Kathy Church

As a CHA & PATH Certified Therapeutic Riding & Licensed Physical Therapist with over 23 years of experience, Kathy Church has dedicated her career to helping children achieve their fullest potential. She earned her degree from the Chicago Medical School and began her journey working in the school system, where she quickly discovered her passion for working with children.

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It was through her students that Kathy first learned about hippotherapy. One experience, in particular, left a lasting impact—a student who had benefited greatly from equine therapy was forced to stop, and she witnessed a rapid decline in their strength, endurance, and abilities. That moment sparked her journey into exploring the therapeutic power of horses.

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For over 20 years, Kathy has been an integral part of Partners for Progress, working part-time to support riders in gaining strength, coordination, and confidence. PFP has become a second home for her—not only in her career but also in her personal life. Her children have volunteered and worked at PFP, it’s where she met her husband, and today, her youngest son is a PFP rider.

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With her deep commitment to both physical therapy and the PFP community, Kathy continues to make a lasting impact on the riders and families she works with, helping them achieve greater independence and quality of life.