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I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. I’m a great place for you to tell a story and let your users know a little more about you.
Harmony Through Horses
About Us
Harmony Through Horses was opened in 2013 by Andrea Burgess, LCSW, LCAS, Founder and Executive Director. The creation of Harmony Through Horses is a result of Andrea's passion for experiential therapy, and her belief that horses help us to heal in a unique way that cannot be replicated in the office setting. Since its inception, Harmony Through Horses has served children, adolescents, adults, families and various groups and organizations. The human and equine staff have been instrumental in supporting the healing process for those with traumatic histories, attachment wounds, substance use disorders and co-occurring diagnosis. The beautiful property of Harmony Through Horses includes rolling pastures, a barn office and an open as well as covered arenas for adapting to changes in the weather and the seasons.
Meet the Staff
Andrea Burgess, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), has been in the social work field for 23 years, clinically licensed for 16, and has worked for the Department of Social Services in Foster Care and Adoptions, the Department of Juvenile Justice in the Woodson Wilderness Challenge, and the Department of Health and Human Services in the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center. She has served as a Psychiatric Intake Clinician for Mission Hospitals Emergency Department, worked on the Inpatient Psychiatric Unit, and was the Director of Eliada's Therapeutic Horse Program for three years. Local agencies and programs regularly utilize Andrea's expertise in Clinical Supervision services for their social workers in training. Andreas's favorite therapeutic topics are recovery from addictions, healthy communication, building self esteem, and healing from trauma, all of which are a natural fit with horses. Natural Lifemanship's Trauma Focused Equine Assisted Therapy, the EAGALA Model, Parelli Natural Horsemanship and Mindfulness Practice all deeply inform Andrea's equine work at Harmony Through Horses. For fun she loves outdoor adventure or to sit quietly in a meditation retreat!
*August 2023 Update* Andrea is currently enjoying some travel time out west and is available for virtual therapy only. Please see the "request an appointment" page for contact info. The barn and horses are confidently left in Terri Wilson's most capable hands for a year or so. Please reach out if you would like telehealth services in the interim!
Hello! My name is Terri Wilson and I am a graduate of ETSU with a master's in Social Work and a certificate in Clinical Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counseling Studies. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist Associate (LCASA). I am currently completing my certification in Veterinary Social Work with UT-Knoxville. I am trained in the trauma informed model of Natural Lifemanship, levels I and II, and have received trainings in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Internal Family Systems. I have worked/interned in residential treatment programs. I have worked with survivors of complex trauma, those with a substance use disorder diagnosis, and co-ocurring mental health diagnosis in the private sector as well as with the Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women. I am a single parent to three young adults. I love supporting single parent families and individuals facing life transitions, wether in recovery, with a loved one in recovery, divorce, or mid-life challenges.
I have had horses since the age of 12 and arrived in the mental health profession through my career as an equine veterinary assistant. However, I continue to learn from my equine partners every day. This experience allows me to serve as an Equine Specialist when needed, in support of other mental health professionals or life coaches who are looking to add Equine Assisted Therapy or Learning to their list of services. Click here for more information about collaborating with my support as an ES.
I was born and raised in the Asheville area and am grateful to have had the opportunity to raise my three children in Western North Carolina. Running and yoga has been part of my healing journey. I also enjoy hiking, camping, backpacking and kayaking. To learn more about me, please visit my Psychology Today profile by clicking here. I am in network with BCBS, Aetna, Cigna and Optum.
Hi! My name is Susan Penland and I am an Equine Specialist (ES), and I have been working with horses for 38 years. I began riding in elementary school and moved up to competing in middle and high school. I earned my associates degree in Equine Technology from Martin Community College and then spent several years working with a breeding and training farm in California. After some time in California, I moved back to the east coast and continued to work as a trainer and began to realize horses could reach people in ways that people cannot reach people. I began teaching horsemanship in 1997 and has had the pleasure to teach in the Asheville area ever since. I believe there is something magical about the horse/human relationship, and I am honored to help facilitate positive growth through the work that is done at Harmony Through Horses. I truly believes all of my life experiences have guided me to my role as an Equine Specialist and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow relationships through these amazing animals that have shaped my life and made me who I am today.
Harmony Through Horses, PLLC
Lanier Lane, Swannanoa, NC * email: wilsonterrim@gmail.com * 828-575-8269
© 2013 by Harmony Through Horses