Uta Halee Girls Village and Cooper Village collaborate with Take Flight Farms to offer Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to our students. EAP uses the beautiful Cooper Farm horses as a tool to aid in emotional growth and learning, which is exceptionally beneficial for adolescents working through extremely difficult issues.

Horses are used in therapy because they have the inherent ability to influence individuals in powerful and positive ways. Horses provide the natural benefit of teaching work ethic, responsibility, assertiveness, communication and healthy relationships.

EAP is administered by a licensed therapist and a horse professional. Uta Halee Girls Village and Cooper Village and Take Flight Farms utilize the talents of Beth Avolio, Ph.D. and Lisa Roskens. Dr. Avolio is a licensed therapist. Lisa is certified by both the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association and Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association, Level I.

The youth in the EAP program have experienced dramatic progress while working with the horses. It is another valuable tool we employ in the treatment of the youth at Uta Halee Girls Village and Cooper Village.