Team Members
Dr. Leslie Russell-Martin M.S.LMFT Ph.D. LP
Dr. Leslie is an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Clinical Member, a MN Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a MN Licensed Psychologist, and MN Board of Marriage and Family Therapy and MN Board of Psychology Supervisor. She is also Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Level I certified.
Dr. Leslie specializes in couples, family and children’s mental health. She brings seven years of clinical experience working with families and children to True Balance. Dr. Leslie is also experienced in clinical diagnosis and evaluation and the treatment of trauma and childhood developmental disorders. One of the clinics, and Dr. Leslie’s, passions is to provide quality mental heath care to children and families using both traditional and non-traditional therapeutic methods. Dr. Leslie works with children and families as well as couples and individuals. She also completes psychological assessments for individuals ages 6 months through adult.
Jodi Nelson M.Ed. LMFT
Jodi is a MN Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She enjoys working with families, couples, and individuals to help the achieve thier goals.
The Furry Team Members
Roxie - Picture
Roxie is a one year old female Boxer who is experienced in the art of happiness. She really loves her work.
Gary
Gary is a one year old orange tabby. He is affectionate and loves to purr. Gary can often be seen in the barn, tagging along and offering support for those who need it.
Mina Mae
Mina is True Balance’s oldest feline friend. Mina is a three year old gray and white tabby who’s purpose in life is to sit on comfy chairs and laps. She is happy to help you relieve your stress.
Bold n' Brassy (BB): Rest in Peace. You are Remembered!
BB is one of the senior members of our therapy team. He is a 21 year old 3/4 Arabian Gelding who loves to Ham it up for the camera and for “his” people. BB is adept at reading people, no matter the mood and always giving them exactly what they need. He is also the resident babysitter for new horses in the herd. BB started his career as a show horse and lesson horse. While he still enjoys the occasional horse show and trail ride, he is more at home in the therapy arena helping others to help themselves.
Bold n' Brassy passed away on March 7th, 2007. He was a loving horse with a big heart who understood everyone and everything around him. He is deeply missed.
ShahRahz (Shazi)
Shazi is an 11 year old Purebred Arabian Gelding. He is just starting his career as a therapy horse, but puts 110% into everything he does. Shazi is also a successful show horse in halter and western pleasure and has sired foals with that winning attitude. Of course, now that he is gelded he has decided that he has much more fun being social than anything and often follows others around in the pasture.
Colour Her Elegant
Ellie is a 6 year old National Show Horse mare. She is laid back and easy going.
Otto
Otto is a 7 year old MHARF rescue horse. For more of Otto's story visit www.mnhoovedanimalrescue.com
Bo Kasha
Kasha is the oldest member of the therapy team. This 25 year old Purebred Arabian Mare has much to teach if you are willing to learn, so Pay Attention!
SA Jay Walker (Jay)
Jay is wonderful Purebred Gray Arabian mare. She has lots of umpf and get up and go. Jay was used as a broodmare most her life and is transitioning into a pleasure horse. She sure loves her oats!
Zoe
Zoe is a four year old grade 1/2 Arabian, 1/2 Quarter horse mare. She is full of curiosity and sass. She loves to go where she knows she should not and get into trouble.