About Hope View Haven: Our Purpose and Passion
Our programming goes beyond traditional methods to create a supportive, engaging environment where participants can grow and thrive. By combining expert instruction with the unique bond between humans and horses, we offer a transformative experience that builds resilience, life skills, and hope for the future.
“He has gone from having melt downs in school to being able to calm himself down before he gets to that point. He has really connected with the horses and instructors in a way I don’t believe he would have gotten anywhere else!”
Parent of student
Who we are
Our Equine Assisted Services are led by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to creating impactful experiences for youth. Our core team includes:
- A PATH International-certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning
- A former PATH-certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor
- A Nationally Certified School Psychologist
- A dually certified general and special education teacher
Our team is continuously growing, with instructors pursuing additional certifications as Miniature Equine Therapy teams and Certified Horsemanship Association instructors. Together, we ensure a safe, nurturing environment tailored to each participant’s needs.
What we do
Hope View Haven provides youth with:
- Equine-Assisted Learning: Partnering with horses to teach self-regulation, empathy, and confidence.
- Farm-Based Activities: Hands-on experiences in animal care, gardening, and farm maintenance.
- Service-Learning Opportunities: Miniature horse therapy visits to hospitals and nursing homes to foster community connections and character development.
Our programming is strengths-focused, helping participants build life skills in a supportive and motivating environment.
Why it matters
Childhood trauma can lead to long-term negative outcomes like mental health challenges, unemployment, and incarceration. Studies show that reducing toxic stress and building strong relationships can significantly improve outcomes for at-risk youth. At Hope View Haven, we provide the tools and support to:
- Create opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Mitigate the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
- Build resilience and self-regulation in participants
Our Team
Latoria Banks, M Ed.
Teacher for 20 years in public and non-traditional school settings.
- Bachelor’s Degree in Biology
- Master’s Degree in Educational Technology
Teaching certifications in:
- Biology
- Physical Science
- Middle School Science
- Exceptional Children K-12
Natalie Garbutt
- Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Anthropology
- Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) (2019-2021)
- 6 years of extensive volunteering at a therapeutic riding program
- Exceptional Children K-12
- Avid gardener, DIYer, and beachgoer
- Experienced horsewoman for over 20 years
Katie Joseph
- B.A. in Psychology from Loyola University in Maryland
- M.A. & CAS in School Psychology from Towson University
- Nationally Certified School Psychologist
- PATH International Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL)
- Lifelong horsewoman
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