PALS is one of the few organizations in south-central Indiana recognized as a Member Center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) and a Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Accredited Site.
Learn about PALS! Our programs harness the transformative potential of the human and horse connection, tailored to address the needs of both individuals and groups. Facilitated by certified professionals, including PATH and CHA Certified Instructors, we aim to ignite emotional, cognitive, social, and physical growth through interactive activities with horses.
Since our inception in 2000, PALS has dedicated over 21,000 equine-assisted program and service hours, along with various educational initiatives and camp opportunities. Our commitment reaches across generations, positively impacting the lives of hundreds of children, adults, and older people in the south central Indiana community, ages three and up. Learn more about the PALS family below!
Client Testimonial
“We have been extremely happy with her progress and grateful for her improvement in other areas as well.”
About PALS: Our History
Before 2000
Fern Goodman (Bonchek) had spent several years training and becoming a PATH Intl. Advanced Instructor while working with The Shea Center, one of the oldest therapeutic riding programs in the United States located in Orange County, California. As a result, she felt confident in her abilities to provide the same high-quality program and services.
2000
Upon returning to her hometown of Bloomington, IN in 2000, several of Barb’s (Fern’s mother) original riders had inquired about returning to riding, an opportunity Barb could no longer provide, and inspired Fern to explore the possibility of starting her own adaptive riding program.
March, 2013
About PALS: Our Team
Our Staff
Christine Herring
Meet Chris; the healing connection with horses has always been an important part of life for Chris. Her background with horses includes riding instruction, training, breeding, and owning/operating her own horse facility. A lifelong equestrian, her riding experience includes trail riding, dressage, and training for endurance. Chris is a graduate of Indiana University and worked for 17 years in research and research development at IU. She attended Purdue University and worked for many years as a veterinary technician. She has called Monroe County home for over 30 years. When she isn’t working at PALS, she enjoys riding her horse Priya, gardening, cooking, and enjoying life with her husband, Tony, and her dog, Zelda.
Christine Herring
Executive Director
Kelly Holland
Kelly Holland
Facility Director
Tessa McAfee
Meet Tessa; she has been lending her time and expertise to PALS since 2016. In 2018, she became PATH certified, further enhancing her ability to positively impact the lives of those she serves. Tessa’s journey with horses began long before her volunteer work at PALS. Having ridden since childhood, she brings a wealth of experience to her role. Graduating from Saint Mary of the Woods College in 2022 with a degree in Equine Studies and a minor in equine-assisted therapy and psychology, Tessa’s education has equipped her with a deep understanding of both horses and the therapeutic benefits they offer. From hunter/jumpers to showing hunt seat and western in college, Tessa’s diverse background in riding reflects her versatility and love for all aspects of equestrianism.
Tessa McAfee
Director of Equine Development
Melissa Abbey
Meet Melissa; She was born and raised in Western NY State, and attended Houghton College. Her first riding lessons and formal learning about horses were at Houghton, where riding lessons counted as gym class.
After college graduation in 1996, Melissa moved to California to teach outdoor education in the redwood forest. She didn’t have an opportunity to work with horses again until she was attending graduate school at Western Seminary for marital and family therapy. She attended a workshop on equine facilitated psychotherapy, and “got hooked and never looked back”.
DreamPower Horsemanship, the PATH center hosting the workshop, utilized student and intern therapists to provide equine facilitated psychotherapy, and Melissa was instrumental in the development of DreamPower’s Equine Journey Wilderness Program, which brought at risk youth and young adults with disabilities to the ranch and then into the backcountry for equine assisted learning camping trips.
In her time at DreamPower, Melissa was able to earn her CTRI and ESMHL certifications from PATH International, as well as complete the requirements to become licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in CA. Since 2015, Melissa has worked at other PATH centers as Head Instructor, Volunteer Coordinator, Special Programs Director, and most recently, Director of Ride Like a Knight, the PATH center owned and operated by St. Andrews University in NC.
