Welcome to Paw Meadows Animal Assisted Therapy
Experience the Power of Paws
Who We Are
Our Practice
We provide mental health treatment with the assistance of our animal team members. We are competent in animal assisted therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and we are EAGALA certified. We offer Counseling in Medina.
For more information about our practice, watch this interview of our founder, Jen Knobloch by our friends at 330togo!
Our Treatment Focus
Our focus is to help individuals heal, energize, and become aware of their own inner strengths. We achieve this by providing a neutral safe space. Our animal team members also challenge individuals to look within themselves for answers.
Our Patient Promise
Our goal is to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life.
About Us
Michele Bolinger, Equine Specialist
The Founder and Executive Director of Forever Amber Acres Animal Sanctuary, Michele Bolinger, became involved in horse rescue in 2006, when she opened up her heart to a thoroughbred mare in need named ForeverAmber. Michele ran Forever Amber Acres privately for 5 years, before becoming non profit in 2013. In 1990, the Wars in Iraq affected Michele in a very personal and profound way and it became her vision to help military veteran’s heal by incorporating her life-long affinity for thrown away horses. In late 2017, grant funding enabled Michele to be certified as an Equine Specialist through the EAGALA model. Michele has a documented more than 10,000 hours of hands on experience working with gentling and rehabilitating horses and understanding horse psychology! Because of her, FAAAS & the treatment team can now provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Learning (EAL) to NE Ohio’s Military Veteran’s and their families.
Carol Garman, Equine Specialist
Carol resides in Bath, Ohio with her husband, Ron and two rescue dogs, Chance and Lady. Carol received both her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Akron. She also did additional graduate work in reading at The Ohio State University. Using those degrees, she taught reading, kindergarten and first grade. She retired from teaching in 2012 after 35 years with the Revere Local School District. Not wanting to leave behind her dedication to teaching young minds, she has continued her role as a teacher while she tutors children in reading and math. Carol has always been a horse enthusiast. Growing up, she cared for Sheik, her Palomino. Together they spent many hours on the numerous trails in and around Bath. When she heard about the opportunity to volunteer at Forever Amber Acres Sanctuary, her love and commitment to horses was reignited. She began volunteering in 2018 and has fully enjoyed being around horses and other horse enthusiasts again. Currently, she is studying and working towards her certification as an Equine Specialist in the EAGALA model here at Forever Amber Acres Sanctuary. When not at the barn caring for horses or tutoring, Carol enjoys reading, long walks with her pups, but most of all, spending precious time watching her two grandchildren.
Marian Heyink LISW-S
A LISW-S EAGALA and PATH certified, Marian currently works with 2 veterans groups at other programs in the surrounding area. Marian has been a social worker and home care service provider in the past and her desire to make a difference in peoples lives, combined with her love of animals led her to want to help people with horses. Recently, Marian has volunteered at a therapeutic riding center teaching horse riding skills to children and adults with disabilities. In addition to PATH certification, Marian holds dual certifications from EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and has served on EAGALA’s Board of Directors from and served as the Chair. Marian now serves on the Board of Directors for In Step With Horses
Janna Le TenHuisen LISW-S
JannaLe grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania and has always had a passion for the healing power of animals. As a child she was always rescuing strays and unwanted animals, including horses. She recognized early on that animals, especially horses, can hold the key to healing and emotional wellness. Currently, she shares her home with 2 rescued dogs and 5 rescued cats.
JannaLe has been working with children, adolescents, adults, and families for over 25 years. She earned her Master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1996 and she has been a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisory designation since 1999. She has specialized in treating adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma. Her experience has also included working with adults adjusting to various disabilities.
Timothy Roth, Equine Specialist, Veteran Liaison
Tim joined the FAAS barn buddy program in 2020 and quickly took to the horses and our program Many of Tim’s strong leadership skills were developed from his four-year service in the US Army as an Infantryman. During his time in the service, he received the following commendations: Army Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism, Expert Marksmanship Badge, Army Commendation Medal (Fourth Award), Army Achievement Medal (Third Award), Overseas Service Ribbon, Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Expert Infantryman Badge and Combat Infantryman Badge.
Deborah McDonnell, Equine Specialist
Deb currently resides in Cleveland Ohio greeting guests from all over the world while operating an Airbnb during retirement. Retired from the Cleveland Police Department as a patrol officer. Deb was also assigned to the Strike Force, Community Response, and the Mounted Unit. A graduate of Baldwin Wallace with a BA in Psychology and Sociology while working with the Mentally Disabled in Lorain County.Also worked in Cuyahoga County as a teachers aide and residential worker for Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Because of her love of horses Deb volunteered at various therapeutic and rescue centers, including here at FAAAS as a Barn Buddy since 2019. Deb completed her Eagala certification in August of 2015 and truly believes in the healing power of horses and the model in which we utilize here.
Our Therapy
Depression & Anxiety
Depression, fear, and anxiety are some of the most common and uncomfortable emotions that we can experience at some point in our lives. Through counseling and treatment, we are able to help you recover motivation, perspective, and joy that you once had in your life.
Trauma & PTSD
Many individuals can experience symptoms associated with painful and traumatic circumstances. Anxiety, fear, and hopelessness are a few emotions that can linger post traumatic events. We can help you overcome these symptoms and guide you through the process of grief and healing.
EAGALA
The Eagala Model is a team approach that includes a licensed, credentialed Mental Health Professional, and a qualified Equine Specialist, and horses working together with the client at all times.
When inside the arena, all the work is done on the ground with the horses front and center, deliberately unhindered and never ridden, and allowed to interact with the client as they wish.
This creates the space for the client, with the support of the professional facilitators, to reflect, project, and make deep connections.
Sand Tray Therapy
Sand tray therapy is a multi-dimensional therapeutic technique that utilizes the sensory medium of sand and miniatures to process thoughts and feelings to promote healing. Using this medium client’s who have difficulty with vocabulary, or struggle with finding words for what they are experiencing, can express themselves in another way.
FRequently asked Questions
Are the animals a part of all sessions?
Our therapy Dog, Chloe, is around 99 percent of the time. She is certified through Therapy dog International and well trained. We can offer referrals to fantastic therapists in the area who do not have animals in session if needed.
Is Animal/Equine Assisted Therapy covered by insurance?
Yes! Our mental health practitioners use evidenced based practices that are covered by most of the major medical insurance companies. Right now we accept Medical Mutual, Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Tricare, United Health Care, and Summa Care.
Can your horses be ridden?
No. First of all, our horses are unique in that they are all rescues and they all have their own trauma history. Second of all, EAGALA work Is always done on the ground.
What is the difference between an office session and an EAGALA session?
An office session is a typical talk therapy session on the property. Chloe and Freddy, our therapy dog and cat, typically hang around. It is also possible to take a hike on the nature trail in nicer weather. An EAGALA session takes place in the barn or arena with a therapist, equine specialist, and the horses. EAGALA believes that everyone has the ability to come up with their own solutions to their problems and that the horses will empower you to do that.