Meet Our Team
Mary Slouka
Owner, CTRI, ES
Mary has been a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) since 1994. She works within the Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) model. This model is an experiential learning approach that promotes the development of life skills for educational, professional and personal goals through equine-assisted activities. Mary has worked with many disabilities through the years. She specializes in the elderly and dementia providing sessions for both individuals and assisted living communities. Through the years, she has continuously seen the value of a horse for therapy. Equine Assisted Therapy with Mary is a fun, laid-back activity where clients become engaged, empowered and enabled and so much more. She is a trained Stephen Minister. Mary has a BS in Agricultural Business with a concentration in equine sciences. Mary has ridden horses for most of her life and enjoys taking care of her miniature horses, mule and retired jumper.
Kendy Smith
Mental Health Consultant
I am a 3rd-generation Colorado native who was raised in Colorado Springs. After graduating from Colorado State University, I worked in hospital settings as a Child Life Specialist before getting my master's degree in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado. I then earned a Special Service Provider License from the state and worked as a School Psychologist for 21 years. Although I have been involved in programming and services for children aged 3 through high school, the majority of my career was spent at the elementary level. After retiring from the school district in 2020, I volunteered in several equine-assisted therapy programs in Larkspur and Parker. Through these experiences, as well as time spent with my own daughter's horse, I see the natural ability horses have to pick up on human emotional expression and needs. It has been amazing for me to witness the positive effects and beneficial outcomes that horses bring to a variety of program participants. I am privileged to be a part of this organization!