About Us

Who are we?

We are a Virginia non-profit professional counseling organization that was brought into existence to offer healing and hope to people of all ages using horses.

What do we do here?

Cross Keys Equine Therapy is dedicated to providing high quality equine-assisted therapy and equine-assisted learning activities to individuals, couples, families, and groups. We help our clients take ownership of truths in their lives by allowing horses to teach them how to be authentic, and present; how to seek open and honest communication with others; and how to take care of themselves by giving and receiving trust and respect. Please contact us for more information about how equine therapy works.

When do we offer services?

We offer therapeutic services year-round and have ongoing groups and special events throughout the year! Check our Upcoming Events page for more details. We have a heated indoor facility that enables us to provide comfortable services even on the coldest days of the year.

Who makes up our staff?

All of our (EAP) sessions are facilitated by either a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker or a Supervisee in Social Work which ensures high-quality and ethical mental health services. These mental health professionals serve on a team with an equine professional and the horse. Our THRIVE, Intercessory Prayer and Volunteer Program Coordinators have years of knowledge working with horses using natural horsemanship skills and fostering growth for individuals of all ages. Their passion and desire to do God’s work at CKET make them an integral part of our team of professionals.

Alicia Burns, Executive Director/ Founder
Austin Mikolin, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Integrated Somatic Trauma Therapy Practitioner
Sarah Machold, LMSW, LCSW
Certified Trauma & Resilience Practitioner-Educator/Clinical
Brooke Joiner, MSSW, Supervisee in Social Work

Ariana Freeman,
Administrative Assistant, Equine Professional

Where are we located?

We are located just southeast of Harrisonburg, Virginia in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.  Our farm has a terrific view of the Blue Ridge Mountains! Please click on our Directions and Contact Us page for more details and photos of the farm.

Why do we do what we do?

We have seen first-hand the amazing power of the horse to draw out unhealthy patterns in our lives, and we are blessed to be able to share this through our herd. Life is difficult – it often brings heartache – and sometimes even those who are in therapy get stuck. Using the horses allows clients to experience new ways of dealing with life’s difficulties – horses can help people to build trust and provide opportunities for healthy attachment and interaction – as clients learn this with the horses, they can begin to open their hearts to trusting and attaching in personal relationships. For more details on what we believe and what our work is based upon, see our Mission and Beliefs page

Call or email us today to schedule a tour of the facility and a demonstration of our services!
Phone:  540.607.6910
Email:  info@crosskeysequinetherapy.org