Benefits of Licensing and Certifications

Our Executive Director is often asked why she put herself through graduate school to get a Masters in Social Work when she is already skilled and naturally gifted in working with young people. That answer is simple, it is about the quality of services for the clients of Rusty Halo. Steph is currently a MSW and also certified in a model of equine assisted psychotherapy called EAGALA, which is the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. Steph is also embarking on 3000 hours of diverse training in order to obtain her license to practice therapy as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. This training is key in understanding how to apply evidence based practices to the programming implementations at Rusty Halo. The training also gives Steph and her staff or volunteers a trauma informed approach to all activities and programming. When working with vulnerable communities, it is critical to provide services based in trauma informed care. Further benefits of Steph’s MSW is her understanding of the competencies required to practice as a Social Worker which include dignity and respect for the client, the ability to meet the client where they are at, and how to bring a culturally sensitive approach to the work. Under the education, licensing, and certifications of our Executive Director, Rusty Halo provides a unique niche of equine assisted learning and psychotherapy that can positively impact so many young people, especially those in vulnerable populations.