The power of play with purpose helped Kylie connect, grow, and rediscover joy—one quiet moment, and one small victory, at a time.
Kylie arrived at Casa Pacifica in the middle of the night with nothing but a trash bag of her belongings. She had no immediate family. At 15, she had already endured a lifetime’s worth of upheaval: moving between foster homes and group placements, never staying long enough to feel seen or safe.
Withdrawn and anxious, Kylie clung to routine. A vegetarian and lifelong animal lover, she ate the same bland foods every day. When overwhelmed, she either shut down or lashed out. But her deep bond with animals offered her care team a meaningful starting point for connection.
Recreation with Intention
That connection began to grow in a quiet corner of Casa Pacifica’s campus, where Kylie lights up as she approaches a gated pasture.
“That’s Sassy, Shadow, Koa, and Gracie,” she beams, naming the horses she now visits once a week through Whole Heart Equine, part of our Recreational Therapy Program.
Unlike traditional riding lessons, Whole Heart Equine focuses on connection. Youth like Kylie help groom the horses, lead them on walks, and learn to read their subtle body language. These quiet, consistent interactions teach them to be present, patient and attuned, building trust in others by first building it with an animal.
It may look like play, but recreational therapy is intentional and evidence-based. Whether it’s animal care, gardening, or art, each activity is structured to help young people like Kylie process trauma, build confidence and rediscover joy.
“We use play with purpose. Every activity is designed to support healing and growth,” says Dan Villa, Recreational Therapy Lead. “It’s so rewarding to watch a young person light up as they pursue something they are passionate about.”
Moments That Matter
Kylie always loved horses. Her experience with equine therapy deepened her confidence and helped spark new interests. Inspired by her favorite horses, she created a custom map for a trip to a local zoo, tried new foods fresh from the teaching garden and even taught herself to sew a saddle pad with her future dreams of horseback riding in mind.
Each experience built confidence. Each one reminded her: she is more than her trauma. She is curious. Capable. She is brave.
A New Chapter Begins
Today, Kylie is doing well in school, building friendships and exploring her passion for animals. She’s even interviewing for part-time jobs and saving up for riding lessons—eager for the day she can finally get in the saddle.
Kylie’s journey shows that healing requires courage and trust. Sometimes it starts with a quiet moment in a pasture. Other times it’s about daring to dream of what comes next.
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About Casa Pacifica
Headquartered in Camarillo, California, Casa Pacifica is the largest non-profit provider of children’s and adolescent mental health services in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. It’s nationally accredited programs and services include residential treatment, therapeutic behavioral services, wraparound services, mobile crisis response, transitional youth services, school-based mental health services and foster care services along with a fully certified, diploma-granting Non-Public School for grades K-12. Casa Pacifica specializes in treating children and youth who struggle with complex mental health challenges including anxiety, depression and emotional dysregulation. Nearly 52,500 children have been admitted to one of its programs since its founding in 1994.
To learn more or to get involved, email info@casapacifica.org or call 805-366-4040.