Ada Haensel

As the founder and executive director of Speaking of Horses, I blend my lifelong passion for equestrian sports with my expertise as a speech-language pathologist to provide innovative speech therapy on horseback and therapeutic riding programs. With a Bachelor's degree from UVA (2019) and a Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders (2021), I've gained diverse experience across public schools, private schools, outpatient clinics, and virtual therapy before creating this unique nonprofit. Having completed comprehensive coursework through the American Hippotherapy Association and drawing on my extensive background in the hunter/jumper ring, I've created a therapeutic approach that harnesses the natural healing power of horse movement to transform lives and help clients achieve communication breakthroughs in ways traditional therapy cannot match. At Speaking of Horses, I live my passion daily, witnessing the extraordinary connection between equine movement and human communication.