A Place to Breathe, Be, and Belong
Offering equine-assisted therapy, lessons and boarding in Bel Air, MD - where healing, connection and horsemanship meet
Jennifer Kraus, LCSW-C
Jennifer Kraus has ridden and cared for horses over the past 30 years. She has an extensive background in hunters, equitation, pleasure, dressage, and low-level eventing. Jen has successfully shown locally and at the A-rated levels throughout her riding career, resulting in numerous year-end championships.
Jen enjoys seeing the growth and success of all of her clients. She can help you achieve your goals, whether winning a competition, moving up a higher level, completing personal riding goals, creating a positive connection with the horse, learning more about yourself, or providing a safe space to de-stress. She works with individuals of all ages and prides herself on meeting the person where they are, utilizing strengths, and taking the best learning pace for the individual.
Jen has a lifelong passion for helping people and incorporating her love of horses. She grew up volunteering for a therapeutic riding program (Maryland Council for Special Equestrians), teaching lessons, and helping riders in the Special Olympics. She sees the therapeutic benefits for all individuals to spending time with horses by either interacting on the ground or on horseback. This inspired her to become certified through the Equine Growth and Assisted Learning Program in 2014. After acting as an equine specialist for several years, she was inspired to obtain her MSW from Salisbury University to become a therapist herself. She presently holds the Military Services Individual Designation through EAGALA. Jen was also certified in 2021 through Natural Lifemanship.
Jessica Giacobbe, LCPC
Jessica Giacobbe, LCPC, is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who provides compassionate and effective therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. She is dedicated to creating a supportive environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.
With a client-centered approach at the core of her work, Jessica tailors treatment to each individual’s unique needs and goals. By using skills drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy, she helps clients build coping skills, manage emotions, and improve relationships. She has helped individuals navigate concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, and self-esteem issues.
Outside of her work, Jessica enjoys spending time with her niece, attending football games, and volunteering at a local animal rescue.
Jessica accepts Kaiser Permanente of the Mid Atlantic, Ascension (SmartHealth), Aetna, Quest Behavioral Health, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania, Anthem EAP, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Mary Gately LCSW-C (coming soon)
Mary Gately is a Licensed Certified Social Worker- Clinical, who is thrilled to be returning to Bay Meadow Farm after taking time away to care for her young child. She truly enjoys building trusting relationships with her clients and meeting them where they are. Her goal is to provide a space where clients feel comfortable being themselves and exploring both challenges and strengths without judgment. Mary believes strongly in the power of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy in providing healing, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the self. Being outdoors and connected to nature can also provide a sense of calm and perspective that supports the therapeutic process.
Mary largely utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Mindfulness strategies, along with creative interventions involving music, art and writing. She also has experience conducting Play Therapy and is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Each individual has unique needs, and as such, she works collaboratively to create a unique treatment plan with each client. Mary has helped clients navigate depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
Mary enjoys working with individuals of all ages, and in addition to Equine Therapy she has a background in traditional outpatient mental health treatment and school-based therapy with elementary through high schoolers. Prior to entering the therapy world, she worked with children and families involved in the foster care system, and she has always been inspired by the resilience of her clients in even the most challenging circumstances.
Outside of her therapy work, Mary enjoys spending time with her family, reading, baking, and hiking in local parks.
Mary will be in the process of accepting Kaiser Permanente of the Mid Atlantic, Ascension (SmartHealth), Aetna, Quest Behavioral Health, Independence Blue Cross Pennsylvania, Anthem EAP, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey, Cigna, Carelon Behavioral Health and CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
Her hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-4:30pm.
Amenities
- 150x200 outdoor arena with lights and a full jump course
- 12 stalls with rubber mats and windows
- Wash Stall
- Grass hacking field with jumps
- Round pen
- Dry lot paddock with run-in shed
- Tack lockers for boarders
- Geothermal auto waters in fields
- Heavy use pads