Your Staff at Oxbow Academy
Leadership Team
Shawn Brooks
Executive Director
Steve Schultz
Outreach Director
Julie Anderson
Outreach Director
David Zane
Clinical Director
Stephanie Nuttall
Academic Director
Alan Kendall
Residential Director
Bre Englebrecht
Director of Utilization Review
Carri Oldroyd
HR Director
Shawn Brooks
Executive Director
Shawn is the Executive Director of Oxbow AcademyShawn earned a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University. He began his career in residential therapy in 1992 and since that time has served as program director to three facilities, two of which specialize in treating teen boys with sexual issues. A native of Utah, he spent two years living in South America before settling down to become a family man. He and his wife are the parents of three children. He loves coaching little league football, playing the guitar and working with wood. Shawn’s passion for life and personal excellence drive his determination to help his boys at Oxbow discover the same.
Education
- BA Psycology - Brigham Young University
Interests
- Little League Football coach, playing guitar, wood working.
Steve Schultz
Outreach Director
Julie Anderson
Outreach Director
Julie has been part of the Oxbow team since 2013 in various roles, starting as a Youth Mentor, Shift Supervisor, Family Service Coordinator, and HR Director. She now serves as Admission Director on our administrative team. Julie has a unique and personal perspective of what our parents are experiencing, as several years ago, Julie placed her own child at a residential treatment center. Her ability to empathize and her organizational skills allow the admission process for parents to run smoothly while they may be in crisis themselves.Julie said this about herself: "I am married to the love of my life; I have five incredible children, three awesome sons-in-law, and two amazing daughters-in-law. But the best part of all? I have 13 adorable grandchildren that have me wrapped around their little fingers! I love to play volleyball and make quilts. I recently served as a City Councilwoman for two terms and was a volunteer EMT for 13 years."
David Zane
Clinical Director
With over 18 years of clinical experience, I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and a nationally certified practitioner as a Certified Rehab Counselor through the CRCC, and I have passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) through the NBCC. I specialize in complex areas of mental health, including trauma, PTSD, addiction, OCD, grief, anxiety, sex and couples-therapy. My approach is integrative and client-centered, utilizing evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, exposure therapy, narrative therapy, and choice theory to meet the unique needs of those I serve.Beyond my clinical work, I find deep fulfillment in mentoring others—both professionally and personally. I value family and my roles as a husband and father above all. I have served in the United States military as a chaplain, and I am committed to supporting growth in every facet of life. I do so by actively contributing to my community through neighborhood service and government committee involvement, driven by a strong belief in civic responsibility and human connection.Holding three master’s degrees, I am a lifelong advocate for education and continual learning. I lead with compassion, clarity, and authenticity—balancing kindness with directness when needed. My leadership and counseling are grounded in deep listening and thoughtful inquiry skills, which empower individuals, couples, and families to navigate life’s many challenging but highly rewarding stages of life.
Stephanie Nuttall
Academic Director
Alan Kendall
Residential Director
Alan Kendall is our Residential DirectorAlan was Born and raised in Moroni, Utah. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Biology from Southern Utah University. Alan joined the RedCliff Ascent family of companies in 2004 because he was looking for a job working with youth. Alan enjoys the people he works and helping the students through their challenges. He is married and the father of two girls with one on the way. When he is not at work he is spending his time with his family and outdoors. He has a goal of getting a Masters Degree in Social Work. He has lived in many States in the U.S. while selling security systems and while he served an LDS Service Mission for two years. His dream is to build a home on a farm.
Education
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology from Southern Utah University
Bre Englebrecht
Director of Utilization Review
Bre has worked in Behavioral Health for over 15 years. She has an extensive Utilization Review background working with some of the leading mental health organizations nationwide such as Newport Academy and Embark BH. Bre has served in various leadership capacities over the years and took part in building multiple short- and long-term programs as well as assisted with Joint Commission accreditations, audits, etc. She finds great joy serving others and has a growth mindset. She is passionate about advocating for insurance coverage and being a voice for clients and families alike. She is an active member in her community and enjoys volunteering with her children when able. Bre and her partner have three children and spend most of their time outdoors, hiking, fishing, off-roading and camping. Her greatest joy is when they are spending time together.
