Our Team
Danielle Carlson, LMFT
Danielle Carlson, LMFT is a licensed therapist with 20 years of experience working with youth and horses. Danielle specializes in working with LGBTQ+ youth and young adults, people with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and people looking for a unique therapeutic experience. Danielle also enjoys working with adult women who desire to get back to the center of their life in order to create new purpose and joy.
From the therapist’s mouth: “Welcome to my therapy practice. I have extensive experience helping clients explore gender and sexuality, as well as addressing depression, anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, relationship issues, and family conflicts. My approach is to create a non-judgmental, safe space for clients to feel comfortable sharing their feelings and thoughts.
As a therapist, I aim to work collaboratively with you to find solutions that work for you and help you discover your true potential. Using a variety of techniques, both new and long-standing approaches with proven results, we will explore patterns that might be holding you back from living your best life and finding meaning in everyday situations.
On a personal note, I have a passion for animals and care for 14 horses, three dogs, three cats, one rabbit, and over 25 chickens. I report for duty daily to these beloved animals, which brings joy and balance to my life.”
Rachel Allison
Equine Specialist
Rachel joins Equine Elevated with a diverse background that led her to a passion for working with horses in a therapy setting. After healing from the loss of her second daughter, Rachel became an advocate for mental health. She found solace in her rescue horse, Keanu, and experienced the healing he provided as a companion. From that point on, Rachel has expanded her knowledge about horses and equine bodywork to give back to them, recognizing the profound healing they offer us. A horse's heart can bring immense comfort and healing to the mind, body, and soul.
On a personal note, I have a deep love for animals, including my horse, dogs, cats, chickens, and a bunny. I truly believe animals have immense love and healing to offer us. In return, showing them love and kindness is the least we can do for all they give. I'm a girl mom, military wife, fitness enthusiast, avid reader, and crochet lover. I enjoy binge-watching police shows and cheesy romance movies on Hallmark. I’ve also never met a cookie I didn’t like!
Leslie Horton
Equine Specialist
Lelsie has loved animals for as long as she can remember. The feeling of partnership with a horse is a unique gift, and she love sharing that with others. She and her family live on a hobby farm with their horses, dogs, and chickens. In her free time, Leslie enjoy the outdoors with horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.
Jessi Homan
Intern
I was hooked on horses from a young age, my mom brought home her first horse, Major, when I was four, and I’ve been immersed in horsemanship ever since. I grew up showing in 4-H, training for gymkhana events, and working with horses in Western Pleasure, trail riding, and beginner lessons.
In college, I began studying Equine Management at UW–River Falls, but a research assignment on Equine Assisted Psychotherapy shifted my focus. I changed my major to Psychology with a minor in Animal Science, combining my lifelong passion for horses with a growing interest in mental health.
Since graduating in 2017, I’ve continued to train, teach, and explore the healing potential of the horse-human connection. I’m Level 1 trained in Natural Lifemanship and currently pursuing my Master of Social Work to expand my ability to support others through equine-assisted services. Horses have always been my greatest teachers, and now, they’re part of how I help others heal and grow.
Titan
Birthdate: 1/1/2017
Birthplace: Nebraska
Breed: American Warmblood
Height: 17.2 hh
My best talent is: Standing on the pedestal
My favorite pastime is: Using my big lips to open gates and showing off for Bailey
My favorite treat is: All of them!
Desi
Birthdate: 5/30/2018
Birthplace: Lino Lakes, MN
Breed: Thoroughbred
Height: 16.2 hh
My best talent is: Hugs
My favorite pastime is: Sunning in the grass
My favorite treat is: Purina Apple and Oat Flavored Horse Treats
Henry
Birthdate: 5/1/2013
Birthplace: Wisconsin
Breed: Quarter Horse
Height: 15 hh
My best talent is: kisses
My favorite pastime is: getting belly scratches
My favorite treat is: MAC Muffins Horse Treats
Banksy
Birthdate: 06/07/2008
Birthplace: West Virgina
Breed: Friesian Heritage
Height: 15.2 hh
My best talent is: Taking off Ziggy’s fly mask
My favorite pastime is: attempting to take off Hugo’s cribbing collar.
