Rocking Horse Rehab
A Pediatric Rehab and Family Wellness Center
Read on to find out what's happening at Rocking Horse Rehab!
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NJ Family  Favorite Kids' Docs 2016

Congratulations to our RHR 
therapists  who have been voted 
NJ's Favorite Kids' Docs 2016!

Sheri Marino, MA, CCC-SLP
Kathy Lutz, LCSW, CADC
Michelle Geise, OTR/L
Jennifer Vill, MA, CCC-SLP
Fiana Bezpalko, MS, CCC-SLP



Message of the Month: 
The DIR/Floortime Connection to Hippotherapy

By Fiana Bezpalko, MS, CCC-SLP

Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based Model of Intervention (DIR) utilizes affect-based interactions and experiences tailored to individual needs to promote development (Developmental) defines the fundamental capacities for joint attention and regulation, engagement across a wide range of emotions, two-way communication, and complex social problem-solving.  These in turn govern the development of symbol formation, language, and intelligence.  The I (Individual Differences) refers to individual differences related to sensory reactivity and regulation, visual-spatial auditory/language processing, and purposeful movement.  The R (Relationship) refers to relationships with caregivers that are the vehicle for affect-based developmentally appropriate interactions.  Parents and families are central to this model because of their ongoing opportunities to support their child's everyday functioning to carry out emotionally meaningful goals based on developmental levels.  Cultural and environmental influences are also considered.  The goal of the DIR model is to enable all children, including children on the autism spectrum, to form a sense of themselves as intentional, interactive, related individuals, who can develop cognitive, language, social, and emotional abilities built upon foundational capacities (Stanley Greenspan, Serena Weider).  This approach and hippotherapy are similar in that they both utilize the natural environment where less is more.  In terms of communication, language, and speech, no materials are needed as it's all in the relationship and sharing attention with your communication partner.

As part of this model, parents and therapists follow basic principles geared to supporting the mastery of the 6+ functional developmental levels.  The foundational capacities include regulation and shared attention, engagement and relating, purposeful emotional interaction/two-way purposeful communication, shared problem solving/sense of self, symbolic thinking/creating ideas, and building bridges/emotional thinking.  When interacting and relating with your child in the home, some principles to look for include, however are not limited to, gleam in the eye, using AFFECT, appropriate pacing, and reading the child's cues.  Using the hippotherapy technique, children benefit from the movement of the horse in order to attain a regulated state.  Once regulated, engaged, and sharing attention, children are able to utilize language to communicate a variety of functions.  They use meaningful language to direct the horse to "walk on" and "whoa" for go and stop.  This further allows children to work on turn taking skills, following directions, and comprehension.

Our children show us the power of the relationship.  Allow the child to be the agent of his own progress no matter how long it takes.  Remember to use wait time and pacing and enjoy the process and wait for the product to unfold.  Regulation is key to speech and language development.  It's all about being in the moment, having fun, and allowing your child to feel successful at what they can do and developmentally build from there.  It is important for parents, caregivers, and clinicians to use language the child is able to comprehend and can attribute meaning to.  When children feel autonomous, competent, and related they are demonstrating the ability to relate, think, and learn for themselves.
Horse of the Month
Kahlua

Kahlua is a "newbie" to our program.  He is also fairly new to the barn in general!  He came to EEC over the summer as a school horse, and since then has become a favorite among riders.  When we needed some extra help with our Friday schools, we thought his bombproof demeanor would be great for us!  And we were right!  Kahlua passed his test with flying colors, not flinching at anything!!  

