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Meet The Team
Executive Director
Email Kathy
Director of Clinic Operations
Email Kim
Director of Finance
Email Delsie
Director of Development
Email Kassie
Medical Billing Coordinator
Email Brenda
Events Manager
Email Breinne
Development Manager
Email Katie
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Email Amelia
Front Office Coordinator
Email Ivy
Volunteer Coordinator
Email Ellie
Director of Equine Programs
Email Kirby
Lead Horse Handler
Halie Smith
Horse Handler
Janessa Snethen
Horse Handler
Horse Handler
Horse Handler
Horse Handler and Exercise Specialist
Horse Handler
Horse Handler
2024 Horse Handlers (not pictured):
Anica Isch
Erin Sheets
Glenn Livers
Sarah Blair
Christy Knowlin
Emma Freed
Sarah Vlink
Madelyn Henley
Jessica Kensinger
Claire Williams
Will Jacob
Boyd Jackson
Occupational Therapist, Clinic Communication Coordinator
Email Joanna
Joanna graduated in 2015 from University of Southern Indiana with her MS in Occupational Therapy. While in graduate school, Joanna completed two fieldwork rotations in pediatrics and was especially interested in working with individuals with developmental disabilities. After graduation, she worked in a skilled nursing facility for a year prior to taking an OT position in an ABA center, primarily working with children on the autism spectrum as well as children with other behavioral and emotional regulation challenges until she joined the TherAplay team in August 2021.
Joanna is passionate about the ability of the horses to bring out the pure joy in the kiddos, as well as help them to open up in ways that she's never experienced before in other clinical settings. In her spare time, Joanna enjoys playing with her dog Jack, watching movies, baking, and spending time with her nephew.
Occupational Therapist
Email Emily
Emily graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2021 with a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. She spent her residency semester in Puerto Rico working at a pediatric outpatient clinic and in foster homes. Since grad school, she has worked in a pediatric clinic and in First Steps. She has a passion for working with underserved populations and meeting families and children right where they're at. She loves to collaborate with and learn from all members of the therapy team to determine the best possible plans and outcomes. Seeing children work hard while having fun is the best reward. Emily had an interest in working at TherAplay because of its unique environment and she believes that the use of horses and animals provides so many amazing therapeutic benefits.
When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, going to church, going for walks, and playing with her daughter.
Occupational Therapist
Email Jaime
Jaime graduated in 1990 from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Medical Professions / Occupational Therapy. She completed her graduate training in pediatric occupational therapy as a research fellow at OSU from 1991 to 1993 and went on to work for Easter Seals of Central Ohio and Allied Health Professions private practice, both in Columbus, OH. She became SIPT certified in 1996.
After Jaime moved to Indianapolis in 1997, she worked as a pediatric occupational therapist at Riverview Hospital with early intervention and Tri-County Education Co-op in outpatient rehabilitation.
In 1998, Jaime became an independent provider for First Steps of Indiana and, from 2000 to 2004, was employed in an independent contract position with Children's TherAplay. We were delighted to have Jaime return to Children's TherAplay as a PRN (as needed) contractor in 2011.
Jamie has completed American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level I Equine Skills and Treatment Principle
Occupational Therapist
Email Molly
Molly attended Indiana State Univesity and received her Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2022. Prior to working at TherAplay, she worked as a school based OT and continues to work PRN in acute care. Molly has a passion for cultivating meaningful relationships with kiddos and their families to help them build skills to reach their greatest potential. She loves that TherAplay provides children with a unique, fun, and effective intervention that can help them meet their goals and milestones.
Molly is originally from Cleveland, Ohio but came to Indiana for undergrad in 2016 and never left! Outside of work, she enjoys doing anything outdoors! She enjoys spending time with my husband, playing tennis, hiking, and making sourdough!
