Calling All Photographers

May 12-17 & May 19-24

Amateur and professional alike! Come make an impact with your lens during our Spring Photography Week! We're looking for volunteers to help capture stunning photos for our 2025 marketing, social media, and fundraising campaigns.

Dates & Times:

• Monday - Thursday: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM

• Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

• Saturday: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Whether you’re an experienced photographer or someone looking to give back through your craft, we need YOU to help us tell our stories. We’re looking for impactful images that showcase the life-changing work happening at Mane Stream – from adaptive riding to therapy services and summer camp fun!

Why Participate?

• Help us recruit new volunteers & participants

• Capture moments that will inspire donors

• Contribute to a powerful, visual campaign for 2025

With your talent behind the camera, we can share the magic of Mane Stream with the world and ensure that our programs continue to grow and thrive. Spots are limited, so sign up today to reserve your time!

Ready to make a difference through your photography?
To sign up or get more details, email us at louisa@manestreamnj.org or call 908-439-9636.

Online Embroidery Store - NOW OPEN

Click on the Mane Stream Tab for Items!

We’re thrilled to collaborate with Riverfront Design Creations for all our embroidery projects!

Now’s your chance to show off your Mane Stream pride with a new vest, jacket, or bag—customized just for you! Add your name or monogram and choose from a selection of stylish fonts to make it your own.

Check back often to see what new items are added to the store—you never know what fun gear might pop up next!

Welcome Eli!

The Next Chapter: From Show Ring to Changing Lives

Eli (previously known as Elijah) had quite the career before arriving at Mane Stream! Born on April 8, 2009, this 16.1-hand chestnut Warmblood/Thoroughbred spent many successful years competing in the hunter/jumper show ring, achieving everything his owner, Leslie Plum, had hoped for. Knowing Eli still had so much more to give, she made the heartfelt decision to donate him to Mane Stream, where he could stay active and continue making a difference in the lives of many more riders.

Eli made the journey all the way from sunny Florida to New Jersey in the heart of winter, and we were immediately drawn to his sweet and gentle nature. It didn’t take long to see that he was a perfect fit for our program. His exceptionally smooth canter has quickly become a favorite among our riders, and his kind temperament makes him an incredible partner in both the barn and the arena.

We are incredibly grateful to Leslie Plum for trusting us with Eli’s next chapter. While his show days may be behind him, his impact is just beginning—helping riders of all abilities build confidence, strength, and independence in the saddle.

Searching for a PT & SLP

Spread the word! Looking for a setting where therapy sessions are more than just four walls? At Mane Stream, you’ll team up with incredible volunteers, use the farm as your therapy room, and see kids light up as they build strength and skills—without even realizing they’re in therapy! Part-time weekday afternoons & Saturday mornings. If you’re licensed in NJ, have pediatric experience, and love thinking outside the (therapy) box, we want you on our team! Know someone who’d be a great fit? Send them our way!

FIND OUT MORE

Summer Camp Intern Search Begins!

Do you know someone?

Mane Stream’s summer camp is the perfect place to combine your love for helping others with a passion for horses! As a Summer Camp Intern, you’ll play a key role in creating meaningful connections, supporting campers of all abilities, and sharing the joys of horsemanship. Gain hands-on experience, build leadership skills, and make a real difference—one ride at a time!

This internship is ideal for college students pursuing degrees in special education, art education, psychology, equine studies, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, or related fields. Interns gain valuable experience in adaptive recreation, assist with daily camp activities, and learn from professionals in equine-assisted services. Internships are volunteer positions and may qualify for college credit depending on the school. Many past interns have said their time at Mane Stream helped shape their career paths and provided lifelong memories. Learn more about our internships!

NEW Therapy Partnership Starts 3/7

Spring DBT Skills Groups & Individual Therapy at Mane Stream starts 3/7!

We’re pleased to announce a NEW partnership with Liz Johnson, LCSW, and Lizzy Ellman, PsyD., who are both intensively trained and experienced DBT therapists. Join Liz & Lizzy for equine-assisted Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills groups, where participants will learn valuable strategies for emotional regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—all alongside our incredible herd.

