About Us

Therapy, Recreational, Educational and Exploration opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families.

All in one location.

Nestled on approximately 90 acres in St. Charles County, TREE House of Greater St. Louis is a unique and welcoming place where individuals with disabilities and their families can find acceptance, tackle mental and physical challenges, and express their spirit in a peaceful and natural setting.

Founded in 1975, and formerly known as Therapeutic Horsemanship, TREE House is one of the oldest and most respected PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Centers in the United States.  Services are available for individuals from age 2 through adulthood who have physical, mental, emotional, social, and/or learning disabilities.

Disabilities served include, but are not limited to, autism, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, mental and physical disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and more. TREE House operates year-round and relies heavily on the support of volunteers. MORE ON SERVICES >>

Mission:

To improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families through Therapy, Recreation, Education and Exploration.

Our History

Founded in 1975 as Therapeutic Horsemanship, TREE House of Greater St. Louis is the legacy of a visionary commitment from three extraordinary St. Louis women – Susie Duesinger, Sandy Rafferty and Laura Carpenter Balding – who started our services because they believed in the benefit of equine-assisted therapy for children with disabilities. The organization has accomplished much over its nearly 50 year history growing from five riders the first year to now serving more than 200 individuals annually. During the early years, TREE House leased several different sites, including Three Creek Farm in St. Charles County and Wessel Stables in Weldon Spring. In 2005, the organization moved into its current facility in western St. Charles County.

What started out with borrowed horses in a friend’s barn, has evolved into a state-of-the-art, 90 acre campus with a herd of 20 specially trained therapy horses. The TH team of 200+ volunteers, therapists and horses serve hundreds of local children, adults, and veterans with disabilities and their families each year.  TH serves people from five different counties in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area.

In 2014, Therapeutic Horsemanship officially changed its name to the TREE House of Greater St. Louis. TREE stands for Therapy, Recreation, Education and Exploration – the four main branches of the TREE House. Our goal is to expand services in these four areas to fill the current gap of services and activities in the Greater St. Louis area for children, adults, and veterans with disabilities.  “Therapeutic Horsemanship” – our equine-assisted services – remain the cornerstone for all future expansion.

The video at right explains the history of TH.  Because of you, many lives are changed!

Board of Directors

Executive Committee

Amy Johnston, Chair
Kevin O’Meara, Vice-Chair
Michelle Beattie, Treasurer
Michelle DiMercurio, Secretary

Members

Bob Campbell
Jared Davis
Marcy Hammerle

Members

Pat Lepski
Dawn R. Mrad
Larry Opinsky
Brian Rehg

Meet Our Office Team