Occupational Therapist
Email Amanda
Physical Therapist
Email Teresa
(317) 872-4166 x7400
Teresa graduated from The Ohio State University in 1990 with a BS in Allied Health in Physical Therapy. She has specialized in pediatrics since the start of her career, working in both hospital and clinic based outpatient rehabilitation. She has been integrating hippotherapy into her treatments for 10 years.
Teresa’s specialty training includes Neuro Developmentl Treatment Certification; the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level II Course; as well as advanced training in kinesiotaping, gait training, sensory integration, and dynamic bracing for pediatrics.
Facility Service Dog
In addition to her experience and enthusiasm, Teresa brings AJ, a facility service dog through Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). AJ is a Lab/Golden cross who graduated CCI in 2016 and has been trained to successfully perform over 50 different commands to assist individuals with physical needs.
AJ works alongside our therapists to help children enjoy their treatment even more.
Physical Therapist
Email Sam
(317) 872-4166
Sam graduated from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) with their bachelors in kinesiology in 2020 and went on to get their doctorate in physical therapy from Bellarmine University in 2023. Their capstone project in PT school focused on developing a novel tool to differentiate rock climbing skill level. Sam was invited to present their research findings both at the national level in San Diago and international level in Switzerland.
Since graduation Sam has worked in the pediatric outpatient setting. Sam is excited to help each child reach their unique goals. With a passion for creating fun and engaging therapy sessions, Sam ensures that every child enjoys their journey towards improved mobility, strength, and overall well-being.
Sam loves Children’s TherAplay because of the wide variety of opportunities to work towards goals. Whether that be on the horse, in the barn, at the playground, or one of the many clinic spaces.
Outside of work you can find Sam either outside rock climbing or at the studio turning chunks of clay into something functional.
Physical Therapist
Email Nikee
(317) 872-4166
Nikee graduated from Indiana University with her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology in 2016, and went on to get her doctorate in physical therapy from Univeristy of Indianapolis in 2019.
Nikee is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), and is also certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG (LSVT-BIG) which has helped her in her work with adults. Nikee has clinical experience in outpatient rehabilitation including pediatrics, orthopedics, and neurologic. She completed her doctoral dissertation on the benefits of animal-assisted intervention, so she is very passionate about hippotherapy!
In her free time, Nikee likes to kayak, line dance, and work out.
Physical Therapist
Email Jessica
(317) 872-4166
Jessica graduated with her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in 2010 and went on to get her doctorate in physical therapy from Indiana University in 2013.
Jessica became a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist in 2017 and has completed the AHA Level 1 course. She has had experience in a variety of settings including acute care, outpatient orthopedics, and pediatrics. She loves being a part of each kid's journey as they progress in their skills and working alongside a collaborative team that is so dedicated to providing the best care for each of our kids.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, running, reading, and cooking/baking!
Director of Therapy Services
Speech Language Pathologist
Email Carah
Carah graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Services with minors in Psychology and Spanish. She then recieved a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Christian University and a Doctorate Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University.
Carah has worked extensively in outpatient pediatric clinics with children from birth through 21 years old. She has gained additional experience working in private pediatric clinics, early intervention home health, school setting, and private home health. Carah also has extensive experience serving the adult population in the outpatient, inpatient, and skilled nursing setting. Carah recently attended Northwestern University and completed her degree as a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology in 2020 to continue to improve the lives of the people she serves with higher education in business, process improvement, research, policy, supervision, education, and organizational behavior.
Carah thoroughly enjoys watching kids thrive and reach their goals in a fun, loving, caring environment while utilizing horses as a modality of treatment. She loves that TherAplay is continuously striving for improved patient care and outcomes through ongoing education and continuous improvement projects. Carah believes TherAplay truly cares about their community and the patients they serve.
Outside of TherAplay, Carah loves being with her family, traveling the world, reading, knitting, working out, and mentoring teens. Fun Fact, Carah has a Cavalier King Charles who loves to cuddle, take walks, and travel the Midwest with her.