From 2021-2025, Melissa was a professor in the University’s Therapeutic Horsemanship major, as well as mentoring students through their PATH certifications, and administering Ride Like a Knight.
“I was attracted to PALS by Chris’ tremendous leadership skill and the fact that we think so similarly about how a center should be an inclusive, caring, supportive community. I look forward to helping PALS fulfill its mission and become nationally known for its superb equine care and ethical business practices.”
Melissa is currently serving a second term on the PATH International Mental Health and Learning Subcommittee, where she is one of 6 professionals helping shape the future of equine-assisted learning and mental health worldwide. She has had several articles published by PATH, and is a frequent speaker at regional, online, and international conferences.
Melissa Abbey
Program Director
Lee Stewart
Lee Stewart
Bookkeeper
Melody Pope
Meet Melody; a dedicated equestrian whose upbringing on a farm in southern Indiana instilled in her a profound love for horses. From competing in horse shows and embarking on lengthy trail rides at just nine years old to nurturing and training her own horse, Melody’s bond with equines runs deep. Despite pursuing a college degree, and later a career, in archaeology, her heart remains intertwined with the equestrian world, finding solace and community in barn life. As a valued barn assistant at PALS since 2022, Melody considers it a privilege to care for the herd, cherishing the camaraderie of fellow horse enthusiasts. When not in the barn, she channels her passion into archaeological exploration, working with institutions such as the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Kentucky Archaeology Survey at Western Kentucky University. With her warm demeanor and unwavering dedication, Melody embodies the timeless connection between humans, horses, and history.
Melody Pope
Equine Manager
Lauren Cochran
Lauren Cochran
Assistant Instructor & Barn Assistant
Jennifer Christensen
Coming soon!
Jennifer Christensen
CHA-Certified Instructor
Chloe Dekydtspotter
Chloe Dekydtspotter
Barn Assistant & Social Media
Pat Carroll
Meet Pat; he has been a dedicated volunteer at PALS for over 10 years, serving as a Barn Assistant for the past 7 years. As a veteran who served as a Cavalry Officer in Germany throughout most of the 1980s, and a retired Social Studies teacher with 22 years of experience at Bloomington South High School, Pat brings a wealth of knowledge and commitment to our team. His expertise with horses has been honed through collaboration with many skilled instructors, staff, and fellow volunteers, all of whom he has had the pleasure of learning from over the last decade.
Pat Carroll
Barn Assistant
Keith Keal
Keith Keal
Volunteer Coordinator
Equine-Assisted Learning Instructor
CM Morrison
Meet CM. CM Morrison serves as Development Coordinator at PALS.
More Soon!
CM Morrison
Director of Development
Olivia Roath
Instructor
Tom Hughes
Assistant Facility Manager
Rachel Larson
Barn Assistant
Faith Murphy
Barn Assistant
Our Board
Alex Everett
Meet Alex; Alex loves looking at houses. He is no stranger to hard work, having spent nine years in the army and 18 years in restaurant management. While not the best for his overall hearing, his army experience reinforced the importance of listening. Alex relocated to Bloomington in 2014 to manage a now closed restaurant (an owner decision, not his management) and immediately fell in love with the community. This closure created the opportunity for Alex to transition his exceptional customer service skills and love for working with people into real estate and he has never been happier. Alex’s hard work has paid off and he is proud to be a member of the F.C. Tucker Presidents Club for his first three years as a realtor and a 2018 member of the F.C. Tucker Executive Club. Alex understands that home ownership is one of the biggest financial decisions his clients will ever make. He is committed to helping them find their dream home and will work hard to help them navigate the buying and selling processes.
