Kris has over 20 years of experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy and over ten years of experience in equine-assisted services and therapies. She has worked with children and adults with disabilities, at-risk youth, children in foster care, abused children, veterans, parolees, and the homeless. Kris joined The Arbor in 2012 under the mentorship of Mary Lynn Szymandera, LCDC, CEIP, founder of The Arbor’s equine program. Kris is a therapeutic riding instructor (TRI) and equine specialist in mental health and learning (ESMHL) certified by the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH International). She has received training from the EAGALA (Equine- Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and Natural Lifemanship™. Kris oversees the care and well-being of The Arbor horses and facilitates weekly one-on-one equine therapy sessions and weekly gender-specific group equine sessions for The Arbor clients. She also facilitates equine therapy for The Arbor’s monthly family program.