Carri Oldroyd
HR Director
Carri joined the Oxbow team in the fall of 2021 as the West Campus Office Manager/HR Assistant and was quickly promoted to HR Director in March of 2022. She brings a wealth of diverse knowledge and experience to her role, backed by her SHRM-CP certification.Over the past two decades, Carri's impressive career journey has included managing the Training Department of a large corporation, serving as a Montessori Teacher for early education, working with autistic children, and even acting as an Enumerator for the U.S. Census Bureau. This varied background equips her with a unique perspective and deep understanding that benefits our entire team.Outside of work, Carri is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who thrives in the outdoors. Whether it's camping, fishing, or enjoying a day at the park with her family, she embraces every opportunity to be in nature. She's also an avid traveler, having explored 16 different countries, with a personal goal to visit every continent! At home, she's a loving pet parent to three dachshunds and a German shorthaired dog.Carri is incredibly reliable, dependable, caring, and consistently demonstrates compassion and empathy. She loves her job and the ability to support her fellow staff and students, always striving to make her department the best it can be.
Clinical Team
David Zane
Clinical Director
Kristen Snow, RN
Medical Director
Chelsea Ross, LCSW, CSAT-Candidate
Therapist
Jason Devlin, CSW
Therapist
Daniel Hawley
Therapist
Ron Christiensen
Therapist
David Zane
Clinical Director
With over 18 years of clinical experience, I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) and a nationally certified practitioner as a Certified Rehab Counselor through the CRCC, and I have passed the National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) through the NBCC. I specialize in complex areas of mental health, including trauma, PTSD, addiction, OCD, grief, anxiety, sex and couples-therapy. My approach is integrative and client-centered, utilizing evidence-based modalities such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, exposure therapy, narrative therapy, and choice theory to meet the unique needs of those I serve.Beyond my clinical work, I find deep fulfillment in mentoring others—both professionally and personally. I value family and my roles as a husband and father above all. I have served in the United States military as a chaplain, and I am committed to supporting growth in every facet of life. I do so by actively contributing to my community through neighborhood service and government committee involvement, driven by a strong belief in civic responsibility and human connection.Holding three master’s degrees, I am a lifelong advocate for education and continual learning. I lead with compassion, clarity, and authenticity—balancing kindness with directness when needed. My leadership and counseling are grounded in deep listening and thoughtful inquiry skills, which empower individuals, couples, and families to navigate life’s many challenging but highly rewarding stages of life.
Kristen Snow, RN
Medical Director
Compassionate, caring and dedicated adequately describes our nurse at Oxbow Academy. Oxbow feels very fortunate to have someone that is truly dedicated to her role in caring for and overseeing the medical needs of our young men. For several years, Kristen enjoyed the success that came from being an insurance and real estate agent. There was always a challenge, still, she felt she could do more to serve others. So, before becoming Oxbow Academy’s nurse, she was a peer mentor to the boys until she decided to go back to school to pursue her nursing degree. “I just felt that I could do something more for these kids,” she explained, “and nursing seemed to be a perfect fit for who I am and who I wanted to be for them.” When Kristen was asked to join the Oxbow family after she obtained her nursing license, she was thrilled. “Oxbow has an amazing treatment team of highly respectable professionals. To be included in part of this team is a huge honor.” On the days she isn’t at Oxbow, Kristen enjoys being with her family and spending time together hunting, fishing, and camping. She also enjoys reading, baking, and puzzles.
