Accreditations

 
The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (www.pathintl.org), formerly the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA), fosters safe, professional, ethical and therapeutic equine activities through education, communication, research and membership standards.  Today, many medical professionals, including the American Physical Therapy Association and the American Occupational Therapy Association, recognize the therapeutic value of equine-assisted activities.  PATH International ensures its standards are met through an accreditation process for centers and a certification process for instructors.  Nature’s Edge Therapy Center is a PATH International member center and is working to become a PATH International Premier Accredited Center.
 
The professional staff of Nature’s Edge is registered with the American Hippotherapy Association Inc. (AHA) (www.americanhippotherapyassociation.org).  AHA promotes the use of the movement of the horse as a treatment strategy in physical, occupational and speech-language therapy sessions for people living with disabilities.  AHA is comprised of medical professionals (physical, occupational and speech-language therapists) and others who are interested in the use of equine movement as a treatment strategy.
 
Nature’s Edge is also an affiliate member of Delta Society Pet Partner Program (www.deltasociety.org).  The mission of Delta Society is to help lead the world in advancing human health and well-being through positive interactions with animals.  Delta Society helps people throughout the world become healthier and happier by incorporating therapy, service and companion animals into their lives.
 
Finally, Nature’s Edge is a member of People Animals and Nature (PAN) (www.pan-inc.org), which promotes more effective therapy for children who have suffered from disruptive or abusive family or community life through nurturing contact with plants and animals.
 
Our director, Becky Lundeen, is a Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist, a PATH International Registered Therapist and Instructor, an Animal-Assisted Therapy Instructor, and a Delta Society Team Evaluator and Pet Partner.
 
Heidi Jo Sovacool, our Occupational Therapist, is credentialed as a Level I Therapist by the American Hippotherapy Association.