Meet Our Therapists

During her schooling with AT Still University of Health Sciences, Dr. Herbst fell in love with working with developmentally disabled children. While completing her education, Dr. Herbst was introduced to equine-assisted physical therapy and saw how incredibly beneficial (and fun!) it was to incorporate equines into a therapy program. She completed her training through the American Hippotherapy Association in 2010. She now works with AzOPT Kid’s Place which accepts DDD, ESA, and other private insurance and has been providing physical therapy at Manes and Miracles since 2019.

Dr. Earhart has been offering physical therapy with equines at Manes and Miracles since 2019. She helps kids improve their range of motion, strength, flexibility, and movement patterns through unique and fun activities that look more like play than work! A Physical therapist specializing in pediatrics for over 10 years, Dr. Earhart first begin incorporating horses in 2010.

Amber joined Manes and Miracles in 2020 with an excitement to bring equine-assisted therapy to the children she works with. Trained with the American Association of Hippotherapy, Amber is enthusiastic about the benefits of incorporating horses in the therapy she provides.

Lindsey graduated from PT school in 2005 and has been working with children since 2008.  She is currently working on her Cranial Sacral Therapy certification.  Lindsey has always loved horses and considers herself lucky to have been able to use equine movement with clients and found so much value in the experience for the clients and for herself!  She is very excited to be in the arena! 

Kelsey McCleary has been a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant for three years. She first graduated from Arizona State University with her Bachelor’s degree in Exercise and Wellness then received her Physical Therapist Assisting degree from GateWay Community college. Her interest in physical therapy grew when her father had a stroke her senior year in high school and she had to watch him relearn how to walk and do basic tasks of daily living. She decided she wanted to help people just like the therapists helped her father. Kelsey loves the need to be creative and think outside the box when working with neurological conditions and children.  She has gained a passion for pediatric therapy because she wants to help kids be able to just be kids and reach their potential. Kelsey has three kids of her own and enjoys spending time with her family. Kelsey also loves horses and used to ride them as a child. She has seen how Equine-Assisted Therapy has benefited patients and is excited to provide it as a treatment.

Sean works with Arizona Autism which accepts DDD and several other insurances.  Sean has over 20 years of working with kids of all abilities, specializing in creating meaningful interventions for children that promote confidence and independence in their activities of daily living.  He loves equine-assisted therapy and also specializes in aquatic therapy.  His energy and passionate approach to Occupational Therapy have garnered attention nationwide.

Tim works with Arizona Autism and accepts DDD and several other insurances.  Tim retired from a career in construction and is enjoying an encore career as an occupational therapy assistant. A real go-getter, he completed his equine training with Hoof Falls and Footfalls before beginning with Manes and Miracles in 2020. His jovial personality puts kids immediately at ease and gets them excited for equine-assisted therapy. 

After retiring from his career in law enforcement, Matt was introduced to equine-assisted therapies as a volunteer.  He had always loved horses and found deep satisfaction and sense of purpose from being around horses and in making a real difference in the lives of others.  He relished the small but daily miracles he saw in the kids and adults whose lives were being changed significantly for the better through the therapy offered.  Now, he is using his amazing natural gift with the horses, his immense knowledge of all things handy-man, as well as the same drive to help people that took him to law enforcement originally, and is applying it to once again serving others.  Matt is on the Board of Directors, helps with riders, and oversees the maintenance of the track and property- and all this as a VOLUNTEER!  So much for retirement!

As a child, Lindsey was obsessed with animals, nurturing and caring for every stray that came her way, whether her parents approved or not!  As she grew, her innate desire to nurture shifted to children.  Lindsey spent several years volunteering with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America.  She also spent several years as the head of the children’s group of her church.  Lindsey is thrilled to be able to combine two of the things she loves most, along with her experience as an office manager, to serve the children of the East Valley.  Lindsey serves on the board of directors, runs the day-to-day office, manages the marketing program, completes billing, organizes fundraisers, helps with volunteers and various projects, and wherever else she is needed. However, her favorite is always getting to work directly with the kids that make it all worth while.

Anne has a life-long interest in children with a passion for supporting the development and helping each child meet their individual potential. Anne has degrees in Family and Human Development and in Communication Disorders as well as certificates in Fundraising and Sustainable Financial Management. Aside from her vital role at Manes and Miracles, Annd also works part time as a Speech-Language Pathologist within the school setting and has over 17 years of experience working with special needs and volunerable populations. Anne is excited to continue to support the development of children by sharing the mission of Manes and Miracles with our community.

Nikki's bio coming soon!

Caroline has been volunteering at Manes and Miracles since 2019. A part-time nurse, she is driven to bless the lives of others, particularly in the field of health. She was a natural to transition over to helping coordinate the over 100 volunteers who dedicate an average of 200 hours each week, including herself, who still step in to serve as often as possible.