The Amity Foundation offers equine therapy in the only way it believes that this can be truly effective: a balanced treatment team that combines a mental health provider with equine-therapy training and an equine specialist.

Our Staff

Corey DeMala, CO-DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER 

Corey is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, a Certified EMDR therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and has trained extensively in IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy, as well as several equine-assisted modalities, including EAGALA, Equilateral (equine- assisted EMDR), Natural Lifemanship and a one year mentorship with Kathleen Barry Ingram.

Corey has worked with survivors of sexual, physical and emotional abuse, veterans, first responders, at-risk children and adolescents in conjunction with the Foundation and privately as well. She also operates Amity Counseling Center, which is her private psychotherapy practice, located at the barn where The Amity Foundation has its headquarters.

Her list of professional qualifications include: New York State Licensed Mental Health Counselor; MA in Pastoral Counseling and Spiritual Care from Fordham University; EAGALA dual Certified –Mental Health and Equine Specialist; Certified EMDR therapist; “Equilateral” Program in Equine Assisted EMDR with Sarah Jenkins; Trauma Focused EAP program with Tim Jobe and “Natural Lifemanship”; USDF Bronze medalist. Corey is also a life-long horsewoman who has been riding for 30 years, and has been training and teaching for 20 years.

Christine Swanson DYKSHOORN, CO-DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER

Christine is an Equine Specialist with a bachelor of science degree in equine husbandry. She has over 15 years of hands-on training experience at several respected racing and breeding centers. In addition to being an expert trainer and horsewoman, she has extensive experience in facilities management.