Our favorite treats are: German Horse Muffins
Ziggy
Birthdate: 2/1/2016
Birthplace: Florida
Breed: Thoroughbred
Height: 16.1 hh
My best talent is: playing soccer
My favorite pastime is: goofing around with the ‘Kensington Boys’
My favorite treat is: MAC Muffins Horse Treats
Rosie
Birthdate: 2010
Birthplace: Montana
Breed: Quarter Horse
Height: 14.3 hh
My best talent is: cuddling
My favorite pastime is: eating
Our favorite treats are: Strawberry PopTarts
Hugo
Birthdate: 5/2013
Birthplace: Wisconsin
Breed: Thoroughbred
Height: 16.3 hh
My best talent is: Jumping
My favorite pastime is: Playing “no, I’ll catch you!” with the ‘Kensington Boys’
My favorite treat is: MAC Muffins Horse Treats
Aspen
Birthdate: 06/16/2015
Birthplace: Minnesota
Breed: Thoroughbred
Height: 16.2 hh
My best talent is: Jumping!
My favorite pastime is: Napping with Desi
Our favorite treats are: Peppermints
Bailey
Birthdate: 12/7/2015
Birthplace: Ohio
Breed: Thoroughbred
Height: 16.2 hh
My best talent is: Frolicking
My favorite pastime is: hanging out with Titan
My favorite treat is: MAC Muffins Horse Treats
Fiyero (Rio)
Birthdate: 3//10/2017
Birthplace: Hemet, CA
Breed: Thoroughbred
Height: 16.2 hh
My best talent is: Jumping!
My favorite pastime is: Playing with the other Kensington Boys’ in the pasture
Our favorite treats are: Poptarts
Ruby
Birthdate: 2014
Birthplace: Florida
Breed: Thoroughbred
Height: 15.3 hh
My best talent is: connecting with people
My favorite pastime is: Eating grass
My favorite treats are: Purina Nicker Makers Horse Treats and Peppermints
Oberon
Birthdate: 6/15/2018
Birthplace: Minnesota
Breed: Goldendoodle
Best talent is: play guard dog
My favorite pastime is: Sleeping in the sun and going for walks
My favorite treats are: peanut butter and bones
Penny
Birthdate: 6/19/2003
Birthplace: Minnesota
Breed: Miniature Horse
Height: 9 hh
My best talent is: Seeing through my forlock
My favorite pastime is: eating
My favorite treats are: Purina Nicker Makers Horse Treats and Peppermints
Acorn
Birthdate: 2003
Birthplace: Minnesota
Breed: Miniature Horse
Height: 10 hh
My best talent is: Prancing
My favorite pastime is: Playing with Penny
My favorite treats are: German Horse Muffins
Grogu, the Rabbit
Birthdate: 12/2021
Birthplace: Minnesota
Breed: Silver Fox Rabbit
My best talent is: hugging
My favorite pastime is: cuddles, eating, sleeping
My favorite treats are: carrots, watermelon, and garden salad
Murphy
Birthdate: 4/14/2019 (Murphy)
Birthplace: Minnesota
Breed: Golden-doodle
Best talent is: Pouncing
My favorite pastime is: pouncing like Tigger
My favorite treats are: peanut butter and bones
Joobie
Birthdate: 11/2020
Birthplace: Minnesota
Breed: Ninja Cat
My best talent is: catching chipmunks
My favorite pastime is: napping
My favorite treats are: Salmon Temptations
Juniper
Birthdate: 6/21/2024
Birthplace: Minnesota
Breed: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
My best talent is: Dancing and cuddling
My favorite pastime is: Playing with everything
My favorite treats are: Milk Bone Minis (they are mini just like me!)
Apollo
Birthdate: 7/5/2021
Birthplace: Minnesota
Breed: Cat with 6 fingers
My best talent is: Cuddling
My favorite pastime is: Napping in the sun
My favorite treats are: Fresh Salmon
Toebeans (Kitty Mama)
Birthdate: 11/2020
Breed: American Shorthair
My best talent is: catching mice
My favorite pastime is: hunting and napping
My favorite treats are: canned cat food