I earned my AAS in Equine Science at Martin Community College in 1991. I began a career training Arabian horses on the national circuit. I have been working as a horse professional for 20 years. I began working with at-risk youth in a residential setting as an educational counselor for sexually reactive and abusive youth. I oversaw the education and day treatment programs that included experiential ropes course therapy and developed the EAP program using the EAGALA model for Hand Up Homes for Youth, Inc. I am on the Board of Directors for the local saddle club association, a 4-H Horse and Pony Club leader and a member of the NC Horse Council. In 2005, my wife Becky and I opened our own EAP outpatient company; called Head, Heart, Hands, and Horses. I am also an EAGALA Un-trainer and a mentor for the EAGALA mentoring program.

I earned my degree in Computer Science at McDowell Technical Community College in 2000. I am the Program Manager and Administrator for Head, Heart, Hands, and Horses a company which I own and operate with my husband, Mark. Head, Heart, Hands, and Horses is located in Marion, NC. We offer individual, group and family therapy using the EAGALA model. I am the vice president of the McDowell Saddle and Bridle club and hold a place on the board of directors for the club as well. I am a full time mother of Chloe and step-mom of Sydney. In my spare time, I enjoy driving our miniature horse Twister.

Stephanie Dvorak, MA., LPC, NCC/QP is a clinical therapist currently living and working in Western North Carolina. She has several years experience working with youth with various clinical issues, including sexually abusive behavior, sexual victimization, self-harm and gang involvement. Stephanie has worked in residential treatment and periodic services, as well as in secure settings and in client homes. She was introduced to EAP three years ago and has been an advocate for the technique, encouraging ethical and responsible clinical practice. She has been married to her husband, Chris, for 6 years. They are both advocates for quality clinical services for youth and people with disabilities. Chris and Stephanie have two dogs and a big fat cat as well.

My name is Chris Dvorak and I am an Equine Specialist.  I have worked with the elderly, people with disabilities and sexually aggressive youth.  I have been doing EAP for 4 years and I am currently in the Therapeutic Recreation program at Western Piedmont Community College.  When I graduate, I hope to work with children in an Adventure Challenge setting.  Working and riding horses, rock climbing, hiking, fly fishing, camping and playing with my dogs are a few things that I like to do when I can make free time.

Nicole Burgess is a California Licensed Marriage Family Therapist #45421.  She has a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology and a certificate in Creative Expressions from the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, CA. She is EAGALA Level 2 certified and is a certified Suicide and Crisis Counselor (Santa Clara County in CA). She has worked in a variety of mental health agencies, a crisis hotline and a middle school. She became interested in EAP and EAL when completing her master's program and worked at a facility in California after graduation. Once she became licensed in California, Nicole decided to relocate closer to family and friends in the Midwest and East coast. Nicole's favorite past time activities are hiking, reading, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends.