Our clinical staff consists of licensed social workers and licensed counselors. Clinicians work closely with our highly trained equine specialists to provide clinically proven mental health and behavioral health therapy. PBJ Connections adheres to the EAGALA model of therapy, which pairs a mental health clinician, and equine specialist and horses to facilitate change in clients with a wide variety of issues. We follow strict policies to ensure the efficacy of our treatment and the safety of our clients. Many of our clinicians are also trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
All employees, contractors, and volunteers who work with our clients are trained in the skills necessary to do their jobs. We follow strict policies to ensure the efficacy of our treatment and the safety of our clients. Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI&I) background checks are required for anyone working with clients.
Our Equine Specialists have over 6000 hours of hands-on horse experience and are trained in the field of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. All have undergone a BCI&I background check, are trained in CPR & First Aid, and are dedicated to improving mental health in our community.
PBJ Connections is an LBGTQ affirming organization.
Holly Jedlicka, MSW, LISW-S specializes in child, adolescent and family therapy as well as working with LGBTQ clients, all through a trauma-informed lens. Holly believes in a somatic approach to helping people connect their thoughts and their feelings, as well as utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy. Holly holds a bachelors degree in psychology from Otterbein University and a Masters in Social Work from The Ohio State University. She worked in community behavioral health before focusing her efforts on equine-assisted psychotherapy. She holds an Advanced EAGALA certification and is an Eagala Mentor.
Holly has worked professionally as a dressage trainer for over 30 years and has had horses her entire life. Holly believes horses are honest and that honesty calls us out on our own issues, if we listen to them. They are just reacting, not attached to the outcome and are experts at staying in the moment. This is part of what makes them powerful in therapy.
Holly is co-founder of PBJ Connections and now serves as the Executive Director. Under her leadership, she will ensure that PBJ Connections continues to grow and thrive. She has confidence in the staff at PBJ Connections and knows that we are leaders in Central Ohio in using horses professionally and therapeutically. She plans to continue to lead the way to pave a more secure path for equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Holly Jedlicka, MSW, LISW-S specializes in child, adolescent and family therapy as well as working with LGBTQ clients, all through a trauma-informed lens. Holly believes in a somatic approach to helping people connect their thoughts and their feelings, as well as utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy. Holly holds a bachelors degree in psychology from Otterbein University and a Masters in Social Work from The Ohio State University. She worked in community behavioral health before focusing her efforts on equine-assisted psychotherapy. She holds an Advanced EAGALA certification and is an Eagala Mentor.
Holly has worked professionally as a dressage trainer for over 30 years and has had horses her entire life. Holly believes horses are honest and that honesty calls us out on our own issues, if we listen to them. They are just reacting, not attached to the outcome and are experts at staying in the moment. This is part of what makes them powerful in therapy.
Holly is co-founder of PBJ Connections and now serves as the Executive Director. Under her leadership, she will ensure that PBJ Connections continues to grow and thrive. She has confidence in the staff at PBJ Connections and knows that we are leaders in Central Ohio in using horses professionally and therapeutically. She plans to continue to lead the way to pave a more secure path for equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Holly Jedlicka, MSW, LISW-S specializes in child, adolescent and family therapy as well as working with LGBTQ clients, all through a trauma-informed lens. Holly believes in a somatic approach to helping people connect their thoughts and their feelings, as well as utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy. Holly holds a bachelors degree in psychology from Otterbein University and a Masters in Social Work from The Ohio State University. She worked in community behavioral health before focusing her efforts on equine-assisted psychotherapy. She holds an Advanced EAGALA certification and is an Eagala Mentor.
Holly has worked professionally as a dressage trainer for over 30 years and has had horses her entire life. Holly believes horses are honest and that honesty calls us out on our own issues, if we listen to them. They are just reacting, not attached to the outcome and are experts at staying in the moment. This is part of what makes them powerful in therapy.
Holly is co-founder of PBJ Connections and now serves as the Executive Director. Under her leadership, she will ensure that PBJ Connections continues to grow and thrive. She has confidence in the staff at PBJ Connections and knows that we are leaders in Central Ohio in using horses professionally and therapeutically. She plans to continue to lead the way to pave a more secure path for equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Joy comes to PBJ Connections after 30 years of office administration at the State of Ohio. As Office Manager, Joy answers the phones, processes client documents and keeps us all organized.