Speech Language Pathologist
Email Karina
Karina graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Spanish and Communication Sciences and Disorders. Karina then received a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Christian University.
Before coming to Children's TherAplay, Karina worked at Riverview Health within the outpatient and inpatient settings. Prior to that, she was working at the Center for Speech, Language, Occupational, and Behavior Therapy in California as a Lead Clinician. She has also worked in an elementary school in Michigan for two years and has experience working with children ranging from 18 months to 18 years including, but not limited to, the areas of speech and language, alternative and augmentative communication, feeding and swallowing, executive function, fluency, literacy, as well as social pragmatics.
Karina loves that the Children's TherAplay environment provides the opportunity to explore, have fun, and be creative within therapy.
Outside of TherAplay, Karina enjoys Functional fitness, anything outdoors (hiking/paddle boarding), and making kombucha. Fun fact, she has the sweetest dog named Addy May who also loves to go hiking and paddleboarding
Speech Language Pathologist
Email Ericka
Ericka graduated with her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She completed her clinical fellowship year at a pediatric multi-disciplinary outpatient clinic where she worked with kids from birth to 18 years old with a variety of diagnoses and ability levels. Ericka is passionate about helping children find their "voice" with a variety of modalities (AAC, gestures, speech) and helping foster safe, efficient, and positive mealtime experiences.
Ericka got married in September 2024 and recently moved to Indianapolis from Milwaukee WI. She loves that Children's TherAplay creates a language-enriched environment for children to grow in communication and functionally communicate with other peers and staff members throughout their sessions. She also loves that TherAplay fosters an evidence-based, creative, and fun experience for the children.
Outside of TherAplay, Ericka loves to do anything active! She enjoys running, hiking, boxing, and hot yoga. A fun fact about Ericka is that she has a big family! She is one of 7: 4 sisters and 2 brothers
Speech Langugae Pathologist
Email Emily
Emily is originally from Westfield, IN, and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, with a minor in Interpersonal Relations, and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Ball State University.
Before joining Children's TherAplay, Emily spent three years working in an elementary school in Maryland, serving students from preschool through fifth grade, including those in specialized autism programs. She provided evaluations and therapy for a range of areas, including articulation, fluency, social communication, AAC, expressive language, receptive language, and cognition.
Emily is passionate about supporting children’s growth as they achieve their goals and is dedicated to the transformative impact of hippotherapy and collaborative care at Children's TheraPlay.
Outside of TherAplay, Emily enjoys traveling, hiking, and boating with friends and family. She also enjoys DIY projects and gardening. Her pet rabbit, Roxie, proudly serves as the top gardening supervisor and expert produce critic.
Beau is generously funded by Indiana Thermal Solutions
Beau's stall is generously funded by Tom & Debbie Shine and Mark & Janet Nelson
17-year-old large pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: Novemeber 2022
Beau is social, sweet, and cuddly. He has an athletic build that is the perfect size for kiddos ready to move up from our smallest ponies and transition to using the mounting block for a more independent mount.
Ella and her stall are both generously funded by Leslie Ackerman.
15-year-old Welsh Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: March 2022
Ella used to be a lesson horse at Lucky Farms next door, so she gets to live by many of her old friends!
Giuseppe and his stall are generously funded by Corbin Capital Partners
21-year-old Paint Horse, Thoroughbred, and Mustang Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: August 2021
Giuseppe is a former eventer and hunter/jumper. He is an absolute sweetheart and loves working with our kiddos! He is a great horse for our bigger kids who need higher movement within their sessions. He is a gentle giran and has an extremely easygoing temperment.
Janey Ray and her stall are both generously funded by The SOL Foundation
15-year-old Quarter and Arabian mix
Joined Children's TherAplay: May 2024
Janey was a trail horse before coming to Children's TherAplay. She is a mid back with a consistent, slow and swaying pace. She is a reliable and relaxing ride for our kiddos!
Kipper is generously funded by Mike and Lindsay Martin, in honor of Larry, Marsha, Kathy Martin and Robert Simcoe.