Education and Training
Education and Training
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Associate of Science from Snow College
- Candidate for Registered Nurse on May 2020
- Medical- Physical Therapy Aid
Chelsea Ross, LCSW, CSAT-Candidate
Therapist
Chelsea Ross is part of the experienced clinical team as a therapist for Oxbow Academy. Before coming to Oxbow Academy, she worked for an outpatient counseling center and has also worked as a therapist working with people who committed sexual offenses.Chelsea has both a Bachelor and a Masters degree in Social Work degree from Utah Valley University. She has experience working at the Center for Women and Children in Crisis. In that position, Chelsea learned to advocate for her clients. She helped to support her clients’ personal health and safety. She helped them to find job opportunities and stable housing.In addition, Chelsea also has experience working at the Psychiatric Unit of Mountain View Hospital. She helped patients transition to life outside the hospital. This included helping patients to find appropriate treatment.Chelsea has a unique ability to balance taking an objective view with helping others to feel comfortable. She is able to adjust the environment to meet individuals’ needs.Chelsea has experience using Cognitive Behavioral Interventions and Motivational Interviewing.Chelsea enjoys helping teens and their families. She also enjoys the collaboration between the staff at Oxbow Academy.Education:
- Masters Degree in Social Work
- Certification and Licensure in Social Work
- Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) Candidate
- Spending time with family
- Camping
- Running
Jason Devlin, CSW
Therapist
Daniel Hawley
Therapist
Ron Christiensen
Therapist
Academic Team
Stephanie Nuttall
Academic Director
Parker Wilkinson
Music Director
Denise Milne
Art Teacher
Trisha Munk
Teacher
Stephanie Nuttall, Special Education Paraeducator
Teacher
Craig Ogden, M. Ed
Teacher
Wendy Christofferson
English/History Teacher
Brandee Tapp
English & History Teacher
Holly Larsen
Math & Science Teacher
Kayden Thomas
Music Coordinator
Chad Larson
Fitness Coordinator
Bracken Jolley
Teacher
Mandy Orton
Teacher
Stephanie Nuttall
Academic Director
Parker Wilkinson
Music Director
Denise Milne
Art Teacher
Denise Milne has an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology from Snow College. She has completed college-level Art courses at Southwest Missouri State University and Brigham Young University. She is also pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree and a secondary school teaching credential. In addition, Denise has an Art and Play Certificate.Denise has more than twenty-five years of experience teaching studio art classes which allows her to provide an awesome art class experience for students at Oxbow Academy. She has taught art to children, teens, and adults. She is a professional artist who creates art for commissions, gallery shows, and public art shows. She is skilled in using watercolor, oils, and all kinds of drawing.Denise enjoys making and teaching art. She understands the therapeutic benefits art can have on young people. She loves to see the boys blossom as they immerse themselves in creative activities. Denise’s greatest strength is that she loves her students and easily accepts them for who they are. She is a passionate educator who works hard to incorporate CORE standards in her classroom. Education:Associate in ArtsArt and Play CertificationInterests:Reading, Sewing,Cooking,Canning, Gardening
Trisha Munk
Teacher
Trisha is currently a Mathematics Teacher at Manti High School in South Sanpete School District and at Oxbow Academy. Prior to working at Oxbow Academy, she spent time as the Mathematics Teacher at Pleasant Creek High School in North Sanpete School District. She gained experience working with youth at an all-boys home in this area. She has also spent a lot of time throughout high school helping in elementary classrooms with students and tutoring peers. Trisha is best at simplifying complicated math concepts and helping students succeed.Trisha believes in a gentle but firm approach. She believes that it is important to build a good relationship with the students. Trisha explains, "The more they like you and respect you the more willing they will be to do what you ask them. With that though, you have to know where the line is. If you are too friendly with them then you lose their respect and they will walk all over you."
