RARITAN TWP., NJ. — Dr. Jennifer West-Gavin, pediatric neuropsychologist licensed in New Jersey, has joined the Board of Director of Team Velvet, Inc.
Dr. West-Gavin, whose PsyD was earned at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, joins three other psychologists [Dr. Susan Edwards, Dr. Tom Ferguson, Dr. Doug Gross] along with Dr. Kathy Piparo and Media Director Lillian Shupe at the helm of this 501 c-3 charity providing equine mental health therapy services for children ages 5-12 who have experienced trauma. Dr. West-Gavin’s practice is based in Voorhees, N.J.
“We are honored to have Dr. West-Gavin join our organization as she brings a unique perspective to this important work,” said Dr. Edwards, Psychologist/Director of Team Velvet Inc.
The Board recently organized a Therapy Farm Spring Clean-Up Day at its facility in Flemington, NJ. Volunteers mended fences, mucked stalls and pastures and refurbished the brilliant rainbow covering the barn door.
The clean-up day reflects the ‘can do’ attitude of the different helping hands of volunteers working together to make the facility a brighter place for children who come to work with the horses and Dr. Edwards after they have experienced a traumatic loss or adjustment.
Horse therapy services are supported by grants and donations to Team Velvet, Inc. so that families are not charged. A treatment plan is designed for the unique needs of each child who may participate in therapy for a year or more. The psychologist, horse, horse helper, parent and child work together to increase the child’s resiliency over trauma.
For further information or to make a donation go to www.teamvelvet.com or to refer a child call Dr. Susan Edwards at 609 924-4330.
About Team Velvet: Each day there is a child who experiences the death of a loved one, is a witness to violence, is victimized by crime or intense bullying, is disfigured by an accident, or experiences countless other events — all resulting in severe childhood trauma. If left unaddressed, in the extreme, child trauma may cause flashbacks, blackouts, and may result in severe damage. Team Velvet, Inc. (609) 924-4330 provides multi-modal horse therapy for traumatized children ages 5 to 12 years with psychologist Dr. Susan Edwards. Therapy horses may be involved in interactive games, kick a soccer ball, dance, or be taught liberty performance. Children do not ride the horses; they interact while working toward goals of increased self-esteem and resiliency.
–Team Velvet
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