Staff:

Refuge Services' Board of Directors consists of professionals from the community such as a counselor, CPA, law enforcement, businessmen, horse owners, and Attorney. This working board evaluates all activities as to their effectiveness, legal responsibilities, and ethical obligations determining that it is in the best interest of the participants at all times. The Board of Directors also evaluates and approves all volunteers, who are trained by Refuge's Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy team in safety and professional relations.

The program directors, the founders of Refuge Services, are both nationally certified in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy at the highest level possible. The director team consists of a Licensed Professional Counselor and a trained horse professional, with over 27 years experience working with horses. They have over 3000 hours experience with EAP, certified as international instructors of level 1 EAP, level 2 workshop facilitators, and level 3 supervisors. The director team contracts with professional counselors in the area with Doctorate or Master level degrees in counseling or related fields. This allows other counselors to utilize Refuge programs as a part of their treatment plan without referring the participant to someone else. As stated previously, Refuge Services also contracts with other agencies to incorporate our programs into their treatment plan.

Refuge Services is a member of the international organization Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA), leaders in the field of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy emphasizing safety training and therapeutic techniques. All activities are approved by EAGALA. Safety is regulated through North American Horseman's Association.

In addition to the regulations made by Refuge Service's Board of Directors, this professional, therapeutic program also abides by the ethical standards set forth in the Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors Board Rules.