"Life is unpredictable. Learn to handle difficult situations in a more positive way."

Reins of Change is a private stable and mental health center, dedicated to providing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Personal Growth, Corporate Training, EAGALA Services and other educational opportunities for clients of all ages. Reins of Change is proud to offer a staff of highly qualified, EAGALA certified teams, who specialize in specific areas such as Eating Disorders, Self Injury, Substance Abuse, Behavior Disorders and other mental health issues. Staff from Reins of Change often present at conferences, seminars, workshops and schools to demonstrate and discuss the benefits of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.

Amy Blossom , Executive Director/Founder, Equine Specialist, EAP Level III, has been certified by EAGALA, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, since 1998. Her lifetime of horse knowledge, combined with her bachelor’s degree in psychology, corporate development experience, and extensive volunteer contributions, has made her an effective and highly respected leader in the specialization of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. She is the founder and Executive Director of Reins of Change, which is located in the western suburbs of Chicago. Amy is the Vice Chairman of EAGALA’s Board of Directors, and acts as consultant, trainer, and mentor for many international EAGALA organizations and associates. She manages EAGALA’s Midwest Regional Networking Group. Amy has also founded Horses Healing Hearts, which is a not-for-profit program dedicated to providing EAP opportunities for youth-at-risk in our community, and is a member of the Junior League of Kane and DuPage Counties, Inc. Amy has been recognized as a pioneer in the development and growth of equine assisted psychotherapy, Reins of Change, as well as EAGALA.

Brenda Hunter , MA, LCPC, EAPII, obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in neuropsychology and brain-behavior relationships from the University of Arkansas. She continued her post-Master’s education through the University of Arkansas and completed a pre-doctoral internship with the Veterans Administration/Vanderbilt University Internship Consortium in Nashville, Tennessee. Ms. Hunter is a licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. She has extensive experience in abuse trauma, chronic mental illness, emotional and behavioral disorders, and brain-injury rehabilitation. Ms. Hunter has her Level II Equine Assisted Psychotherapy certification and has been working as a therapist with Reins of Change since March 2003. She also is a therapist on staff at the Larkin Center in Elgin, Illinois where she works with children, adolescents, and adults living in a group home setting, who suffer from mental illness and past trauma. Ms. Hunter is recognized as the most experienced mental health professional utilizing equine assisted psychotherapy in the state of Illinois.

Lisa Hardekopf , MA, CEDA, EAPI, is a Certified Eating Disorders Associate. In addition to her extensive work at Reins of Change, Lisa is a Senior Therapist in the Eating Disorders program at Linden Oaks Hospital, and also provides outpatient treatment through Rago and Associates, which are both located in Naperville, Illinois. She has specialized in the eating disorders field for more than seven years and has a lifetime of experience riding and showing horses. She currently provides group therapy services specializing in body image, relapse prevention and experiential activities including equine therapy. She is a member of IAEDP and of the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association ( EAGALA). Since she completed her Level I certification through EAGALA, Lisa has been an integral part of the growth and development of eating disorders programming at Reins of Change.

Mandie Cummins, MHRD, EAPI - obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Speech and Communications Studies, as well as her Master's Degree in Human Resource Management (MHRD) from Clemson University. Mandie designed, developed, implemented, and facilitated training programs for employees at all levels within Owens Corning and Sanford Corporation. From entry level union employees to executive leaders, Mandie worked to improve group dynamics and communications skills amongst employees by determining fundamental development needs of leaders, designing training to strengthen those needs, and coordinating follow-up support and further training for workgroups. EAGALA Certified Level I, Mandie is the Corporate Development Specialist at Reins of Change. She is recognized internationally for her professionalism and outstanding facilitation skills utilizing the EAGALA model.