Education
- Bachelors in Mathematics Education and Minor in Physics, Southern Utah University
Interests
- Teaching math, science, and learning new things to help students succeed
Stephanie Nuttall, Special Education Paraeducator
Teacher
Stephanie currently teaches English, History, and PE at Oxbow academy. Her patience and positive attitude help her work with the students at Oxbow Academy who often need extra attention and care as they go through their treatment. “I love that the classes are small,” she explained, “because it helps to get to know each student and their needs better.”She graduated with her Associate of Science degree from Snow College and is currently working on her Bachelor's in Special Education and Elementary Education. She really enjoyed teaching PE at a local high school and when she learned about a teaching position at Oxbow Academy, she was excited to apply. Said Stephanie,“I hope to help the boys and their families by supporting them academically so they can stay on track when they leave the program”Stephanie has enjoyed being here because she feels it is a great opportunity to help others by teaching subjects she enjoys while making a difference in a boy’s life. “I also get to work with great people!” Stephanie uses a cognitive and constructive approach to teaching which helps her work with many students at Oxbow. Stephanie loves living in the country working on their family ranch. She also enjoys cooking and sewing for others.
Craig Ogden, M. Ed
Teacher
Craig Ogden teaches math and computer science at Oxbow Academy. He has been a teacher for 16 years. He earned a bachelor’s from Southern Utah University in Mathematics, Computer Science and Education. He earned his Master’s degree from Concordia University in Mathematics Education. Prior to becoming a teacher, he was employed as a software engineer for six years. Craig enjoys working with students who want to overcome their trials and become better people which is why he enjoys working at Oxbow. He has a one-on-one teaching approach that fits well with Oxbow’s competency-based learning. His goal is to help “the boys graduate with a diploma before they leave Oxbow or at least stay [up] with their classmates, then I have accomplished what I would hope.”In his free time, Craig loves anything outdoors. He said, “If you can do it outdoors, I like it.”
Wendy Christofferson
English/History Teacher
Brandee Tapp
English & History Teacher
Brandee Tapp is an English and history teacher at Oxbow Academy. She is licensed by the state of Utah. She currently teaches second grade at Ephraim Elementary. She worked for South Sanpete School District as the Reading Specialist since 2009. She has also taught at Ephraim Elementary and in the Special Education department at Manti Elementary.Brandee earned an Associate of Science degree from Snow College and a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies for Education from Western Governors University. She specializes in reading instruction, and has participated in several workshops that have focused on dyslexia.She loves working with students at Oxbow Academy. She recognizes that the students are great people with so much to offer. Her favorite thing is to watch them progress as they are learning and to watch how their confidence grows.Brandee especially enjoys working one-on-one with students, and particularly in the subject of language arts. Most of her teaching experience is in reading and language arts. Her favorite subject to teach is history.She loves spending time with her family, playing games, and traveling. She also enjoys reading. Brandee wants students to know that they can do hard things. Having a growth mindset and a positive attitude is the most important thing students can bring to class.
Holly Larsen
Math & Science Teacher
I have been a teacher for the past 20 years. I taught 6th-grade math and science from 2000-2017 at Moroni Elementary School in Moroni, Utah. I taught for one year at Cherry Hill Middle School in Elkton, Maryland in a behavior support classroom for students whose traumatic life experiences and behavior patterns made them unable to be highly successful in a regular classroom. I taught for one year at Capistrano Elementary School in El Paso, Texas, working with English language learners. Now I teach 8th-grade math and science at North Sanpete Middle School. I have been here for two years.I started studying pre-med at Snow college right after high school. Then, I decided that teaching was what I was most passionate about and I transferred to Utah State University to study education. I graduated with a bachelor’s in education, found my first job, and continued to take classes. I am currently working on finishing a level III math endorsement and getting a master’s degree in secondary biology from Western Governors University.I have wanted to work at Oxbow Academy for a long time. I like the idea of helping to provide a great education to our students while they are here so that they get the most out of their time here and their education is uninterrupted. I like the idea of providing safe connections and developing rapport with our students and helping them achieve their goals and their potential.I am able to develop rapport and form relationships with others and I highly value the relationships I have with those around me. I am an excellent communicator, both verbally and in written form. I know my subjects and have taken recent classes in these subject areas. I know how to teach my subjects in a way that helps people understand.I enjoy reading, hiking, walking in nature, cooking, traveling, and spending time with my family--especially my grandsons.I believe that every student can learn and achieve if they have someone who believes in them and can provide the support they need. I try to help support students and get them to believe in themselves.Credentials
- Utah Teaching License
Kayden Thomas
Music Coordinator
Kayden Thomas is the Music Coordinator at Oxbow Academy. He is a professional musician and music instructor. He is pursuing a Bachelor's in Commercial Music with an emphasis in Guitar Performance and Music Education at Snow College.Making a difference through music and teaching is something Kayden loves. Oxbow Academy allows him to do exactly that. He is committed to providing a therapeutic and educational environment through music. His teaching style aligns the most with cognitive constructivism which means that he helps students build on what they know, chase their interests, and create an environment where they can discover things through their own learning. In Kayden's free time he loves the outdoors.
