Community Equine Therapy Services
What is Eagala?
- Eagala is the model of equine therapy used at Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina. Eagala, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, was founded in 1999 with the mission to set standards, provide support, and educate professionals who are changing lives worldwide through mental health services incorporating horses. More than 2,500 mental health professionals and equine specialists have been trained and certified in Eagala, operating more than 500 Eagala Model mental health programs in 40 countries. In 2018, these programs served 60,458 clients, helping them navigate post-traumatic stress disorder, human trafficking, abuse, addictions, depression, and other behavioral health issues. Eagala is a registered 501c3 nonprofit based in Utah. For more information, visit www.eagala.org
Meet Our Human Equine Therapists
Amanda Thompson -- Eagala Equine Specialist & Equine Manager and Events Coordinator
Originally Eagala-certified as the Equine Specialist in March 2020, Amanda has now earned the hours and credits to apply for the Advanced Certification, which she plans on pursuing in the future.
"This will truly set BGHNC apart from any other facility in North Carolina," Amanda said. "The Eagala Model is truly exceptional as I have witnessed client experiences that have no explanation except God has created the resources, space, timing, and people to fulfill the task. I am thankful that we have an administration that fully supports this model and our mission as we continue to fully develop this program.”
Bethany Hart, MSW, LCSW -- Eagala Mental Health Professional & C.R.E.A.T.E. Hope Team Lead, Clinician
Bethany, MSW, LCSW, became certified as an Eagala Mental Health Professional in 2023.
"Eagala is more than just a therapeutic modality, it is a way of being," Bethany said. "I couldn’t be more excited to continue embracing Eagala’s core values here at BGHNC throughout my personal and professional journey. The therapeutic impact of equine therapy when combined with trauma-informed intervention is truly remarkable.”
