For Alisha Casamona, one of life’s most painful losses became the beginning of a new way to help others heal.

The 42-year-old counselor and equine specialist is the founder of Red Bird Cottage & Farm, a relationship-centered holistic mental wellness practice in Eustis offering counseling, equine-assisted services, grief support and other wellness programs.

“I’m most passionate about creating a safe, compassionate space where people can heal, build resilience, strengthen relationships, and rediscover hope during life’s most difficult seasons,” Alisha says.

Her path to that work was shaped by years of service in mental health, education and hospice care.

Alisha earned a master’s degree in mental health counseling and has spent more than a decade working with individuals and families. She previously served as a Mental Health Liaison for Lake County Schools, where she supported students, families and educators while working to increase access to mental health resources.

She also worked as a hospice medical social worker and bereavement counselor, helping families navigate grief and loss.

“For more than a decade, I have been committed to serving the mental health and wellness needs of our community,” she says.

Her connection to animals has also been a consistent part of that service. Alisha volunteered with therapy animals in schools, hospitals, shelters and hospice settings, offering comfort and companionship to people facing difficult circumstances.

Then, in 2021, grief became deeply personal when her father died from COVID-19.

“The accomplishment I’m most proud of is founding Red Bird Cottage & Farm after losing my father to COVID-19,” Alisha says. “Turning one of the most difficult experiences of my life into a place dedicated to healing has been incredibly meaningful.”

The practice grew from that experience, combining her clinical background with equine-assisted services and a broader approach to wellness.

“Seeing individuals, couples, families, and children find hope, growth, and restoration through the services we provide reminds me every day that even our greatest losses can become opportunities to help others,” she says.

Her Christian faith remains central to how she approaches both leadership and counseling.

“My Christian faith in God has been the foundation of both my personal life and professional journey, guiding my desire to serve others with compassion, humility, and purpose,” Alisha says.

She also credits the people she has served throughout her career with shaping her into a stronger professional.

“Their stories have shaped me into a better leader, counselor, and advocate,” she says.

Her advice to future professionals reflects that same focus on relationships.

“Lead with integrity, and remember that empathy is one of the most valuable qualities you can bring to any role,” Alisha says. “Your relationship with the people you are serving is what matters most.”

For Alisha, Red Bird Cottage & Farm is the culmination of years spent helping people through grief, trauma and change — and a reminder that even difficult chapters can become the foundation for something restorative.