Kipper's stall is generously funded by Mary Kennedy
19-year-old Welsh Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: December 2019
Kipper was well-loved by his owner and her grandchildren before becoming a part of the TherAplay family. He is appreciated for his forward, high moving gait. He is perfect for kiddos who need a small pony with lots of input.
Luna is generously funded by Copper Creek Canyon.
Luna's stall is generously funded through Mudsock Fest.
26-year-old Percheron
Joined Children's TherAplay: April 2022
Luna was rescued by one of our own handlers! She is a great horse for our kiddos who need a medium to high movement within theri sessions. She is a very steady horse to get our kiddos used to this type of movement, and she is always very attentive to what our handlers ask of her.
Moe and his stall are both generously funded by Hank and Jayma Meyers
28-year-old Halfinger
Joined Children's TherAplay: July 2011
Moe is curious about everything and loves to play in the pasture. He is a great next-level horse for our kiddos who are ready to add a bit more challenge to their treatment.
Nemo and his stall are both generously funded by Theresa Catterson Kraft and Kathryn Kraft.
28-year-old Halflinger
Joined Children's TherAplay: June 2022
Nemo absolutely loves attention and is always one to say hello to every person that walks by! Nemo is great for our kiddos who need a nice, easy pase during their sessions. His calm demeanour allows him to be around anyone with no problems.
Pony Boy is generously funded by Barb Bixler in honor of Evelyn & Isadora Dock
Pony Boy's stall is generously funded through Mudsock Fest
11-year-old Grade Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: January 2023
Pony Boy is our youngest pony. Before he came to TherAplay, he was a solid steed for a couple of little kids and before that, he was at a camp in Montana. He is appreciated for being our smallest horse but still offering high movement! His wide back makes it easy for kiddos to do all sorts of positions while riding; sitting backwards, on their hands and knees, and event standing up!
Peanut & Banana and their stall are gereously funded by The Myers Family
Peanut is a 21-year-old Miniature Horse and Banana is a 18-year-old Minature Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: March 2023
Peanut and Banana are a bonded pair! They have been together their entire lives and have been therapy ponies for a long time. These horses are not for riding, instead they are used for our Theraputic Animal Assisted Groundwork (TAAG) sessions. Kiddos utilize Peanut and Banana to practice grooming, feeding, leading, and other groundwork activities.
Red and his stall are both generously funded by Leslie Ackerman.
22-year-old Grade Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: February 2014
Red is nothing short of adorable! He loves children and enjoyed giving rides to his family's grandchildren in his past life. Our horse handlers call him their "little Red sports car" becuase of the east with which he moves. Red provides a lot of stimulating movement for our littlest clients.
Spot is generously funded by Jana and Tim Wiley, Kathy Wiley Smith, Dillon Wiley, & the Richardson Family.
Spot's stall is generously funded by Ray, Kevin and Bridget Kennedy. And Steve and Heather Douglas
13-year-old Pony of the Americas
Joined Children's TherAplay: May 2023
Spot have a very curious personality and loves scratches from the kiddos. Before Children's TherAplay, he was used as a mount for Pony Club and his show name is "The Spotted Wizard"! While he is on the shorter side, he is very broad and muscular which makes it possible for him to carry our larger riders.
Willow and his stall are both generously funded by Gary Aletto
14-year-old Welsh Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: November 2023
Willow has a low-back mid size horse with AP/Lateral movement. He is generally a low-movement horse.
Zella and her stall are both generously funded by The Phil and Sharen Myers Living Trust in honor of Ally, Livy, Luke, and Kenzy.
17-year-old Paint Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: September 2024
Zella just came to us September 2024 and is currently on trial. She was used for trail riding before coming here. We are excited about her size, her wide base of support, and slow rhythmic movement.