Chad Larson
Fitness Coordinator
Bracken Jolley
Teacher
Mandy Orton
Teacher
Residential Team
Alan Kendall
Residential Director
Cameron West
Food Service Director
Kathy Harward
West House Residential Coordinator
Kristen Hammond
Oxbow Jr. House Coordinator
Bill Leach
Independence House Coordinator
Deborah Dahl
East Campus Office Manager
Alan Kendall
Residential Director
Alan Kendall is our Residential DirectorAlan was Born and raised in Moroni, Utah. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Biology from Southern Utah University. Alan joined the RedCliff Ascent family of companies in 2004 because he was looking for a job working with youth. Alan enjoys the people he works and helping the students through their challenges. He is married and the father of two girls with one on the way. When he is not at work he is spending his time with his family and outdoors. He has a goal of getting a Masters Degree in Social Work. He has lived in many States in the U.S. while selling security systems and while he served an LDS Service Mission for two years. His dream is to build a home on a farm.
Education
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology from Southern Utah University
Cameron West
Food Service Director
Cameron West is the Food Service Director for Oxbow Academy. He was previously employed as the Assistant Manager at Wing Coop in Salt Lake City. In addition to earning his ServSafe Manager Certificate, Cameron has more than 12 years of experience working in various restaurants.Cameron was drawn to working at Oxbow Academy due to his desire to help people succeed. He can perform well in his position because he has excellent attention to detail, the ability to work well under pressure, as well as good organizational skills and communication skills. He is a great part of our team and even takes the time to make personalized birthday cakes for our students.Cameron enjoys watching NFL football games, singing karaoke, playing video games, hiking, and baking.
Kathy Harward
West House Residential Coordinator
Kathy has been with Oxbow since 2008, and has played an important role in our residential program. Her witty sense of humor is endearing with the boys, and also brings a lot of smiles to those she works with. Her sense of humor allows her to connect quickly with her students, and be able to hold good boundaries with them at the same time. She has a special relationship with those she works with which allows her straightforwardness to help students to know what to expect from the very beginning, while her soft side gives them an opportunity to connect on a deeper level. She took a short break in 2014 from our Oxbow, yet realized how much she missed working with the boys here, and quickly returned. Recently, she has been able to step into a new role as East Campus Residential Coordinator and has helped establish a structured and safe environment for our Autism Spectrum Disorder Students.
Interests
- Kathy enjoys chocolate, attending every North Sanpete Wrestling Tournament to watch her son play or any sporting even her daughter may be cheering at, anything to do with frogs, spending time with friends, and sending funny meme's to friends.
Kristen Hammond
Oxbow Jr. House Coordinator
Kristen Hammond is the coordinator for the Oxbow Jr. House. She previously served as a Youth Mentor and Shift Supervisor. Before coming to Oxbow Academy, she worked for Wasatch Academy. Kristen enjoys working with kids and helping them succeed. She also takes pride in being able to be a part of a program that truly cares for each individual client that comes through the doors. Her kindness, compassion and sense of humor are an asset to her work. Aside from being with her kids and attending any sporting event or activity they may be participating in at the moment, Kristen enjoys hunting big game and camping, and shopping. She also enjoys getting together with her mother and sisters during their once a month crafting days.
