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Kaylan Marion

(Cedartown, Georgia) - Raised on a farm in the Cedartown area, Kaylan Marion has been surrounded by horses her entire life. Growing up, she often used horses to escape reality and cope with issues in her personal life. It was only when her half-sister was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome that Marion realized she had been participating in basic equine therapy most of her life.

Recently, Marion was given the opportunity to continue doing what she loves and was named equine coordinator at Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers, a residential treatment center for Georgia’s most abused children. Marion uses equine assisted therapy to help the children at Murphy-Harpst heal, while becoming more responsible and independent.

“Like the children, each of the horses has a unique personality with its own history of problems, and it’s amazing how each child is drawn so quickly to a horse that mirrors themselves,” Marion said. “I really enjoy my work. I love being with the kids, and am overjoyed when they bond with the horses.”

"Like the children, each of the horses has a unique personality with its own history of problems, and it’s amazing how each child is drawn so quickly to a horse that mirrors themselves," Marion said

Previously, Marion served as activity therapist leader and was responsible for the horticulture therapy department at Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital in Rome, GA. She is currently in the process of receiving her Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.) certificate and plans to continue with further learning and accreditation programs. Marion’s background in therapy, continued education and passion for animals make her a perfect fit for equine coordinator at Murphy-Harpst.

“We are so excited to have someone with her knowledge and passion at Murphy-Harpst,” Emily Saltino, vice president of Murphy-Harpst, said. “We can’t wait to see how she transforms the program.”

Marion has already begun to revamp the equine therapy program by implementing a more hands-on style of therapy. Allowing the children to participate in every aspect of horseback riding helps them become accountable and maintain a sense of control. Marion also believes that the children use their past life experiences to relate to the horse; they treat the horse like they want to be treated.

Her main aspiration for the program is to host a junior rodeo. She believes this event will showcase the children’s riding capability, while boosting self-confidence.

Marion considers her job “rewarding on a day-to-day basis.” Each day when the children come to the barn, she supervises as they feed, groom and ride the horses, while overcoming their fears and painful memories.

“It is great seeing a child, once scared of horses altogether, encourage a staff member that is hesitant about horses to come to the barn.”

Murphy-Harpst’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where Georgia’s most severely abused and neglected children can thrive and heal. Since 1984, animal-assisted therapy has been an integral part of Murphy-Harpst’s array of therapeutic services.

About Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers

Murphy-Harpst Children’s Center is a residential treatment facility serving some of Georgia’s most abused and at-risk children. The center offers a continuum of therapeutic programs including Specialized Foster Care, Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment, family support and other community mental health services. Created in 1914, Murphy-Harpst serves children that have been rescued from some of the most desperate domestic situations imaginable and provides the intense therapy they need in order to function in everyday life. For more information, visit, www.murphyharpst.org.

Tags: Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment, Asperger’s Syndrome, Cedartown, Emily Saltino, Floyd County, Georgia, Kaylan Marion, Murphy-Harpst Children’s Centers, Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital, PATH Intl., Polk County, Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International, Rome, Specialized Foster Care