Mental Health Expert

Alisha Casamona

Meet the Expert: Alisha Casamona is a Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) who founded Red Bird Cottage and Farm LLC in 2022. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and has completed doctoral-level coursework toward a Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. A lifelong equestrian, Alisha has earned numerous competitive honors, including 2024 Reserve World Champion in level one hunter under saddle at the AQHA Worlds.

What is Wellness Horsemanship and what can someone expect to experience?

A: Nature is organically healing, but a lot of people don’t have horses available to them. Wellness Horsemanship combines mindfulness techniques, breathwork,  and life coaching components. If you love animals and being outside but don’t have your own horse, this can be just what you’re craving. Some people schedule this as their weekly “self-care” session.

Many people consider Wellness Horsemanship as a “gym for the mind.” Sessions are one hour and include time on the ground and horseback.

Some participants have been riding a long time, while others have never been on a horse before. Alisha works with each person based on their experience. Even if someone doesn’t want to ride, they’re still spending rich, quality time with the horse. 

Is this different from regular riding lessons?

A: This is not your traditional riding lesson, which is about learning to ride and be competitive. This is about human mental wellness, not your walk-trot-canter standard lesson. You will learn to ride, but you’ll do so by learning to slow down, be mindful and communicate successfully with the horse.

How can someone get started with Wellness Horsemanship? 

A: Book your initial session, during which you’ll meet Alisha and the horses and establish customized goals for your self-care needs.

What other programs are available?

A: Alisha offers non-clinical grief support and life coaching. Kristen Janica, LCSW, provides clinical mental health counseling. Sessions can take place indoors or outdoors in a tranquil, lakeside setting with horses grazing nearby.

Kristen Janica, LCSW, also coaches trauma-informed yoga, which focuses on relieving trauma-stored tension where each person carries it. Learn gentle, accessible movement, breathwork, and grounding to help regulate your nervous system and shift out of fight, flight, or freeze states.

Sunrise or sunset group yoga sessions are also available. 

Learn about programs and book sessions on the website. Specials are always offered!