11/04/2025
Ally is a licensed Social Worker trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), is certified in Equine Assisted Therapy, is a clinician for WCPR under FRSN in Indiana and is also trained in Neurofeedback. She earned a Master’s degree in Social Work in 2024. She began working alongside first responders in 2017, when she was employed by the Department of Child Services. She is completing her clinical licensure with a focus on Trauma Social Work and Counseling. She has clinical experience working with individuals and groups in crisis intervention and stress management, as well as clinical therapy. Ally has developed a profound understanding of first responder culture, as well as the impact this profession has on the mental health of first responders and their loved ones. She has an increased understanding of the benefits equine therapy has on those struggling with PTSD and other mental health illnesses.
For the month of November, we’re featuring equine! Ally has partnered with Reins of Grace and teaches clients the importance of emotional regulation. First responders spend their careers in survival mode—always ready, always alert. Over time, that constant “on” state dysregulates the nervous system, making it hard to truly rest, connect, or feel safe. Through Equine-Assisted Learning, horses become powerful co-regulators.
Grounded in Polyvagal Theory, these experiences help participants:
-Reconnect with their bodies and cues of safety
-Practice calm connection through nonverbal communication
-Learn to shift from fight/flight (sympathetic) into safety and connection (ventral vagal)
Horses don’t judge, diagnose, or demand words. They respond to the state of your nervous system—offering immediate, authentic feedback that helps you practice regulation in real time.
This isn’t just learning about calm—it’s experiencing it through relationships. Clients engage in activities such as grooming, riding, or leading horses. The horses provide non-judgmental feedback and mirroring, which helps clients reflect on their emotions and behaviors. Therapists guide clients through the experience, helping them process their feelings and develop coping mechanisms.
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office Indiana Noblesville Police Department Reins of Grace Stables Daring Greatly