Treatment Team
Meet Our Human Team
Mary Sofianos
Practice\Social
Media Manager
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Open Position
Therapist
Stefanie King
Equine Specialist
Open Position
Animal Care Specialist
Healing With Animals
Our therapy animals are an important part of the therapeutic experience, offering comfort, companionship, and a unique kind of support that only animals can provide.
Animals can help us feel grounded, safe, and understood without judgment. They bring warmth to sessions, encourage mindfulness, and remind us to be present in the moment. Research shows that time spent with therapy animals can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and increase feelings of calm and trust—making them wonderful partners in the healing process.
How They Help
Our therapy animals may partner with us during sessions, outdoor activities, or in special therapeutic activities. Their presence can support:
Emotional regulation and stress relief
01
Building trust and relational skills
02
Increasing self-awareness and confidence
03
Providing comfort during difficult conversations
04
Our Animal Companions
All of our therapy animals are rescued or rehomed animals. Currently, we have two dogs, two cats, two horses, a miniature horse and two miniature donkeys. Our therapy animals who have crossed over are still very much alive in our hearts and we share content about their stories, the lessons they taught us and the love we share with them in the Blue Lotus Learning Community Membership.
Hera
Female, born 7/3/15
Hera and her daughter Athena was born 6/3/16. Hera was rescued when she was pregnant. Loving homes were found for her kittens Venus, Apollo and Hercules.
Mac
Male, born approx. 10/15/17
American Staffordshire Terrier rescue. He is a certified therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International since 2019.
Simba
Male, born 4/24/2012
Simba, a miniature horse gelding, is also from a rescue in West Virginia. His exact age is a guesstimate celebrated
Champ
2007-2023
In our hearts and never far away are Champ, our original therapy dog, who touched the lives of so many people and Solar Phoenix, our incredible therapy horse, a main partner in our research study. Both left indelible marks on our hearts, our work and our lives. Champ was with us for 15 years. He loved life and shared his love with everyone he met. We miss him dearly and continue to share his story, messages and endless love with others through the Blue Lotus Learning Community. Champ’s obituary is available here Champ's Obituary.
Athena
Female, born 6/3/16
Daughter of Hera, a sweetheart who loves belly rubs. ‎ ‎
Zeus
Male, born 3/5/2008
Zeus is a rehomed ex-racing Thoroughbred, who won a race at Belmont Park as a 3 year old hence his nickname, Zeus Lightening.
Bella
Female, born 12/18/16
A loving miniature donkey who has a gift for helping people slow down and breathe. She gives the best donkey hugs.
Solar Phoenix
2021 d.
Solar Phoenix was a Quarter Horse with a big heart. He was part of the randomized controlled trial of equine-assisted mental health counseling study. He was a loving and patient equine partner and he also taught many children and adults how to ride. He came to us at the end of his life to spend a few months in our care before he passed. We cherished this time together and share his stories, messages and videos in the Blue Lotus Learning Community.
Jacques aka Taco
Male, born 9/11/2017
West Highland White Terrier rescue who was certified as a therapy dog through Therapy Dogs International in 2018.
Marcus
Male, born 1/25/16
A quarter Horse gelding from a rescue in West Virginia
Cinnamon
Female, born 12/25/16
Bella’s best friend and confidant. A sweet donkey who takes a little time to trust but has so much love to give.
A Note About Interaction
Every session is tailored to the client’s unique, collaboratively agreed upon treatment goals. Our approach to therapy is integrative, meaning we utilize the skills, approach and methodology that best supports our clients while being grounded in a humanistic, client-centered, existential, and evidence-based approach. Our equine assisted mental health counseling sessions are unmounted and are grounded in the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning (EAGALA) model. Safety for our human clients and animal partner is always of the utmost importance.