Meet Amanda

One of our partners, Agape, recently shared the story of Amanda.

Amanda was diagnosed with autism and speech apraxia at just three years old. Amanda spent her early years immersed in therapies. Each helped, but her mom, Melissa, remembers the moment everything changed.

“In 2014, at Stony Creek Farm Pumpkin Festival, Amanda took a simple pony ride. She was speaking very little, so we weren’t sure what to expect. But the moment she got on, her face lit up in a way we hadn’t seen before.”

That spark led them to Agape.

Since beginning lessons in 2016, Amanda has:

• grown her speech

• strengthened her ability to follow instructions

• built confidence and adaptability

• discovered a passion for animals that may shape her future

“Agape is more than a therapeutic riding center; its a place where Amanda feels empowered, valued and inspired.”

Next year Agape will be celebrating their 40th anniversary- four decades of creating confidence, connection and life changing moments in the arena.