Welcome to Paw Meadows Animal Assisted Therapy
Experience the Power of Paws
Who We Are
Our Practice
We provide mental health treatment and continuing education for professionals 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 Wadsworth.
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
Jennifer Vasquez LPCC-S
Carol Garman, Equine Specialist
Carol Garman, Equine Specialist
Jennifer Vasquez LPCC-S graduated with a bachelors degree in social work from Anderson University. Jennifer spent several years working with children and youth who suffered trauma / neglect in a residential/ alternative school setting. Jennifer went on to get her masters in counseling from the University of Toledo and graduated in 2006.
Jennifer Vasquez LPCC-S graduated with a bachelors degree in social work from Anderson University. Jennifer spent several years working with children and youth who suffered trauma / neglect in a residential/ alternative school setting. Jennifer went on to get her masters in counseling from the University of Toledo and graduated in 2006. Jennifer is passionate about working with school-aged children, adolescents with a history of trauma and self harm as well as young adults learning to navigate the transitions of life. She has years of experience with crisis assessment and intervention in an emergency psychiatric setting. Jennifer has been an Independent Clinical Counselor since 2017. She currently holds a Supervisory Endorsement and enjoys providing clinical supervision to those seeking Independent licensure. Jennifer enjoys working with families to assist with communication barriers, parent/ child relationship struggles, and conflict resolution. Jennifer is married with one daughter, 4 dogs, and their horse, Lucas. Her youngest pup, ‘Beep Beep’, is currently working hard toward her therapy Dog Certification.
Carol Garman, Equine Specialist
Carol Garman, Equine Specialist
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 t
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 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. Carol is an Eagala certified Equine Specialist.
Marian Heyink LISW-S marian@pawmeadowsllc.com
Janna Le TenHuisen LISW-S jannale@pawmeadowsllc.com
Janna Le TenHuisen LISW-S jannale@pawmeadowsllc.com
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. Recentl
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@pawmeadowsllc.com
Janna Le TenHuisen LISW-S jannale@pawmeadowsllc.com
Janna Le TenHuisen LISW-S jannale@pawmeadowsllc.com
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 rescue
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. Janna received her Eagala certification in September of 2020.
Our Animal Team
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?
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. We have multiple species of animals that may run, hop, or fly into your session. It is also possible to take a hike in nicer weather. Bring your fishing pole and we can fish and talk on nice summer days. 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.
Why choose a horse as a therapist?
1. Our best solutions come from within. The horses and clients are each free to interact. It requires nothing of the horse except to be a horse, and nothing from the client except to be present to their experience.
2. Equine Assisted Therapy delivers life-changing outcomes by cultivating positive feelings, thoughts, and actions.
3. Horses are highly sensitive and survive by paying close attention to their environment. Their actions can be a metaphor for a client’s life story.
4. Horses do not judge, which helps create the space of emotional safety during sessions.
5. Horses serve as equal partners of the treatment team. Being in the presence of the horses can open avenues to deeper healing, insights, and new behaviors. When clients feel seen and understood, without threat of judgment, they become empowered to look at challenges in a healthy way.