Katy Schroeder, an expert in equine-assisted group counseling, has been named an assistant professor in Texas Tech's Department of Animal and Food Sciences, according to officials within the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. She officially stepped into her new teaching and research post on Jan. 1.

The Iowa native indicated that she is interested in continuing her research efforts investigating how equine-assisted mental health interventions promote social and emotional learning in diverse populations, across the life span. One of her primary goals at Tech is to help grow the companion animal science research and teaching program, with a focus on equine-assisted activities.

Prior to joining the Tech faculty, Schroeder served as an adjunct instructor at Prescott College, and worked as a graduate research and teaching assistant in the counseling department at Oregon State University-Cascades.

She received her bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Delaware and her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Oregon State University-Cascades. Her doctorate in counseling is from Oregon State University-Corvallis. In addition, she has certifications as a National Certified Counselor, Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and Therapeutic Riding Instructor with the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship, International.

Recent awards for Schroeder include recognition as an Emerging Leader (2015) by the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision; The Association for Specialists in Group Work Barbara Gazda Scholarship (2014); Oregon State University's College of Education Fred K. Thompson Memorial Endowed Fellowship (2013); and the Association for Specialists in Group Work Peg Carroll Scholarship (2013).

She is a member of the American Counseling Association, Association for Counselor Education and Supervision; Association for Specialists in Group Work; American Psychological Association's Society of Counseling Psychology, and the Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship-International.

Written by Norman Martin

CONTACT: Michael Orth, chairman, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-5653 or michael.orth@ttu.edu

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