She first came to PBJ Connections through a wellness workshop in 2016. She fell in love with the mission of the organization and began volunteering as a horse buddy. Joy has a love for all animals but especially horses and dogs. She shares her home with her dog Ollie. Her hope for PBJ Connections is to continue to provide mental health therapy to everyone who needs it.
Joy comes to PBJ Connections after 30 years of office administration at the State of Ohio. As Office Manager, Joy answers the phones, processes client documents and keeps us all organized.
She first came to PBJ Connections through a wellness workshop in 2016. She fell in love with the mission of the organization and began volunteering as a horse buddy. Joy has a love for all animals but especially horses and dogs. She shares her home with her dog Ollie. Her hope for PBJ Connections is to continue to provide mental health therapy to everyone who needs it.
Joy comes to PBJ Connections after 30 years of office administration at the State of Ohio. As Office Manager, Joy answers the phones, processes client documents and keeps us all organized.
She first came to PBJ Connections through a wellness workshop in 2016. She fell in love with the mission of the organization and began volunteering as a horse buddy. Joy has a love for all animals but especially horses and dogs. She shares her home with her dog Ollie. Her hope for PBJ Connections is to continue to provide mental health therapy to everyone who needs it.
Anissa has been involved with PBJ Connections since 2011, starting off as a volunteer, and joined the clinical staff in 2017.
She has worked as a social worker for over 15 years in the Central Ohio area. She received her BFA from The Ohio State University in 1995 and her MSW in 2006. Shortly after coming onto the staff at PBJ Connections she was certified in EAGALA model, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (2018) and enjoys the range of therapeutic services PBJ Connections has to offer their clients. Anissa has worked with groups, individuals and families in areas ranging from LGBTQ+, Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Expressive Arts Groups, School Groups, Substance Abuse Groups and Veterans Groups. Anissa is EAGALA Military Certified as a Mental Health Specialist and works with Veterans and their families. In the Spring of 2020 Anissa completed an Advanced Certificate from The Ohio State University in Serving Veterans and their Families. Anissa is currently working on completing an intensive trauma based certificate and continues to work with many clients and families with trauma histories.
Anissa is a firm believer in self care as a way of being, just as the horses have their way of being, and makes time for regular music lessons of the BANJO as well as daily practice of meditation and mindfulness. Anissa lives in Licking County with her partner and their pet family, including dogs, cats, donkeys & potbelly pigs.
Anissa has been involved with PBJ Connections since 2011, starting off as a volunteer, and joined the clinical staff in 2017.
She has worked as a social worker for over 15 years in the Central Ohio area. She received her BFA from The Ohio State University in 1995 and her MSW in 2006. Shortly after coming onto the staff at PBJ Connections she was certified in EAGALA model, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (2018) and enjoys the range of therapeutic services PBJ Connections has to offer their clients. Anissa has worked with groups, individuals and families in areas ranging from LGBTQ+, Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Expressive Arts Groups, School Groups, Substance Abuse Groups and Veterans Groups. Anissa is EAGALA Military Certified as a Mental Health Specialist and works with Veterans and their families. In the Spring of 2020 Anissa completed an Advanced Certificate from The Ohio State University in Serving Veterans and their Families. Anissa is currently working on completing an intensive trauma based certificate and continues to work with many clients and families with trauma histories.
Anissa is a firm believer in self care as a way of being, just as the horses have their way of being, and makes time for regular music lessons of the BANJO as well as daily practice of meditation and mindfulness. Anissa lives in Licking County with her partner and their pet family, including dogs, cats, donkeys & potbelly pigs.
Cheryl has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years in various settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals with children and adults, domestic violence center, cancer support services, outpatient mental health clinics and private practice. Cheryl joined PBJ Connections in September, 2023.
Cheryl believes that every person is unique and there is no 'one size fits all' approach to helping people. She views her role as accompanying a client on their journey, collaborating to find ways that are helpful for the client’s unique situation and tapping into the client’s inner strengths.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of therapeutic approaches and modalities, including person-centered, trauma-informed, humanistic, existential, play therapy, sand tray therapy, and art therapy, Cheryl tailors her methods to suit each individual's unique needs. She has a special interest in the profound impact of the art process in providing a voice to unspoken emotions and utilizes sensorimotor approaches to foster a deeper connection between individuals and their inner wisdom. Cheryl obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University, a Master of Professional Studies degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Pratt Institute, a Master of Social Work degree (with Child, Family and Trauma focus) from Fordham University and a certificate in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis from Westchester Institute for Training in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis.
She offers office-based services and looks forward to pursuing EAGALA certification.
Cheryl has worked in the mental health field for over 20 years in various settings including inpatient psychiatric hospitals with children and adults, domestic violence center, cancer support services, outpatient mental health clinics and private practice. Cheryl joined PBJ Connections in September, 2023.
Cheryl believes that every person is unique and there is no 'one size fits all' approach to helping people. She views her role as accompanying a client on their journey, collaborating to find ways that are helpful for the client’s unique situation and tapping into the client’s inner strengths.
Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of therapeutic approaches and modalities, including person-centered, trauma-informed, humanistic, existential, play therapy, sand tray therapy, and art therapy, Cheryl tailors her methods to suit each individual's unique needs. She has a special interest in the profound impact of the art process in providing a voice to unspoken emotions and utilizes sensorimotor approaches to foster a deeper connection between individuals and their inner wisdom. Cheryl obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University, a Master of Professional Studies degree in Creative Arts Therapy from Pratt Institute, a Master of Social Work degree (with Child, Family and Trauma focus) from Fordham University and a certificate in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis from Westchester Institute for Training in Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis.
She offers office-based services and looks forward to pursuing EAGALA certification.
Erin Davies, LSW, JD (she/they pronouns) is a social worker and lawyer who currently works as a clinical social worker at Nationwide Children’s Hospital with the THRIVE clinic and as a mental health specialist with PBJ Connections. The THRIVE clinic works with young people who are trans or gender non-conforming and are interested in medical transitions related to gender. Before becoming a social worker, erin worked as an attorney doing policy and legal advocacy work at the state and federal levels with young people involved in the youth court system. For many years, she specialized in advocacy with youth prosecuted as adults before becoming Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Coalition. During this time, erin successfully led campaigns to change Ohio laws and administrative rules and authored policy reports and amicus briefs. They also worked for two Representatives in the U.S. Congress. erin graduated from the University of Michigan School of Social work in 2021 and the Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law in 2004.
Erin Davies, LSW, JD (she/they pronouns) is a social worker and lawyer who currently works as a clinical social worker at Nationwide Children’s Hospital with the THRIVE clinic and as a mental health specialist with PBJ Connections. The THRIVE clinic works with young people who are trans or gender non-conforming and are interested in medical transitions related to gender. Before becoming a social worker, erin worked as an attorney doing policy and legal advocacy work at the state and federal levels with young people involved in the youth court system. For many years, she specialized in advocacy with youth prosecuted as adults before becoming Executive Director of the Juvenile Justice Coalition. During this time, erin successfully led campaigns to change Ohio laws and administrative rules and authored policy reports and amicus briefs. They also worked for two Representatives in the U.S. Congress. erin graduated from the University of Michigan School of Social work in 2021 and the Ohio State University Michael E. Moritz College of Law in 2004.
Hannah completed her bachelor's degree in animal science at The Ohio State University and her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary. She began working at PBJ Connections in 2022 as an intern and is now working as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Equine Specialist. Hannah is EAGALA certified and trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She sought a degree in counseling, knowing she would pursue work in equine therapy. She says, "horses have an undeniable way of bringing me into the present moment and encouraging my own self-awareness. They shift my focus, make me pause, and never fail to bring me joy!" She has ample experience working with young adults, but is passionate about helping people of all ages experience personal growth and self-acceptance.
Hannah completed her bachelor's degree in animal science at The Ohio State University and her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary. She began working at PBJ Connections in 2022 as an intern and is now working as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Equine Specialist. Hannah is EAGALA certified and trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She sought a degree in counseling, knowing she would pursue work in equine therapy. She says, "horses have an undeniable way of bringing me into the present moment and encouraging my own self-awareness. They shift my focus, make me pause, and never fail to bring me joy!" She has ample experience working with young adults, but is passionate about helping people of all ages experience personal growth and self-acceptance.
Stacia started working at PBJ Connections as a therapist in June, 2013 and has been EAGALA certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy since October, 2013. She has also been certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy since January, 2018. She provides EMDR therapy and recieved a certificate of completion in EMDR training in 2023.