Executive Director
Email Kathy
Director of Clinic Operations
Email Kim
Director of Finance
Email Delsie
Director of Development
Email Kassie
Medical Billing Coordinator
Email Brenda
Events Manager
Email Breinne
Development Manager
Email Katie
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Email Amelia
Front Office Coordinator
Email Ivy
Volunteer Coordinator
Email Ellie
Director of Equine Programs
Email Kirby
Lead Horse Handler
Halie Smith
Horse Handler
Janessa Snethen
Horse Handler
Horse Handler
Horse Handler
Horse Handler and Exercise Specialist
Horse Handler
Horse Handler
2024 Horse Handlers (not pictured):
Anica Isch
Erin Sheets
Glenn Livers
Sarah Blair
Christy Knowlin
Emma Freed
Sarah Vlink
Madelyn Henley
Jessica Kensinger
Claire Williams
Will Jacob
Boyd Jackson
Occupational Therapist, Clinic Communication Coordinator
Email Joanna
Joanna graduated in 2015 from University of Southern Indiana with her MS in Occupational Therapy. While in graduate school, Joanna completed two fieldwork rotations in pediatrics and was especially interested in working with individuals with developmental disabilities. After graduation, she worked in a skilled nursing facility for a year prior to taking an OT position in an ABA center, primarily working with children on the autism spectrum as well as children with other behavioral and emotional regulation challenges until she joined the TherAplay team in August 2021.
Joanna is passionate about the ability of the horses to bring out the pure joy in the kiddos, as well as help them to open up in ways that she's never experienced before in other clinical settings. In her spare time, Joanna enjoys playing with her dog Jack, watching movies, baking, and spending time with her nephew.
Occupational Therapist
Email Emily
Emily graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2021 with a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. She spent her residency semester in Puerto Rico working at a pediatric outpatient clinic and in foster homes. Since grad school, she has worked in a pediatric clinic and in First Steps. She has a passion for working with underserved populations and meeting families and children right where they're at. She loves to collaborate with and learn from all members of the therapy team to determine the best possible plans and outcomes. Seeing children work hard while having fun is the best reward. Emily had an interest in working at TherAplay because of its unique environment and she believes that the use of horses and animals provides so many amazing therapeutic benefits.
When she's not working, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, going to church, going for walks, and playing with her daughter.
Occupational Therapist
Email Jaime
Jaime graduated in 1990 from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Medical Professions / Occupational Therapy. She completed her graduate training in pediatric occupational therapy as a research fellow at OSU from 1991 to 1993 and went on to work for Easter Seals of Central Ohio and Allied Health Professions private practice, both in Columbus, OH. She became SIPT certified in 1996.
After Jaime moved to Indianapolis in 1997, she worked as a pediatric occupational therapist at Riverview Hospital with early intervention and Tri-County Education Co-op in outpatient rehabilitation.
In 1998, Jaime became an independent provider for First Steps of Indiana and, from 2000 to 2004, was employed in an independent contract position with Children's TherAplay. We were delighted to have Jaime return to Children's TherAplay as a PRN (as needed) contractor in 2011.
Jamie has completed American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level I Equine Skills and Treatment Principle
Occupational Therapist
Email Molly
Molly attended Indiana State Univesity and received her Master's of Science in Occupational Therapy in 2022. Prior to working at TherAplay, she worked as a school based OT and continues to work PRN in acute care. Molly has a passion for cultivating meaningful relationships with kiddos and their families to help them build skills to reach their greatest potential. She loves that TherAplay provides children with a unique, fun, and effective intervention that can help them meet their goals and milestones.
Molly is originally from Cleveland, Ohio but came to Indiana for undergrad in 2016 and never left! Outside of work, she enjoys doing anything outdoors! She enjoys spending time with my husband, playing tennis, hiking, and making sourdough!
Occupational Therapist
Email Amanda
Physical Therapist
Email Teresa
(317) 872-4166 x7400
Teresa graduated from The Ohio State University in 1990 with a BS in Allied Health in Physical Therapy. She has specialized in pediatrics since the start of her career, working in both hospital and clinic based outpatient rehabilitation. She has been integrating hippotherapy into her treatments for 10 years.
