the beautiful Montvale Springs setting, one’s body may begin to experience true harmony. Harmony’s occupational therapy services are individually curated for each client to integrate trauma-informed principals with Montvale Spring’s multi-sensory environment to support goals centered around emotional regulation, executive functioning, and psychosocial elements to maximize the client’s participation in their daily occupations.

Occupational therapy programs include:

  • Individual sessions
  • Group therapies
  • Day camps and special events
  • Integration of nature and The Barn environment for building confidence, connection, and regulation
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Horse-Powered Reading® & Math

Horse Powered Reading® (HPR) is a science based experiential learning program focused on the student’s natural curiosity and determination to help gain confidence, motivation, and overcome reading challenges. By integrating equine assisted learning, social emotional learning, and academics, Horse Powered Reading® helps students of all ages build self-efficacy and excitement for learning. Students and their reading partner (horse), interact providing the facilitator insight into what they are experiencing inside and what patterns are working or not working for them. That interplay allows for profound learning to take place. Learn more about horsepoweredreading.com.

HPR Founder, Dr. Michele Pikel, PhD created the program to focus on the following skills:

  • Decoding – building phonics skills and sight word recognition
  • Vocabulary enhancement
  • Fluency development – reading quickly, accurately and with expression
  • Overcome barriers blocking comprehension
  • Practice study skills
  • Comprehend textbooks
  • Learn new, unfamiliar, and multi-syllable words
  • Achieve higher order thinking
  • Use critical and creative thinking


Reading and math support are available and our services include individual tutoring, group and experiential learning, special events, community visits, and day camps.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

The Barn’s equine assisted psychotherapy uses a variety of evidenced-based theoretical lenses that address clinical concerns around trauma, anxiety, depression, attachment/child-parent relationships, stress, and adjustment struggles.   

Families who are currently enrolled in ASAP/GSAP services and interested in equine-assisted psychotherapy or therapeutic experiences should contact their Family Therapist to learn more!

Meet Our Team

Dakota Theobald, OTR/L

Equine Program Coordinator

Dakota, a licensed occupational therapist and certified PATH Equine Specialist, brings a passion for horses, nature-based therapy, and program coordination to Montvale Springs. With experience in community mental health, early intervention, and hippotherapy, Dakota will help develop and implement therapeutic experiences supported by Montvale Spring’s healing environment.

 

Dakota Theobald, OTR/L

Equine Program Coordinator

Dakota, a licensed occupational therapist and certified PATH Equine Specialist, brings a passion for horses, nature-based therapy, and program coordination to Montvale Springs. With experience in community mental health, early intervention, and hippotherapy, Dakota will help develop and implement therapeutic experiences supported by Montvale Spring’s healing environment.

 

Riley Long, MSSW

Individual & Family Therapist

Riley values approaching her clients with curiosity and collaboration, drawing on her trauma informed training and child welfare experience to meet clients in a variety of life stages.

Riley Long, MSSW

Individual & Family Therapist

Riley values approaching her clients with curiosity and collaboration, drawing on her trauma informed training and child welfare experience to meet clients in a variety of life stages.

Belle

Belle

Our sweet southern Belle! She is one of the longest living residents at Montvale. Belle loves a tasty snack and a cuddle.

Belle

Belle

Our sweet southern Belle! She is one of the longest living residents at Montvale. Belle loves a tasty snack and a cuddle.

Biscuit

Biscuit

As our newest herd resident, Biscuit has quickly made himself at home! He is a mini mule that LOVES neck scratches. He is frequently seen ensuring he is the center of attention, but is willing to excuse himself when he needs a break.

Biscuit

Biscuit

As our newest herd resident, Biscuit has quickly made himself at home! He is a mini mule that LOVES neck scratches. He is frequently seen ensuring he is the center of attention, but is willing to excuse himself when he needs a break.

Buttercup

Buttercup

As the newest member of the herd, Buttercup is learning to trust humans outside her pack. She thrives off of clear communication and a low energy, although she is not intimidated in a group setting. Buttercup is eager to please and enjoys being pampered.

Buttercup

Buttercup

As the newest member of the herd, Buttercup is learning to trust humans outside her pack. She thrives off of clear communication and a low energy, although she is not intimidated in a group setting. Buttercup is eager to please and enjoys being pampered.

Buttons

Buttons

An experienced driving horse, Buttons brings high energy and a strong work ethic to the Harmony herd. She’s the boss mare, keeping both horses and goats in line. She thrives on authenticity and offers clients a unique connection. She enjoys connecting with her people and having her mane braided, and is sensitive to communication efforts from her humans.

Buttons

Buttons

An experienced driving horse, Buttons brings high energy and a strong work ethic to the Harmony herd. She’s the boss mare, keeping both horses and goats in line. She thrives on authenticity and offers clients a unique connection. She enjoys connecting with her people and having her mane braided, and is sensitive to communication efforts from her humans.

Gemma

Gemma

Once a feral donkey found wandering a large property over many years, Gemma is a true “gem” with her kind nature and connection with everyone she meets.

Gemma

Gemma

Once a feral donkey found wandering a large property over many years, Gemma is a true “gem” with her kind nature and connection with everyone she meets.

Posy

Posy

Despite initially being found wandering Montvale as a wild kitty, she has found trust and love supporting the clients at The Barn! Posy loves a good belly rub.

Posy

Posy

Despite initially being found wandering Montvale as a wild kitty, she has found trust and love supporting the clients at The Barn! Posy loves a good belly rub.

Rosie

Rosie

Rosie is a sweet, kind, and curious gal who is always up for a good obstacle course. She is responsive to communication attempts and appreciates boundaries around her personal space. She enjoys her alone time to help her prepare for socializing, and frequent snack breaks of fresh hay.

Rosie

Rosie

Rosie is a sweet, kind, and curious gal who is always up for a good obstacle course. She is responsive to communication attempts and appreciates boundaries around her personal space. She enjoys her alone time to help her prepare for socializing, and frequent snack breaks of fresh hay.

Shrimp

Shrimp

A mountain goat in spirit, Shrimp can be seen scaling the landscapes at Montvale. He can be slow to warm up to humans, but once he chooses you, he will be your best friend!

Shrimp

Shrimp

A mountain goat in spirit, Shrimp can be seen scaling the landscapes at Montvale. He can be slow to warm up to humans, but once he chooses you, he will be your best friend!

Support The Barn

We need your help to make our vision for the equine program a reality! Your support can help expand programming opportunities. With your help, we can impact more individuals who would benefit from the healing power of horses.