Stacia has worked in the mental health field since July of 1991, when she received her Bachelor's degree from Otterbein University. She later received her master's degree from the University of Dayton in 1999, and has experience in the field of treatment foster care and adoptions, community mental health, developmental disabilities, and drug and alcohol treatment. Stacia says, "I love working at PBJ Connections for many reasons; one of the biggest reasons is that we offer a range of services, including traditional office visits, equine-assisted psychotherapy, telehealth, and even art therapy. We also offer scholarships for people who do not have health insurance or are unable to pay their insurance co-pays. Because of these things, we are able to reach and help a lot of people within our community." Stacia's hope for PBJ Connections is that we continue to grow as an organization and at the same time remain small enough to provide personalized and individualized treatment for children and families that are in need.
Stacia started working at PBJ Connections as a therapist in June, 2013 and has been EAGALA certified in equine-assisted psychotherapy since October, 2013. She has also been certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy since January, 2018. She provides EMDR therapy and recieved a certificate of completion in EMDR training in 2023.
Stacia has worked in the mental health field since July of 1991, when she received her Bachelor's degree from Otterbein University. She later received her master's degree from the University of Dayton in 1999, and has experience in the field of treatment foster care and adoptions, community mental health, developmental disabilities, and drug and alcohol treatment. Stacia says, "I love working at PBJ Connections for many reasons; one of the biggest reasons is that we offer a range of services, including traditional office visits, equine-assisted psychotherapy, telehealth, and even art therapy. We also offer scholarships for people who do not have health insurance or are unable to pay their insurance co-pays. Because of these things, we are able to reach and help a lot of people within our community." Stacia's hope for PBJ Connections is that we continue to grow as an organization and at the same time remain small enough to provide personalized and individualized treatment for children and families that are in need.
Allana Salmon is a horse trainer, instructor, behaviorist, equine specialist, and perpetual student. Her mission is to share the gift of the horse with others and to use this lens to help people work better with themselves, others, and the challenges that life brings.
She took her first riding lesson at the age of 5 and shortly after found herself in the barn spending every second she could with horses trying to soak in everything they had to offer. She graduated from Otterbein University in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Equine Management and Equine Assisted Therapy and Activities. In 2022 she joined the steering committee for The Best Horse Practices Summit and hopes to continue broadening her reach to help nurture a more accessible, inclusive, and equitable equine community.
Allana Salmon is a horse trainer, instructor, behaviorist, equine specialist, and perpetual student. Her mission is to share the gift of the horse with others and to use this lens to help people work better with themselves, others, and the challenges that life brings.
She took her first riding lesson at the age of 5 and shortly after found herself in the barn spending every second she could with horses trying to soak in everything they had to offer. She graduated from Otterbein University in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Equine Management and Equine Assisted Therapy and Activities. In 2022 she joined the steering committee for The Best Horse Practices Summit and hopes to continue broadening her reach to help nurture a more accessible, inclusive, and equitable equine community.
Claire finished her Bachelor's degree in Equine Pre-Veterinary Science from Otterbein University in May of 2023 with a minor in Equine Assisted Therapy and Activities. She didn't always know she wanted to work in the mental health field, but during her second semester of her Junior year at Otterbein she took a class with co-founder Holly Jedlicka and was first introduced to the EAGALA model where she felt the gentle pull of the practice calling her name. She got involved in PBJ Connections prior to her graduation and then never left after falling in love with the organization's mission and goals. She officially joined the team as an Equine Specialist in July that same year.
Claire hasn't been around horses her whole life, but after that Girl Scout trip in 2010 to a ranch, she has been finding new ways to involve herself with them. This includes learning as many mounted and ground disciplines as she can, helping coach Westerville's Special Olympics Equestrian Team, gentling horses, and working with her own small herd. When she isn't working with horses, she is training mobility and psychiatric service dogs for those in need. Claire hopes that more organizations will take after PBJ Connections in helping provide affordable care to individuals and helping those in need.
Claire finished her Bachelor's degree in Equine Pre-Veterinary Science from Otterbein University in May of 2023 with a minor in Equine Assisted Therapy and Activities. She didn't always know she wanted to work in the mental health field, but during her second semester of her Junior year at Otterbein she took a class with co-founder Holly Jedlicka and was first introduced to the EAGALA model where she felt the gentle pull of the practice calling her name. She got involved in PBJ Connections prior to her graduation and then never left after falling in love with the organization's mission and goals. She officially joined the team as an Equine Specialist in July that same year.
