Meet Our Staff
Bonny Barry
Founder & Director
Bonny Barry, Founder and Director of Equine Reflections, is a nationally recognized equine specialist with over 30 years of experience with horses who is sought after for her training and instruction expertise. Bonny is a certified American Association of Horsemanship Safety Riding Instructor, certified EAGALA Equine Specialist, and Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship member.
She has previously served as Program Director for a local therapeutic riding center and as the Deep South Regional Director of the Black Stallion Literacy Program. As an active member of the community, Bonny also supports charities such as St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, regional hospitals, community centers, and care facilities.
Dr. Michelle Boze, Clinical Director, is a licensed clinical psychologist and sports psychologist with lifelong horsemanship skills and over 20 years of experience as a mental health practitioner. Dr. Boze is a certified EAGALA equine-facilitated mental health practitioner. She has previously served as a psychologist for Mercer Family Center and Southeastern Louisiana Hospital in Mandeville, LA and as an Assistant to the National Football League Psychologist for the New Orleans Saints.
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In addition to her work with Equine Reflections clients, she provides psychotherapy services to youth and their families through private practice at Brighton Psychological Services LLC, as well as consultation and psychological assessments to geriatric rehabilitation center patients through Psychological Care Services LLC. She has been voted Northshore’s Best Psychologist in Sophisticated Woman Magazine multiple times.
Michelle Boze, PsyD
Mental Health Director
Kristi Gassen, M.E.d, NCC, LPC
Kristi is a National Certified Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor and an EAGALA certified mental health practitioner. She currently works in Tangipahoa School System as a Counselor and is the founder of North Star Counseling, LLC.
Kristi has a B.S. in Psychology and a Master of Education, and discovered equine-assisted counseling to be the perfect marriage between her two passions of working with animals and counseling. She has an innovative approach to the counseling process which is influenced by behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic therapies. By using a client-centered approach, she offers an unbiased perspective on your unique journey. It is her belief that while our past influences the person we are today, focusing on the here and now offers the opportunity to shape the present and future. Kristi has extensive experience with children using play therapy and doing group work.
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Ray Lieber is an executive-level human resources professional and consultant. He also manages the care of the horses and general farm operations. His knowledge and passion for helping horses as well as people makes him an invaluable asset to our team. Ray also contributes his business and operations expertise to our group programs and corporate retreats.
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