STRIDES is comprised of a team of Psychotherapists and Equine Specialists who provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy services and personal development to clients in Southern California. We offer sessions for individuals, couples, (traditional and non-traditional), families, groups, and businesses. |
*STRIDES* is proud to announce that we are now providing equine activities to Military Veterans and their families. Click on this link to learn more: SYNERGY Military Equestrian Program. |
Our current facilities are located in the Santa Clarita Valley (just north of the San Fernando Valley),
In the rural mountains of Castaic, (located in the northern part of the Santa Clarita Valley),
and in the middle of the rural high desert town of Palmdale, (located in the Antelope Valley).
In the rural mountains of Castaic, (located in the northern part of the Santa Clarita Valley),
and in the middle of the rural high desert town of Palmdale, (located in the Antelope Valley).
STRIDES Psychotherapists use horses in their sessions to help humans overcome life's obstacles,
successfully navigate relationship challenges, heal from post-traumatic stress, anxiety, substance use,
and other life stressors.
We also work with businesses and corporations to provide team building workshops leading to greater
employee cohesion and increased productivity in the workplace.
We are available to provide workshops and services to helping professionals such as doctors, nurses,
therapists/interns,school personnel, veterinarian staff, etc. to assist with the high emotional demands
that come with serving others on a daily basis.
STRIDES was founded by three licensed mental health professionals who connected through their passion for combining
psychotherapy with the unique psychological healing power of horses.
psychotherapy with the unique psychological healing power of horses.
MEET OUR STAFF
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JoEllen Perkins JoEllen earned her masters in Social Work from Sacramento State University, and has been licensed since 1986. JoEllen always dragged her family on horseback rides during vacations, but it wasn't until her adult years that she learned to ride, and learned about the power and passion that horses can bring into one’s life. Her first horse, Sweeney, taught her about patience, listening, and truly unconditional love. JoEllen became EAGALA certified in 2000 hoping to harness the power and passion she felt and bring it to others. |
Dina Taylor, LMFT
Dina received her masters degree from Phillips Graduate
Institute, and was licensed as a Marriage Family Child
Therapist in 1991.
Her passion for horses led her to seek out certification from
EAGALA which she received in 2012.
Dina is fluent in American Sign Language, and in her
spare time she enjoys hanging out with her musical
family.
Katie Ryan, LMFT
Katie has had a private practice in Valencia, CA
since 2007.
She is EAGALA certified (equine specialist and mental
health) and recently published a book about horses and
equine therapy entitled Horse Wisdom Alchemy.
Katie is currently the Southern California network
coordinator for EAGALA.
All STRIDES practitioners are certified through EAGALA, a nationally recognized organization that trains
and certifies professionals who practice equine assisted psychotherapy and personal development.