Teresa’s specialty training includes Neuro Developmentl Treatment Certification; the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Level II Course; as well as advanced training in kinesiotaping, gait training, sensory integration, and dynamic bracing for pediatrics.
Facility Service Dog
In addition to her experience and enthusiasm, Teresa brings AJ, a facility service dog through Canine Companions for Independence (CCI). AJ is a Lab/Golden cross who graduated CCI in 2016 and has been trained to successfully perform over 50 different commands to assist individuals with physical needs.
AJ works alongside our therapists to help children enjoy their treatment even more.
Physical Therapist
Email Sam
(317) 872-4166
Sam graduated from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) with their bachelors in kinesiology in 2020 and went on to get their doctorate in physical therapy from Bellarmine University in 2023. Their capstone project in PT school focused on developing a novel tool to differentiate rock climbing skill level. Sam was invited to present their research findings both at the national level in San Diago and international level in Switzerland.
Since graduation Sam has worked in the pediatric outpatient setting. Sam is excited to help each child reach their unique goals. With a passion for creating fun and engaging therapy sessions, Sam ensures that every child enjoys their journey towards improved mobility, strength, and overall well-being.
Sam loves Children’s TherAplay because of the wide variety of opportunities to work towards goals. Whether that be on the horse, in the barn, at the playground, or one of the many clinic spaces.
Outside of work you can find Sam either outside rock climbing or at the studio turning chunks of clay into something functional.
Physical Therapist
Email Nikee
(317) 872-4166
Nikee graduated from Indiana University with her undergraduate degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology in 2016, and went on to get her doctorate in physical therapy from Univeristy of Indianapolis in 2019.
Nikee is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS), and is also certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment BIG (LSVT-BIG) which has helped her in her work with adults. Nikee has clinical experience in outpatient rehabilitation including pediatrics, orthopedics, and neurologic. She completed her doctoral dissertation on the benefits of animal-assisted intervention, so she is very passionate about hippotherapy!
In her free time, Nikee likes to kayak, line dance, and work out.
Physical Therapist
Email Jessica
(317) 872-4166
Jessica graduated with her bachelor's degree in Kinesiology in 2010 and went on to get her doctorate in physical therapy from Indiana University in 2013.
Jessica became a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist in 2017 and has completed the AHA Level 1 course. She has had experience in a variety of settings including acute care, outpatient orthopedics, and pediatrics. She loves being a part of each kid's journey as they progress in their skills and working alongside a collaborative team that is so dedicated to providing the best care for each of our kids.
Outside of work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, running, reading, and cooking/baking!
Director of Therapy Services
Speech Language Pathologist
Email Carah
Carah graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Speech, Language, and Hearing Services with minors in Psychology and Spanish. She then recieved a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Christian University and a Doctorate Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Northwestern University.
Carah has worked extensively in outpatient pediatric clinics with children from birth through 21 years old. She has gained additional experience working in private pediatric clinics, early intervention home health, school setting, and private home health. Carah also has extensive experience serving the adult population in the outpatient, inpatient, and skilled nursing setting. Carah recently attended Northwestern University and completed her degree as a Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology in 2020 to continue to improve the lives of the people she serves with higher education in business, process improvement, research, policy, supervision, education, and organizational behavior.
Carah thoroughly enjoys watching kids thrive and reach their goals in a fun, loving, caring environment while utilizing horses as a modality of treatment. She loves that TherAplay is continuously striving for improved patient care and outcomes through ongoing education and continuous improvement projects. Carah believes TherAplay truly cares about their community and the patients they serve.
Outside of TherAplay, Carah loves being with her family, traveling the world, reading, knitting, working out, and mentoring teens. Fun Fact, Carah has a Cavalier King Charles who loves to cuddle, take walks, and travel the Midwest with her.
