About Us
Vance Creek Therapy currently offers Experiential Therapy and services, including Horsemanship, Equine Assisted Learning & Growth, Nature Therapy and Horticultural Therapy by appointment at our Vance Creek location. With our flexible scheduling and idyllic location, we are popular with nearby county residents, as well as residents of the Twin Cities, Minnesota.
Meet the Team
Equine Therapist
Christine Mattila
I'm Christine. I am a graduate from Adler Graduate School, an LPC in Wisconsin and EAGALA certified with years of equine experience. My experiential, solution-focused approach works primarily with horses in nature. During the growing season, Horticulture Therapy is an option. Nature Therapy is also offered year round. My passions include horseback riding, hiking, canoeing and gardening. I enjoy time with my family and friends. I am also a mother of five and grandmother of eleven.
Equine Specialist
Kathy Sesser
Hi, my name is Kathy Sesser, and I’m an Equine Specialist. An Equine Specialist (or ES) is responsible for the physical safety of all the people involved, both two legged and four legged. I am a retired high school English teacher with Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree. This is my “ retirement job”, and what a great job it is! I never knew I could combine my love of teaching with my love of horses! I have been working on and off with horses since the 6th grade when I got a job with a Standardbred barn. I have experience driving, trail riding, and endurance riding. I have been around horses for many years, but there’s something new to learn from them every day.
Equine Specialist
Karen (K) Lee
I'm Karen (K) Lee, and I am an equine specialist. An equine specialist (ES) is responsible for the people's and the horse's physical safety at all times.
I have worked within and am certified in the areas of Mental Health 1st Aid Responder and Recovery Coach. I have also worked In Sober living housing management, both in secular and faith based environments for women's health.
As a former horse owner, I understand the healing power of horses and have experienced it in my own life. I learn and grow everyday through my work. I encourage you to come " Experience the magic" of equine therapy!
Barn Manager
Olivia Sanborn
I'm Olivia! As Barn Manager, I ensure that all horses are well-fed, nurtured and cared for. This ensures that our clinical staff and clients have happy horses to work with. I’ve grown up with horses my entire life and have known most of the horses that reside at Vance Creek Therapy since I was younger. Over the years, I’ve seen many people, including myself, experience amazing moments with these horses. I believe that I have learned more on top of a horse’s back than anywhere else. I’m grateful for the opportunity that others have to learn amazing lessons that these horses have to offer here at Vance Creek Therapy.
Equine Specialist
James
Hi! I'm James! I have been an Equine Specialist for 8 months now. I really enjoy seeing clients grow and benefit from their experiences with our clinical team and horses. I am excited to share that I have been accepted into college to pursue my dream of becoming a Clinical Counselor, so that I can continue to work in this field.
Equine Specialist
Audrey Sanborn
Bio COMING SOON
Equine Specialist
Amber Sanborn
Bio COMING SOON