Kahlua will be used for our therapeutic riding school programs, and possibly for more sessions in the future!  We are excited to add this great horse to our program.
Staff Member of the Month
Doris Marino

Doris was a New Jersey licensed Director of Therapeutic Activities in long term care facilities for twenty years. Doris was awarded the Madison E. Weidner life-time achievement award by the New Jersey Activity Professionals Association representing leadership, inspiration and education in her profession. She was also a volunteer coordinator responsible for recruiting, training and maintaining volunteers who assisted with various recreational, spiritual and educational activities for the residents. Doris was the President of the Northwest New Jersey Activity Professionals Association for eight years. She has presented in various capacities in therapeutic recreation including a seminar on exercise in the elderly. Doris was a member of the International Dance Educators of America and was an aerobic instructor for nine years.
When Doris is not volunteering her time at Rocking Horse Rehab, she enjoys spending time with her husband and her eight grandchildren, working out at the gym and power walking.
Hero of the Month
The Kid's Wish Network 

The Kid's Wish Network chose Kaitlyn  as a Hero of the Month in November 2014!  Kaitlyn  came to Rocking Horse Rehab because she was struggling to find her voice. Her work with Small Fry and Loki increased her self-confidence and, with the help of her supportive family, Kaitlyn  is now thriving! Congratulations Kaitlyn, we are so happy for you!!!
Volunteer of the Month
Melissa

Melissa started volunteering for us in August of this year.  She works as a small animal veterinary technician, and is applying to veterinary schools.  Most of her experience is with small animals, but Melissa immediately became comfortable with our horses!  She sidewalks for our sessions on Wednesday's and really enjoys working with the horses and kids!

We are very lucky to have such a kind-hearted and enthusiastic member of our volunteer team!  Thank you Melissa! 

To become a volunteer, email:

We are hiring!

Rocking Horse Rehab is looking for staff to join our team!  We are currently searching for speech, occupational, and physical therapists to take on some hours.  For more information contact  

Check out our partner: The Autism Think Tank

The Autism Think Tank, NJ  is designed to provide a multidisciplinary team approach to the identification and treatment of the complicated medical comorbidities of autism. The Autism Think Tank is comprised of leading  experts in autism from renowned teaching hospitals including Harvard/Massachusetts General Hospital and UCLA. 

At the Autism Think Tank, the medical experts collaborate from around the U.S. in a video conference with local physicians and families to develop a cohesive plan of care for individuals with medically complex cases of autism. Medically stabilizing a child facilitates greater outcomes in behavioral, therapeutic and educational interventions. The Autism Think Tank  has a global reach as we are serving families internationally with the use of telemedicine.

  Like them on Facebook!
University Partners

Thank you to the following universities and colleges for providing us with wonderful student interns. We are honored to help influence their futures in the health professions as fieldwork educators.

County College of Morris
Delaware University
Eastwick College
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Felician College
Kean University
Montclair State University
New Jersey City University
New York University
Philadelphia University
Queens College
Rutgers Univeristy
Salus University
Seton Hall University
St. Catherine's Univeristy
Tauro College
University of Scranton
William Paterson University



  To complete an internship at RHR, email:

School field trips and individual treatment times available!

Rocking Horse Rehab is open 
Monday-Friday 10am-6pm 
and Sundays from 9am-5pm.

We have immediate openings for speech therapy on Sunday and Thursday  afternoons and occupational therapy on Monday afternoons. 

SCHOOLS: TO BOOK A SUMMER FIELD TRIP, CALL US NOW!

To request a client registration packet, email:

Mission Statement

Rocking Horse Rehab is a pediatric rehabilitation and family wellness center located within the Essex Equestrian Center in West Orange, NJ. Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of individuals with special needs and their families by offering innovative opportunities for clinical, educational and social development. Our philosophy is to treat the "whole child" using equine assisted therapies with the expertise of our highly specialized staff.
 
Visit us on the web!
About our Founder
Sheri A. Marino, MA, CCC-SLP

Sheri founded Rocking Horse Rehab in September 2001. She is a pediatric speech-language pathologist who specializes in autism spectrum disorders. Sheri oversees program development and daily operations for RHR with the support of a dedicated, professional staff. She is the Executive Director of The Autism Think Tank, NJ, a non-profit, medical videoconferencing team for individuals with medically complex autism. Sheri  works directly with the Autism Think Tank families and physicians and  manages all fundraising, marketing and family events. In addition, Sheri is a consultant to the Focus For Health Foundation which is dedicated to promoting advocacy, education and research to combat chronic health issues around the world. 


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12-22 Woodland Ave. West Orange, NJ 07052