OUR TEAM
Chris Goodall
Executive Director, LISW-S, CDWF
Chris has 20 years of experience as a social worker, 15 years of which have included providing Equine Assisted Services to clients with a range of needs including addiction and serious mental illness (i.e. schizophrenia, bipolar disorder). She has trained in a number of evidence-based psychotherapies that can be applied in the office or the arena and is a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator.
She is currently a member of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl) and part of the Human Equine Relational Development (HERD) Institute. She instructs a course on Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy and Learning at Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio. Chris has presented at national and regional conferences and is always seeking to learn more about the human animal bond. Chris’ career has included positions with the VA and Hopewell, a therapeutic farm community. In her spare time, Chris is studying herbal medicine and
ecotherapy to further augment her practice.
Chris accepts Medical Mutual.
Melissa Hauserman
Director of Development & Finance, MBA, PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor & Equine Specialist in Mental Health Learning
Melissa has 12 years of experience leading equine assisted activities for people with special needs including trauma, PTSD and addiction. She enjoys partnering with our mental health practitioners and other equine specialist to deliver equine facilitated psychotherapy and learning. Formerly the Director of Program Quality for a large PATH center Melissa’s passion is creating innovative equine facilitated programs to serve people with emotional and physical needs. As a life-long horse lover, Melissa has owned and managed several horse facilities and worked for corporations including Michelin and American Express.
Tia Kocianic
Clinical Manager, LSW, PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
Tia first experienced the joy of sharing her life with horses when she was 9 years old. Her close relationships with her equine friends inspired her desire to share with others the magic of spending time with horses and riding. As an adult, volunteering for the Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses (CANTER), fostered a deeper understanding of the powerful connection that forms between horses and humans. This work inspired a return to her alma mater to pursue a degree in therapeutic horsemanship.
Tia is passionate about supporting the journey of children and youth who are creating connected relationships with horses.
She holds a BA in Psychology and a BS in Therapeutic Horsemanship from Lake Erie College. Tia recently completed her MSW at Case Western Reserve University.
Haven Thompson
Volunteer and Communications Coordinator
Haven is a 2023 graduate of Lake Erie College’s Equine Program with a degree in
Equine Facility Management and Therapeutic Riding. She is continuing her education in
Lake Erie College’s MBA program as well as pursuing her PATH Intl. Therapeutic
Riding Instructor certification. She is excited to share her talents with the In Step
community.
Kristen Colella
MSSA, LISW-S, Clinical Therapist
Kristen enjoys working with adolescents, adults and groups. Her areas of specialization include alcohol and other drug use disorders, trauma, mental health diagnosis.
Molly Easly
Marketing Specialist
Molly has worked with horses in a therapeutic setting since 2014. She also has experience working with a diverse population of children, adolescents and adults with physical and emotional challenges. She also served as the assistant director for a therapeutic riding camp for children. Molly is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology at Case Western Reserve University.
Marian L. Heyink
LISW-S, JD, EAGALA dual certified, PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor & Equine Specialist in Mental Health Learning
Former Chairwoman for the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), Marian has more than 25 years of experience treating individuals who have experienced trauma and mental illness. She is dual-certified as a mental Health Professional and Equine Specialist with EAGLA and is a certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor with PATH Intl. She currently works part-time for University Hospitals in trauma Intervention.
Melanie Ianni
MSW, LSW
Melanie combines alternative and traditional techniques to offer a comprehensive approach to treatment for clients of all ages and families. A client centered approach is the foundation of her work.
She has over 25 years of experience working with children and adolescents with a wide range of unique experiences, including complex trauma.
Through her years in residential treatment centers, Juvenile Court, alternative educational settings and daycare centers she has learned that the most important part of a child’s treatment are the parents, caregivers and/or guardians; Supportive Parenting is part of every client’s treatment plan.
Melanie incorporates her passion for music, movement, art, nature, mindfulness and more to help each client discover their authentic self! She looks forward to being part of your self-healing journey with the goal of providing you with tools so that you no longer need ongoing therapy.
Mitchel Tropf
Animal Care & Maintenance Specialist
Mitch has been riding horses since age 4. He eventually got his own horse when he was a teenager and continued taking lessons, volunteering and participating in a vocational program at a local therapeutic riding center. He still works there part time, and has helped other programs in the area with maintenance, equine care and assisting their riding students. There is no place Mitch would rather be than in a barn!
