We’re thrilled to announce that our Clinical Director and physical therapist, Kelly Coney-Pacious, has been awarded the prestigious Barbara Glasow Award for the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) Therapist of the Year 2024! This award recognizes Kelly’s remarkable dedication to high-quality care, her expert utilization of equine movement in physical therapy, and her ongoing commitment to educating and mentoring therapists in the field of hippotherapy.
A Journey of Dedication and Excellence
Kelly joined Shining Hope Farms in 2012 as a physical therapist, bringing with her a passion for both horses and physical therapy. For Kelly, using hippotherapy to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pediatric clients is more than a job—it’s her life’s calling. As a certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS) she has expert level knowledge of how equine movement can support therapeutic goals, and she continually integrates this expertise into her work with patients, helping them reach new milestones every day.
What is Hippotherapy?
Hippotherapy refers to the use of purposeful, controlled equine movement as a therapy tool in occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology. This approach engages a patient’s sensory, neuromotor, and cognitive systems to help promote functional outcomes.
Why Kelly Stands Out
Kelly was selected for this award based on her years of outstanding service to patients and her exemplary attention to the clinical aspects of using equine movement during treatments. But her influence extends far beyond her patients. As Clinical Director at Shining Hope Farms, Kelly is instrumental in training, orienting, and mentoring new therapists, ensuring that our team is consistently informed and practicing the latest standards in hippotherapy and related therapeutic methods.
Sharing Knowledge and Expanding Impact
Kelly has shared her expertise at numerous presentations, including sessions for the Down Syndrome Association of Charlotte and the PURA Syndrome Foundation, where she’s helped families and fellow therapists understand the unique benefits of hippotherapy. Additionally, she’s mentored countless physical therapy interns from esteemed institutions such as Campbell University, UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke, Elon University, and more. Her commitment to mentoring future therapists embodies her dedication to both patient care and professional development.
Leadership in Hippotherapy
Kelly’s contributions to AHA are notable—she serves on the AHA Board of Directors, is an AHA faculty member, helps to teach AHA’s Treatment Principles courses around the country, and previously chaired AHA’s social media efforts. In these roles, she has been an influential voice in promoting the integration of hippotherapy across therapeutic disciplines, helping to advance this evidence-based practice within the broader field of physical therapy.
Looking Ahead
We are incredibly proud of Kelly and this well-deserved recognition. Her commitment to high-quality, compassionate care and her pioneering spirit have enriched Shining Hope Farms and the lives of those we serve. We’re excited to continue supporting her in this journey and look forward to the continued impact she’ll make on the field of hippotherapy and the patients she serves at Shining Hope Farms.
Congratulations to Kelly on this significant achievement!