Bill Leach
Independence House Coordinator
Deborah Dahl
East Campus Office Manager
Deborah Dahl is an Office Coordinator and Research Coordinator. She previously worked at Oxbow Academy as a Mentor. Before coming to Oxbow Academy, Deborah was a business owner for seven years. She also served as City Recorder for 15 years, as well as a store manager for 17 years. Deborah believes in all of humanity. She understands that everyone makes mistakes and hopes to make a difference by showing them their future can have possibilities. She considers her greatest strength to be positivity, or possibly faith. Deborah plays guitar and rides a Harley. She loves gardening, cooking, and animals. Laughter on the porch is her therapy.
Equine Team
Liz Beal
Equine Coordinator
Annie
Equine Therapy
Henry
Equine Therapy
Flicka
Equine Therapy
Chip
Equine Therapy
Ranger
Equine Therapy
Pinky Sue
Equine Therapy
Max
Equine Therapy
Fun Size Snickers
Equine Therapy
Whiskey
Equine Therapy
Liz Beal
Equine Coordinator
Annie
Equine Therapy
Annie is a big part of our Equine Therapy team! Much of our success with our students in the Equine Therapy program is a direct result of our great horses! Annie has been a big part of our program from the beginning. Annie is one of our broodmares (pronounced Br-ew-d, m-air), kept for breeding, and has been the mother of some of our foals (baby horses) we have used in our yearly imprinting experiences (see our video on imprinting below!). Annie works well with stubborn boys because she’s not phased by much, she's a very level-headed horse and simply not reactive. Working with these intelligent animals becomes a valuable tool for our therapists and equine directors who strive to help our young men. There is a science behind this type of therapy and we enjoy sharing new research and insights into why horses are an integral part of our program.Some horses, like Annie, are less reactive to emotions which can be a valuable tool when working with highly anxious boys...We love working with Annie and invite you to come out and meet her in person!
Henry
Equine Therapy
Henry, Oh Henry! What a cool horse...Henry is an old timer, but a perfect trail riding horse. This is the horse you can put two children on and send up the trail and Henry will just keep on walking calmly. This is the horse that I like to choose for the not-so-good-horse-rider!As many of you may know by now our program is NOT simply a ranch where you get to ride horses and enjoy the wonderful Utah mountain scenery! However, getting out on a trail ride with your therapist and our Equine team is a part of the process and can be a rewarding and positive learning experience. Some of our students who are new to working with animals or who have not ridden a horse before will enjoy a horse that will just walk along and keep things un-exciting so they can focus on the ride and their conversations with the team!
Flicka
Equine Therapy
Flicka is one of our most beautiful horses, and as you can tell from the golden color of her coat (hair) she is a true Palamino!Flicka is one patient horse, and the perfect horse for the parade, the rodeo or just riding down the road to impress your neighbors! Flicka is a trusted horse and has even been used by Britta and Tony's daughter in various rodeo settings. Because of their beautiful golden coat and long flowing hair, Palaminos like Flicka often get used on TV or in the movies! However, with Flicka, we enjoy her humble nature and willingness to pass on Hollywood and spend her time working with the boys in the program, in hopes that she can have a positive impact on your son!
Chip
Equine Therapy
If there is a star of the show, a leader of the pack, or the servant of all, it is Chip. He is a wonderful horse and because of his high level of training is used in most of the equine therapy sessions that happen on campus. He is a particular standout on trail rides and typically is found leading the pack with the other horses falling in line behind him. So much goes into training a horse to operate smoothly with a human-owner but the added requirements of working with many boys, their therapist and daily challenges that are part of an effective equine therapy program make horses like Chip an invaluable component to the success of our program. You may even spot Chip in a local competition or two with some of our Oxbow students! Here is a shot of Chip and a student training for a local competition!