Speech Language Pathologist
Email Karina
Karina graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science in Spanish and Communication Sciences and Disorders. Karina then received a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Texas Christian University.
Before coming to Children's TherAplay, Karina worked at Riverview Health within the outpatient and inpatient settings. Prior to that, she was working at the Center for Speech, Language, Occupational, and Behavior Therapy in California as a Lead Clinician. She has also worked in an elementary school in Michigan for two years and has experience working with children ranging from 18 months to 18 years including, but not limited to, the areas of speech and language, alternative and augmentative communication, feeding and swallowing, executive function, fluency, literacy, as well as social pragmatics.
Karina loves that the Children's TherAplay environment provides the opportunity to explore, have fun, and be creative within therapy.
Outside of TherAplay, Karina enjoys Functional fitness, anything outdoors (hiking/paddle boarding), and making kombucha. Fun fact, she has the sweetest dog named Addy May who also loves to go hiking and paddleboarding
Speech Language Pathologist
Email Ericka
Ericka graduated with her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She completed her clinical fellowship year at a pediatric multi-disciplinary outpatient clinic where she worked with kids from birth to 18 years old with a variety of diagnoses and ability levels. Ericka is passionate about helping children find their "voice" with a variety of modalities (AAC, gestures, speech) and helping foster safe, efficient, and positive mealtime experiences.
Ericka got married in September 2024 and recently moved to Indianapolis from Milwaukee WI. She loves that Children's TherAplay creates a language-enriched environment for children to grow in communication and functionally communicate with other peers and staff members throughout their sessions. She also loves that TherAplay fosters an evidence-based, creative, and fun experience for the children.
Outside of TherAplay, Ericka loves to do anything active! She enjoys running, hiking, boxing, and hot yoga. A fun fact about Ericka is that she has a big family! She is one of 7: 4 sisters and 2 brothers
Speech Langugae Pathologist
Email Emily
Emily is originally from Westfield, IN, and earned both a Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology, with a minor in Interpersonal Relations, and a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology from Ball State University.
Before joining Children's TherAplay, Emily spent three years working in an elementary school in Maryland, serving students from preschool through fifth grade, including those in specialized autism programs. She provided evaluations and therapy for a range of areas, including articulation, fluency, social communication, AAC, expressive language, receptive language, and cognition.
Emily is passionate about supporting children’s growth as they achieve their goals and is dedicated to the transformative impact of hippotherapy and collaborative care at Children's TheraPlay.
Outside of TherAplay, Emily enjoys traveling, hiking, and boating with friends and family. She also enjoys DIY projects and gardening. Her pet rabbit, Roxie, proudly serves as the top gardening supervisor and expert produce critic.
Beau is generously funded by Indiana Thermal Solutions
Beau's stall is generously funded by Tom & Debbie Shine and Mark & Janet Nelson
17-year-old large pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: Novemeber 2022
Beau is social, sweet, and cuddly. He has an athletic build that is the perfect size for kiddos ready to move up from our smallest ponies and transition to using the mounting block for a more independent mount.
Ella and her stall are both generously funded by Leslie Ackerman.
15-year-old Welsh Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: March 2022
Ella used to be a lesson horse at Lucky Farms next door, so she gets to live by many of her old friends!
Giuseppe and his stall are generously funded by Corbin Capital Partners
21-year-old Paint Horse, Thoroughbred, and Mustang Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: August 2021
Giuseppe is a former eventer and hunter/jumper. He is an absolute sweetheart and loves working with our kiddos! He is a great horse for our bigger kids who need higher movement within their sessions. He is a gentle giran and has an extremely easygoing temperment.
Janey Ray and her stall are both generously funded by The SOL Foundation
15-year-old Quarter and Arabian mix
Joined Children's TherAplay: May 2024
Janey was a trail horse before coming to Children's TherAplay. She is a mid back with a consistent, slow and swaying pace. She is a reliable and relaxing ride for our kiddos!