🗓 Fridays, Beginning March 7th
✨ Adult Group (18+) – 3:00 PM
✨ Adolescent Group (14-18) – 4:30 PM

In addition to group sessions, this partnership also offers:
🐴 Individual DBT Sessions with Equine Interactions
🐴 Individual Trauma Therapy with Equine Interactions
These one-on-one sessions provide personalized support and will be scheduled separately.

Space for group sessions is limited—sign up today!

For more info, contact Liz 551-264-1014 OR liz@thebtcollective.com
thebehavioraltherapycollective.com

Toddler Program Starts Back Up!

PADDOCK PALS (2-4 years old)

5-Week Program: March 5 thru April 2
Wednesdays 10:30 - 11:30AM

Creative play is important for kiddos! There are several milestones that lead up to being able to play creatively, so come to the barn to give your little ones plenty of opportunities to practice. We limit the group to a max of 6 little adventurers with a caregiver each.

Spend each jam-packed one-hour session with excitement, from circle time, captivating horse tales, horse-themed adventures including arts & crafts, and music. The grand finale is a pony ride for each tyke!

Spring session begins March 5th

For more information & to sign up contact: 
Holland Kochanski
PATH Intl. Certified Registered Instructor & Proud Mom
Holland@manestreamnj.org

Join Our FREE Horses for Healing Spring Session!

Are you or someone you know living with cancer or Parkinson’s Disease?

Mane Stream’s Horses for Healing program offers a unique, no-cost opportunity to step away from daily stress and focus on rebuilding physical, emotional, and mental well-being—all with the help of our gentle, intuitive horses.

Our Spring session begins in mid-April, and spaces are limited! Don’t miss this chance to experience the benefits of equine-assisted activities in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Learn more and apply today: Horses for Healing
or call 908-439-9636 for any questions.

The Newest Therapist on Staff!

Meet Therese D’Adezzio, OTR/L

We are thrilled to welcome Therese as one of the newest members of the Mane Stream team. Born and raised in central New Jersey, Therese is a NJ-licensed Occupational Therapist (OTR/L) with a master’s degree from Kean University. Since 2021, she has worked primarily in early intervention and adult home care, with additional experience in inpatient rehabilitation, mental health treatment, substance use recovery, and pediatric outpatient therapy. Her academic background includes dual bachelor’s degrees in Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Psychology from Kean University and The University of Medicine & Dentistry of NJ (UMDNJ).

Therese’s passion for empowering individuals to live their best lives is evident in her work. She takes pride in helping clients build confidence and skills to engage in meaningful activities, always putting their needs first. Her dedication to serving the community is matched by her enthusiasm for her hobbies, including spending time with her dogs Andy and Daisy, exploring new cuisines, attending concerts, and working on her brilliant orange 1973 Volkswagen Westfalia bus.

Emily M. Istvan, MS, OTR/L and PATH Intl. Certified Registered Instructor, who mentored Therese last fall shares, “Therese brings such positive energy to her sessions! Her background in early intervention shines through as she implements child-led activities while helping clients achieve their goals. She makes learning new skills fun and truly meets her clients where they are.”

Therese has already made an impact at Mane Stream. Director of Program Services Jen Dermody added, “Therese quickly demonstrated her expertise and ability to connect with clients and families. She builds trust, even with clients who are harder to engage, and her professionalism and clear communication have earned her high praise.”

Please join us in welcoming Therese and celebrating her contributions to the Mane Stream family! She is currently treating clients on Wednesday afternoons.

Vote for Hunterdon Happenings: BEST CHARITY!

We’ve been NOMINATED FOR BEST "CHARITY" in Hunterdon county

And we thank you!

Last year we were a finalist for BEST CHARITY so this year we hope there are a few more people who think Mane Stream is the Best.

Now, all we need is your vote to win!

Hunterdon Happenings: Everything Hunterdon Section - CHARITY

Mane Stream is listed as a "CHARITY" under the "Everything Hunterdon" section. Everyone can get behind our mission to help children and adults with special needs! But did you know that Mane Stream is the 2nd oldest facility of its kind in the nation? That means we’ve been providing quality services to thousands of people over the years.

Get your fingers ready to cast your vote. Only 1 vote per email so it's easy! VOTE for BEST CHARITY