Our Team
Francine Trtanj, MSW, LICSW
Francine is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years experience providing mental health counseling in the Brainerd Lakes Area. She has experience in working with Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury. She is certified in Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy (tm) through the Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies. Francine has been a horse owner for over 12 years, and her therapy partners include Cisco and Rooster, who live at Acorn Hill in Motley. In addition to playing with horses, Francine enjoys spending time with her family, reading, walking in nature, raising herbs, and knitting.
Toni Wasilensky
Toni is a PATH International Certified Instructor. She studied with and assisted a dressage trainer for over 20 years. She worked with Mounted Eagles equine therapeutic program for people with disabilities for 20 years, and is currently with Acorn Hill Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies for the last 4 years. Toni also has many years of experience managing stables, giving dressage lessons and training horses.
Toni was raised on a dairy farm in Cumberland WI, and has had a pony or horse since age 3. “My life experiences with horses has always been so rewarding. The horse has certainly shown me through the years that it does so much good in the art of healing and helping with mental and physical challenges.”