Kipper is generously funded by Mike and Lindsay Martin, in honor of Larry, Marsha, Kathy Martin and Robert Simcoe.
Kipper's stall is generously funded by Mary Kennedy
19-year-old Welsh Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: December 2019
Kipper was well-loved by his owner and her grandchildren before becoming a part of the TherAplay family. He is appreciated for his forward, high moving gait. He is perfect for kiddos who need a small pony with lots of input.
Luna is generously funded by Copper Creek Canyon.
Luna's stall is generously funded through Mudsock Fest.
26-year-old Percheron
Joined Children's TherAplay: April 2022
Luna was rescued by one of our own handlers! She is a great horse for our kiddos who need a medium to high movement within theri sessions. She is a very steady horse to get our kiddos used to this type of movement, and she is always very attentive to what our handlers ask of her.
Moe and his stall are both generously funded by Hank and Jayma Meyers
28-year-old Halfinger
Joined Children's TherAplay: July 2011
Moe is curious about everything and loves to play in the pasture. He is a great next-level horse for our kiddos who are ready to add a bit more challenge to their treatment.
Nemo and his stall are both generously funded by Theresa Catterson Kraft and Kathryn Kraft.
28-year-old Halflinger
Joined Children's TherAplay: June 2022
Nemo absolutely loves attention and is always one to say hello to every person that walks by! Nemo is great for our kiddos who need a nice, easy pase during their sessions. His calm demeanour allows him to be around anyone with no problems.
Pony Boy is generously funded by Barb Bixler in honor of Evelyn & Isadora Dock
Pony Boy's stall is generously funded through Mudsock Fest
11-year-old Grade Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: January 2023
Pony Boy is our youngest pony. Before he came to TherAplay, he was a solid steed for a couple of little kids and before that, he was at a camp in Montana. He is appreciated for being our smallest horse but still offering high movement! His wide back makes it easy for kiddos to do all sorts of positions while riding; sitting backwards, on their hands and knees, and event standing up!
Peanut & Banana and their stall are gereously funded by The Myers Family
Peanut is a 21-year-old Miniature Horse and Banana is a 18-year-old Minature Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: March 2023
Peanut and Banana are a bonded pair! They have been together their entire lives and have been therapy ponies for a long time. These horses are not for riding, instead they are used for our Theraputic Animal Assisted Groundwork (TAAG) sessions. Kiddos utilize Peanut and Banana to practice grooming, feeding, leading, and other groundwork activities.
Red and his stall are both generously funded by Leslie Ackerman.
22-year-old Grade Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: February 2014
Red is nothing short of adorable! He loves children and enjoyed giving rides to his family's grandchildren in his past life. Our horse handlers call him their "little Red sports car" becuase of the east with which he moves. Red provides a lot of stimulating movement for our littlest clients.
Spot is generously funded by Jana and Tim Wiley, Kathy Wiley Smith, Dillon Wiley, & the Richardson Family.
Spot's stall is generously funded by Ray, Kevin and Bridget Kennedy. And Steve and Heather Douglas
13-year-old Pony of the Americas
Joined Children's TherAplay: May 2023
Spot have a very curious personality and loves scratches from the kiddos. Before Children's TherAplay, he was used as a mount for Pony Club and his show name is "The Spotted Wizard"! While he is on the shorter side, he is very broad and muscular which makes it possible for him to carry our larger riders.
Willow and his stall are both generously funded by Gary Aletto
14-year-old Welsh Pony
Joined Children's TherAplay: November 2023
Willow has a low-back mid size horse with AP/Lateral movement. He is generally a low-movement horse.
Zella and her stall are both generously funded by The Phil and Sharen Myers Living Trust in honor of Ally, Livy, Luke, and Kenzy.
17-year-old Paint Horse
Joined Children's TherAplay: September 2024
Zella just came to us September 2024 and is currently on trial. She was used for trail riding before coming here. We are excited about her size, her wide base of support, and slow rhythmic movement.
