About Us

Audrey Lidke MS, LPC, LISW and Judy Dawley MSW, LICSW, RPT-S are both licensed mental health professionals certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) as equine mental health professionals and equine horse specialists. As such, this team is well qualified to use horses to provide both metaphorical learning and to address mental health concerns.

Audrey Lidke

Audrey Lidke earned her Master's degree in Counseling from Troy State University in Alabama. She is a Licensed Independent Social Worker as well a Licensed Professional Counselor with certifications as a National Certified Counselor, Distance Credentialed Counselor and as both a mental health professional and equine specialist by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA).

Audrey has collegiate experience working with students experiencing decision making issues, depression, relationship concerns, grief and loss and post traumatic stress disorders. Add to this over twelve years of experience helping families whose loved ones are in the later stages of life. She is a member of EAGALA, the American Quarter Horse Association, American Paint Horse Association, several local riding clubs and is studying natural horsemanship techniques. She promotes horses at every opportunity and welcomes new learners to the field. Three of her horses will be working with clients of Horses and Heroes LLC.

Judy Dawley

Judy Dawley earned her Master's degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of St. Thomas. She is licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker by the MN Board of Social Work and certified as a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor through the National Association for Play Therapy. She is certified as both a mental health professional and equine specialist by the Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association, EAGALA.

Judy has extensive training in a variety of therapeutic interventions designed to help clients resolve issues that negatively impact their lives. She has over 15 years of clinical experience in providing therapeutic support and trauma resolution to children, adolescents, adults and families. In addition, Judy provides disaster mental health through the American Red Cross. Judy is a member of the Equine Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) and the American Paint Horse Association. Having used a therapy dog in her clinical practice, she is passionate about the healing power of animals and in promoting horse and human interactions. Judy also has three horses that will be working with clients of Horses and Heroes.