Ranger
Equine Therapy
Ranger is one of our yearlings and as such is still in training. This provides a unique opportunity for students to gain a "parent/instructors" perspective of what it's like to teach a child or teenager! Various techniques are used to work with the horse and require trust and patience of our student-trainers as the young horse learns and grows. (For a general idea of what training a young horse may include, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horse_training )I remember watching Tony work with a young horse like Ranger on campus one day. Tony had placed a blue tarp out on the ground in a circular pen and was working with the horse to build up the confidence to come close to the "scary" blue tarp crackling in the wind as it lay on the ground. Over and over Tony led the horse up to the tarp and with fear in its eyes the young horse jumped back and would run back to the safe side of the round pen. With patience, Tony continued to familiarize the young horse with the tarp and eventually was able to get the horse to trust that there was no real danger and even walk over the tarp as it wrapped thunderously under its feet below! This simple lesson observed by the few of us there that day became the perfect visual incentive to face our own fears with caution and progress until we reach the point where all fear is gone and we have done what seemed scary and impossible.
Pinky Sue
Equine Therapy
Pinky Sue is also one of Oxbow Academy's broodmare mothers! She gave birth to one of our foals named "mini" which was one of the lucky foals to participate in our imprinting program. You can learn more about imprinting from the following video:Pinky Sue is one strong willed mama! What does this strong will do for the boys and our therapy program? By working with a strong-willed horse the boys begin to understand parents and authority figures and the frustration that can occur when you are trying to get the horse to do something it simply refuses to do! This insight is a common occurrence and a very important observation to make for an adolescent boy! We love when Pinky Sue obeys and the boys celebrate a victory with patience and perseverance when they accomplish the task placed before them and our stubborn but lovely horse Pinky Sue!
Max
Equine Therapy
Max, one of our favorite horses on campus, and Britta’s personal horse! Max has been working with boys and Oxbow Academy since the beginning, like Chip. When it comes to running a successful and SAFE equine therapy program you rely heavily on great horses like Max! Most of the parents who tour Oxbow will begin to see the value of equine therapy sessions and realize quickly that it is not just a horse ride or a fun break from the day, but an intense experience with the therapist and equine directors working with the boy, often one-on-one in an arena with a good horse. By setting up a scenario and working on a focus treatment area the boys are able to learn core modalities and skills that can be valuable assets for the rest of their lives! This type of program requires a horse that is patient and skilled leaving the focus on the boy and their progress. Max is a leader on trail rides and a wonderful horse to ride, making him a house favorite! You will find Max involved in almost all the equine sessions with the boys.Here is a trail ride shot of Max leading the way with Britta in the saddle!
Fun Size Snickers
Equine Therapy
What? Who is the cute little guy running around with its hair in its eyes? That would be Fun Size Snickers! This cute miniature horse is NOT A PONY (although you can call him what you will, he doesn't mind as long as you offer a handful of grass!) and serves our nervous students as he is a manageable size, very calm, and a patient animal! Being good natured like FunSize Snickers is a key to making introductions to boys who have never been on a horse in their life. We also love to use this little guy as a backup lawn trimmer and week killer! He will eat anything green! Having a working horse family requires many different personalities and options and FunSize fills a gap we enjoy so much in the equine program!
Whiskey
Equine Therapy
Whiskey is a unique horse and has a special place in the program at Oxbow Academy is one of the horses trained by the boys in the program! This is a result of many hours of patient work and time spent with each boy and our horse professionals leading him to where he is today! Whiskey is one of our lungeing horses and is used during equine sessions where we work on a variety of skills including communication and confidence. It is an interesting experience being at the end of the lungeing rope with an animal that weighs well over 1000 lbs. on the other end. There is a feeling of confidence that can come from guiding the horse and creating a working relationship through proper communication and skill. Often boys will enter our program with fears and reluctance to work with the horses but through the help of their therapist and specialized training from our horse professionals they can complete the program with confidence and skills in the areas they needed help the most.