Bettina Shultz, MA, NCC, LPC 
Bettina Shultz made the trip from Cal Farley's Boys Ranch to Dalhart nearly every Saturday over the summer of 2009 to work with OAT Directors and Volunteers on the fundamentals of equine therapy.  Many of the directors and volunteers, while they might be "horse savvy", have little knowledge of how to use that knowledge to benefit a special needs child or adult.  Bettina bridges the gap by sharing valuable techniques and methods to help the OAT volunteers and directors do just that.   
Bettina has her Graduate Degree in counseling and is a licensed professional counselor, with extensive training and experience in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Therapeutic Riding.  She is certified through EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association).  She is also an active member of EFMHA (Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association).  She has conducted and documented groundbreaking outcome research on the effectiveness of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for at-risk youth.  Prior to her current position, Bettina directed the therapeutic riding, Hippotherapy, challenge course, and Equine Assisted Mental Health programs at Rocky Top Therapy Center in Keller, Texas.  She is currently a Clinical Intervention Specialist at Cal Farley’s Boys Ranch north of Amarillo, Texas where she works with at-risk kids and houseparent’s by utilizing traditional therapy, EAP, challenge course, therapeutic riding, and adventure based therapeutic interventions to serve at-risk kids.  Bettina told OAT Director, Kristen Hembree, that "(she) is thrilled to volunteer her services at Open Arms Therapy Center!"  Those of us who've had the privilege of working with Bettina would like to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation for all Bettina has done for the OAT program.  "Bettina - you are a special person and we are thrilled that you are a part of our program!!!"