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
Therapeutic Equine Experiences
The Barn’s equine facilitated experiences are dedicated to strengthening individuals through connecting the human and horse. Through connection with our equine partners, individuals have experienced growth through integrating mindfulness, finding self-efficacy, building problem-solving, enhancing planning and organizing, and strengthening relationships through creating healthy boundaries and clear communication. The Barn also offers special events for groups seeking team building benefits!
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 principles 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
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!
Please reach out to us at montvaletherapeutics@
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 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
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
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!
