Above / Giant Steps, a Lisle-based school for children and young adults living with autism, recently was honored for its equine therapy program that gives participants opportunities to ride horses at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. (Photo courtesy Christina Isherwood)
Giant Steps, a Lisle-based school for children and young adults with autism, has received the highest recognition possible for its equine therapy program, Christine’s Dream Equine Therapy Program.
Christine’s Dream Equestrian Center at Rich Harvest Farms recently was given a Premier Accreditation status from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) Center. Internationally just more than 200 organizations have been recognized with this accreditation. In Illinois, Christine’s Dream is the eighth program to receive PATH Intl’s highest honor.
Honor recognizes equine therapy is perfectly suited for participants
Christine’s Dream is led by Sara Ratiu, who joined the Giant Steps team and launched the school’s equine therapy program two years ago. Ratiu, a certified PATH instructor, says receiving this new accreditation level from the PATH organization shows how much time and effort has gone into creating a program that is perfectly suited for its participants.
“It has been an amazing opportunity to be able to develop a program that works to improve the lives of our adult community members with autism,” Ratiu said. “Now that we’re a PATH Premier Accredited program, it demonstrates to the rest of the community the excellence of this program.”
The equine therapy program is a dream that took many years for the Giant Steps organization to realize. The PATH recognition is a phenomenal honor for a program that has already been incredibly rewarding for Giant Steps’ Executive Director Dr. Sylvia Smith.
“Finally making our equine program come to life has been so thrilling. Just watching our participants be able to ride these beautiful animals is so rewarding,” Smith said. “I can’t even put to words how happy it makes me to see the smiles on our participants when they ride. Receiving the PATH Premier Accreditation status, just shows how much time and effort Sara put into building an incredible program. I am elated to see her recognized.”
Volunteer opportunities with Giant Steps’ Equine Therapy Program
Anyone interested in volunteer opportunities with Giant Steps’ Equine Therapy Program is encouraged to contact Giant Steps PATH Instructor Sara Ratiu at (630) 864-3803.
Giant Steps since 1996
Since 1996, Giant Steps has been focused on providing education, therapeutic and recreational programs for Elementary, Junior High, High School students and young adults affected by autism, their families and the community. Our goal is to improve a child’s ability to interact, communicate, and develop academic and daily living skills.
Story and photos submitted by Christina Isherwood for Giant Steps.