Alex Everett
Board Chair
John Herber
John Herber
Vice-Chair
Lorie Miller
Lorie Miller
Treasurer
Susan Rinne
Susan Rinne
Secretary
Chris Smith
Meet Chris; a proud graduate of Indiana University and former player on the Hoosier football team. Calling Bloomington his home since 2005, Chris has been making a significant impact in his professional role at Simtra Bio Pharma, specializing in Commercial Operations. Additionally, he has a commendable history of philanthropic activities working with a number of nonprofit organizations in the Bloomington Community. In June of 2022, Chris began volunteering with PALS, and since then, he has developed a deep affiliation with the program, staff, and mission of the organization.
Chris Smith
Board Member
Christine Everett
Meet Christine; a passionate supporter of the PALS mission, Christine proudly serves on the Board of Directors. Christine has worked with Indiana University since 1989 and the Kelley School of Business since 1991. Drawing upon her experience in program management, she has successfully overseen initiatives that required careful planning and execution, managing project funds totaling over $18 million. Christine’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Business from KSB and a Master of Science in Education from IU, giving her a solid foundation in both business and higher education administration. She is dedicated to applying her skills to advance the PALS organization.
Christine Everett
Board Member
Tayler Holley
Coming Soon!
Tayler Holley
Board Member
Martha Whitmill
Board Member
Ellen Bell
Board Member
Kim Martin
Board Member
Our Herd
Scout
Scout
Sponsored by Fred & Beth Cate
Big D
Meet Big D; a magnificent Belgian/Mustang cross, towering at an impressive 17 hands and weighing in at 1500 lbs! Donated to PALS, Big D brings a wealth of experience, having engaged in trail riding, jumping, and arena work in his younger years. His substantial size makes him a valuable addition to our program, catering to larger clients and those seeking a different therapeutic movement. With his friendly demeanor and professional presence, Big D is a vital asset to enhance the experience at PALS.
Big D
Sponsored by “Jack and Jill”
Daisy Mae
Meet Daisy Mae; the most endearing miniature horse with dwarfism you’ll ever encounter. Before joining PALS, she played a crucial role in adaptive programs. Daisy Mae is not just a petite equine; she boasts the most delightful personality, spreading love to everyone she meets. Engaging in our unmounted program, participating in community events, and making appearances at various organizations, Daisy Mae consistently contributes to the joy and positivity within our barn.
Fun Fact: Daisy can stand inside a hula hoop!
Daisy Mae
Sponsored by L. McDonald
Junie B
Meet Junie B; a rescue with a heartwarming past, was cherished by two girls before finding her way to PALS. Her sweet personality and naturally forward movement make her an ideal fit for our programs. We are excited to welcome Junie to our PALS family, where she is sure to bring joy and positivity to all who interact with her.
Junie B
Cisco
Cisco
Phoenix
Phoenix
Sponsored by the Heiland Family
River
River
Sponsored by April & John Moore
Nemo
Nemo
Sponsored by L. McDonald
Calla
Meet Calla; a 10-year-old Halflinger who joined PALS in July. Before arriving at PALS, she spent her time as a beloved pasture pet and occasionally participated in trail riding and children’s riding activities. Calla’s gentle and friendly personality makes her a perfect match for our therapeutic programs. She thrives on human interaction, enjoying the attention and care she receives from our participants and volunteers. Her size and calm demeanor allow her to work exceptionally well with full-support therapeutic clients, making her a valuable addition to the PALS herd.
Calla
Sponsored by Bill Himebrook and Lisa Bierman
Aspen
Meet Aspen; a 6-year-old Quarter Horse who joined the PALS herd in September. Lovingly leased to us by a member of the Bloomington community, Aspen’s calm and affectionate personality made her an instant favorite. She thrives on interacting with people, whether she’s teaching kids how to ride or participating in our ground programs. When she’s not busy making a difference in lessons, you’ll find Aspen relaxing in the pasture with her best pals, Bella and Priya. Her friendly and gentle nature makes her a true star here at PALS!
Aspen
Bentley
Bentley
Sponsored by L. McDonald
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