Our Therapist
Samantha Hodges
Samantha Hodges, owner and therapist of HAALT Therapeutic Center, PLLC holds a Masters in Social Work and Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling Certificate from UNF, is a PATH Int’l Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Samantha has experience working with children and fa
Samantha Hodges, owner and therapist of HAALT Therapeutic Center, PLLC holds a Masters in Social Work and Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling Certificate from UNF, is a PATH Int’l Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL) and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Samantha has experience working with children and families, adolescents, and adults affected by domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Samantha is passionate about offering a unique space at the farm to develop relationship with animals to promote healing and growth.
Samantha Hodges
License Number SW21069
Equine Specialist
PATH ESMHL Team Members
PATH ESMHL Team Members
PATH ESMHL Team Members
- PATH International certified Equine Specialists in Mental and Learning (ESMHL) or in-training.
- Specially trained in the ethics of human service delivery such as confidentiality, boundaries in professional relationships, mandated reporting and group/individual facilitation skills.
- Trained, supervised and working directly under a licensed mental health therapist at all times. Equine specialists do not see clients when a therapist is not on site at the farm.
Donna Heffernan ESMHL
PATH ESMHL Team Members
PATH ESMHL Team Members
Donna is passionate about her role as equine specialist because it combines her love for horses with her love for helping others. She began riding as a teenager then hung her boots up to tend to her family and career. Donna returned to horses at the age of 50 and purchased her heart horse "Dutch." Donna has over a decade of experience assisting with barn management duties and assisting with beginner riding lessons on a therapeutic farm in North Carolina. She moved to FL to be closer to her sons and enjoys spending time with her family, Dutch, and of course helping others through her love of horses. Donna is a PATH ESMHL.
Our animal partners
Program Animals
Currently HAALT offers specially trained program horses, one of which is registered through Pet Partners. All HAALT program horses are:
- Specially selected and trained to work in the therapeutic environment to help people.
- Cared for to the highest degree possible to ensure their needs are met in the process of helping others.
- All HAALT program animals are highly valued and are always to be treated with respect.
On occasion hawks, peacocks, turkeys, barn cats, chickens, ducks, fish, owls, or visiting registered therapy dogs may join our session
farm
