Driven by a desire to create a life filled with opportunity, Tory moved away from her humble beginnings to pursue a career helping others. A high school psychology class sparked her interest and conjured a belief that she could positively affect people’s lives through providing guidance and support. She wanted to afford others the opportunities she yearned for during the formidable years of her youth.

 

Moving to San Diego, CA to attend college was an exciting time which allowed Tory to leave the structure of home behind and start something new for herself. Once she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology she moved to Orange, CA to attend Chapman University’s Master of Arts program in Marriage and Family Therapy.

 

Securing her license as a Marriage and Family Therapist made it official and she soon gained experience working in elementary schools, outpatient clinics, and adolescent treatment centers. She knew this was the type of work she always dreamed of doing.

 

Opening a private practice allowed Tory to build her clientele, and expand into equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) to create more opportunities for her clients to grow and heal. Initially, she doubted her ability to work with horses. It was intimidating after all due to their size, power and capabilities. As with most things in her life she didn’t give up. She eventually built belief in her abilities by visiting Rise Canyon Ranch to observe the work being done. She simply had to be a part.

 

She commenced the Licensed Mental Health Professional training through the Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala) and within a short time she was confident she had made the right choice. She is continually amazed by the trusting connection that is formed between humans and horses. Witnessing the transformation her clients experience, seeing them come into their own, seeing them build trust again, is the best part of her job.

 

Tory believes to work alongside someone creating change in their life is a true privilege. She is continually appreciative of every opportunity.