Sarah is our attachment specialist and the only other certified trainer in The Icarus Model ® of equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Since 2016, she has been deeply involved in the equine industry, focusing on strengthening the connection between humans and horses. Her experience includes hands-on training and mentorship under numerous professionals in the field.
In 2022, Sarah joined Skye Therapy, initially providing behavioral services before transitioning into her current role as a counselor. She also serves as the Education Director for Health World, a nonprofit that offers horse riding camps for Title 1 schools in the Scottsdale area.
Before entering the field of mental health, Sarah was a high school science teacher, working with alternative youth populations in Downtown Phoenix. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her many animals, volunteering with local museums, and exploring the outdoors.
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Professional Health Sciences with a Minor in Anthropology from Arizona State University. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University, followed by a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Sarah is currently pursuing a Doctor of Behavioral Health at the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. She is our head research associate, conducting research on The Icarus Model ® at this time.
Sarah is Geek Therapy® Certified with the ability to incorporate pop culture and gaming into her clinical work to better connect with clients. This approach also helps clients develop healthier relationships with electronics by teaching natural stopping points in gameplay. This can be virtual or in person.
She has formal training in Equid Nexus® IFS Equine-Engaged “parts-work,” Somatic Experiencing®, The Icarus Model® of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), clinical hypnosis, Equine Somatic Pathways™ and trauma-informed play therapy techniques.
Sarah is known for her non-judgmental, compassionate nature. She brings a down-to-earth presence and takes the time to build meaningful connections with each client. She is especially passionate about supporting children and young adults with anxiety, ADHD, and Autism. In her work, she frequently partners with dogs, sheep and horses as co-facilitators in the therapeutic process.
Her rates are $165 – $195. Her location is at Horne & McKellips Rd, in Mesa, AZ. Monday-Thursday 8-5
Alaina is a Christian Licensed Associate Counselor with a passion for helping clients while engaging horses. Alaina grew up immersed in the equestrian world through 4-H and her high school and college equestrian teams. Over the years, Alaina has developed a deep understanding of horse behavior and the unique connection between humans and horses, which facilitates the healing & insight she brings into her equine-assisted therapy work.
Alaina earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in Child and Adolescent Psychology from Grand Canyon University. She specializes in anxiety, ADHD, and Autism in children and adults. Her other passion is to incorporate IFS parts work to help people overcome insecurities and undesirable behaviors. Alongside the horses, she likes to “go deep” with her teenage and adult clients.
Alaina started in 2020 as a special needs substitute teacher at a public school in Washington. She has a passion for working with children in a group setting, with a background in running small groups at her church for 4 years. Most recently, she was leading intensive outpatient therapy for adolescents at Transitions Counseling and Consulting with a focus on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. She has formal and online training in The Icarus Model® of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), Equid Nexus® IFS-Informed parts work with horses (currently working through this training), and Equine Somatic Pathways™ by Cara Gereau. She has received training from Calm OCD to effectively treat various forms of OCD (we only treat silent OCD or Pure O). Lastly, she has been certified as a trauma professional, including parts work.
Alaina believes each client is the expert of their own life. She creates a supportive space where clients can connect with both themselves and the horses to explore their strengths, build emotional awareness, make new neural connections, and develop insight. Here love and passion for her clients really shine through.
In her free time, Alaina enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, and running. She also loves road-tripping, baking, and spending time with her 2 cats.
Her rates are $130 – $180 at her location by Downtown Gilbert. Tuesday-Friday 8-6
This practice is dedicated to Kona! He was a loyal therapy dog for 10 years. He helped this practice thrive and dedicated most of his life to helping clients. He lived a long life but passed of bone cancer in 2023 just shy of age 12. He will always be in our hearts and his love will last decades to come… “I loved you for all of your life and I will miss you for the rest of mine.” Thank you to all of my clients for loving him and helping him to thrive for the time he had on this Earth! He truly loved his job and chose to work up until the week he passed.
