Finding Her Voice Through Horses
Celebrating Growth and Newfound Joy
For 16-year-old Mara, communication does not come easily. Living with severe autism and limited verbal skills, she is often more comfortable spending time alone, navigating the world in her own quiet way. But one thing has brought her unmistakable joy this summer: Horses.
Thanks to the insight and dedication of her new Care Manager, Megan, Mara has discovered therapeutic riding—an activity that has become the highlight of her week and a powerful outlet for connection, independence, and self-confidence.
Mara lives in upstate New York, near the Canadian border, with her parents and four siblings. While she has been receiving Care Management since she was four years old, Megan, her new Care Manager, joined her support circle in April 2025. During their semi-annual Life Plan meeting, Mara’s interest in horses came up. Inspired by a friend with experience in therapeutic riding, Megan connected Mara with Emily Cambridge, who runs Sunrise Stables, a full-service boarding and training facility in Potsdam, N.Y., where she can enjoy therapeutic rides.
Since then, every week, Mara and her mom make a trip to visit the horses—and something beautiful happens.
“Even though she usually has a straight face,” said Kristin, Care Manager Supervisor at LIFEPlan CCO, “on riding days, she absolutely glows. She lights up—ear to ear.”
Over the course of the summer, Mara has not only enjoyed riding but has taken on more responsibility: Learning to groom, feed, and care for the horses. For someone who does not typically enjoy crowds or noise, these quiet moments with animals have become her safe space. It is “her time,” said Kristin—just the two of them, away from distractions, doing something Mara loves.
In addition to participating in extended school throughout the summer, this activity has helped Mara maintain structure, joy, and growth during the break—while giving her something to look forward to each week.
Outside of riding, Mara continues to participate in Self-Direction services and attends the local BOCES ABA Program, where she will be returning this fall as a junior. She is also a huge fan of Disney, especially Toy Story and last summer, she and her family made unforgettable memories on a trip to Disney World.
From family road trips to solo adventures with her care team, and now therapeutic riding, Mara’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact that person-centered care and creativity can have in helping members thrive in their own unique way.
“This isn’t just about horses,” Kristin added. “It’s about giving Mara something that’s hers—something that makes her happy, that belongs to her world.”