Claire hasn't been around horses her whole life, but after that Girl Scout trip in 2010 to a ranch, she has been finding new ways to involve herself with them. This includes learning as many mounted and ground disciplines as she can, helping coach Westerville's Special Olympics Equestrian Team, gentling horses, and working with her own small herd. When she isn't working with horses, she is training mobility and psychiatric service dogs for those in need. Claire hopes that more organizations will take after PBJ Connections in helping provide affordable care to individuals and helping those in need.
Beth lives in Johnstown with her herd of horses and dogs, and loves to explore how bringing a mindful approach to communicating and listening can improve the quality of her interactions with people and animals. Beth has spent most of her life around horses, has been caring for her own herd at home since 2006, and has been working as an Eagala certified Equine Specialist with PBJ Connections since 2012. Beth has spent time in her career in the affordable housing industry, and has a BA in Psychology and an MBA from The Ohio State University. She spent many years teaching young children, and has deep understanding of the struggles that kids and families sometimes go through, and the power of animals to heal our wounds and help us grow.
Beth lives in Johnstown with her herd of horses and dogs, and loves to explore how bringing a mindful approach to communicating and listening can improve the quality of her interactions with people and animals. Beth has spent most of her life around horses, has been caring for her own herd at home since 2006, and has been working as an Eagala certified Equine Specialist with PBJ Connections since 2012. Beth has spent time in her career in the affordable housing industry, and has a BA in Psychology and an MBA from The Ohio State University. She spent many years teaching young children, and has deep understanding of the struggles that kids and families sometimes go through, and the power of animals to heal our wounds and help us grow.
Julie is a long time supporter and volunteer of PBJ Connections. She joined our staff as a contractor in May 2013 and is EAGALA certified. Julie graduated from Oberlin College with a BA in psychology, previously taught Special Education, and is the Co-Owner of Equine Veterinary Dental Services, LLC. Julie has loved horses all her life, and began systematically training in 2002. She was a member of the Central Ohio Mounted Search Unit from 2007 to 2015. These days, Julie looks forward to all of the time she gets with her grandkids that live in far away places. Julie believes that horses have an intuition that is a perfect match for therapeutic work and that their keen perception of their environment allows them to sense human emotion and provide an honest reflection to the client.
Julie hopes that more insurance providers will join the ones who have accepted PBJ Connections as mental health provider. This will help our clients who struggle to take advantage of our important service.
FacebookJulie is a long time supporter and volunteer of PBJ Connections. She joined our staff as a contractor in May 2013 and is EAGALA certified. Julie graduated from Oberlin College with a BA in psychology, previously taught Special Education, and is the Co-Owner of Equine Veterinary Dental Services, LLC. Julie has loved horses all her life, and began systematically training in 2002. She was a member of the Central Ohio Mounted Search Unit from 2007 to 2015. These days, Julie looks forward to all of the time she gets with her grandkids that live in far away places. Julie believes that horses have an intuition that is a perfect match for therapeutic work and that their keen perception of their environment allows them to sense human emotion and provide an honest reflection to the client.
Julie hopes that more insurance providers will join the ones who have accepted PBJ Connections as mental health provider. This will help our clients who struggle to take advantage of our important service.
FacebookTim Spradlin, 1stSgt (Ret) USAF, is an EAGALA certified military equine specialist. He has over 20 years’ experience training and riding western trail horses. An Iraq combat veteran, he served 30 total years military active duty and military reserve. In his civilian career he retired from over 30 years in fire rescue and law enforcement. In 2017 Tim partnered his Finally Home Farm Military EAP program with PBJ Connections “On Mission” program to serve veterans in central Ohio. Tim currently works with Greene County Veterans Service Office in Xenia.
Tim Spradlin, 1stSgt (Ret) USAF, is an EAGALA certified military equine specialist. He has over 20 years’ experience training and riding western trail horses. An Iraq combat veteran, he served 30 total years military active duty and military reserve. In his civilian career he retired from over 30 years in fire rescue and law enforcement. In 2017 Tim partnered his Finally Home Farm Military EAP program with PBJ Connections “On Mission” program to serve veterans in central Ohio. Tim currently works with Greene County Veterans Service Office in Xenia.