Your kid won't talk to a therapist, but they'll brush a pony named Oreo.
That's the premise behind a growing equine-assisted therapy program at Transformative Growth Counseling, a Naperville-based nonprofit featured in an NCTV17 spotlight that aired Sunday, June 29. CEO Dr. Jessica Swenson and Equine Ambassador Steven Mastel appeared on the segment to introduce the program's two miniature therapy ponies, Oreo and Coco, and explain how the animals are reaching children that traditional office therapy cannot.
TGC launched the equine program in December 2025 after nearly a decade of providing mental health services to children and families from its offices at 24 W 500 Maple Ave in Naperville. The nonprofit was built for families stuck in the coverage gap: those who earn too much for Medicaid but too little to comfortably afford private therapy.
What happens in a session
Every session takes place at a private farm near Naperville. The location is shared only upon booking to keep the environment distraction-free.
No riding. Kids work on the ground alongside the ponies, guided by licensed clinicians including Victoria Lunacek and Makenna Wheeler. Activities include grooming, leading, observing the animals' behavior, and mindfulness exercises. All sessions are trauma-informed and sensory-friendly, and no prior horse experience is required.
The program serves children and teens dealing with anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, trauma, grief, and social difficulties. TGC's website notes a particular focus on children who have been bullied.
Who can access it
TGC accepts Medicaid and most major insurance plans. For families who qualify for neither, the nonprofit offers a sliding-scale fee. The organization's team verifies insurance benefits before sessions begin, and self-pay is also available.
The nonprofit provides between $1 million and $1.5 million in free and reduced-cost therapy annually, according to the NCTV17 spotlight and TGC's own website. TGC describes itself as a 501(c)(3) that has served Naperville, Oswego, Aurora, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, and the broader DuPage and Kendall County area since 2016.
Beyond the therapy room
Oreo and Coco also visit schools, community events, and fundraisers across Chicagoland, according to TGC. Specific Naperville schools have not been publicly named. The ponies serve as ambassadors for the nonprofit's mission, raising awareness about accessible mental health care for families.
What's next
Dr. Swenson is scheduled to speak at the Rotary Club of Batavia on Tuesday, July 21, at 8 a.m. Families interested in equine therapy or other TGC services can call (630) 423-6010 or visit transformativegrowth.org.
