About Our Licensed Therapists
Erin Vaillancourt , PT, DPT, HPCS
Founder/ Treating Physical Therapist
Erin’s passion for horses and horseback riding started at the young age of 7 years old and has continued throughout her life. She also became very involved with Special Olympics and working with the disabled in high school while volunteering with her sister, Megan’s, Special Olympics teams.
While performing her undergraduate studies at Azusa Pacific University she heard about Hippotherapy, and it was a perfect fit; a job that would combine her love for helping the disabled and passion for horses and being outdoors. Erin received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy degree in 2005 from the University of the Pacific, and has been practicing in the Gardnerville/Carson City area. She also performed a 6-week internship at the National Center for Equine Facilitated Therapy during her studies, where she received intense training in the use of Hippotherapy as a treatment strategy. She has completed her Level I and II Hippotherapy coursework from the American Hippotherapy Association and completed her certification as a Hippotherapy Certified Specialist in 2014. This clinic wouldn’t be possible without the love and support of her husband, Chris, and her family. You will often see Erin’s entire family at the ranch helping with sessions. In their spare time, Erin and Chris are enjoying teaching their children Haley and Matthew how to love animals and the outdoors. Some of their favorite hobbies (besides horses of course) are rock climbing, skiing, and kayaking. The thing Erin loves about being apart of the Kids and Horses team is being a part of a team that is passionate about helping others through the use of a horse. Erin says, “It really doesn’t feel like work, and I love the entire team here.”
Erin and her horse, Cash
Erin Ontiveros
, PT, DPT
Erin was raised in San, Diego California. Erin graduated from Chapman University in 2006 with her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). As a young child she started riding horses. Her main events and disciplines were Hunter/Jumpers and Dressage. Erin and her husband moved to Gardnerville for the fresh air and the beautiful scenery, as well as it being the perfect place to raise their children with a simpler lifestyle. She has grown to love the people and especially loves having all four seasons! Erin joined the team at New Light Therapy in August 2019 and also works part time at Nevada Early Intervention treating children 0-3 years old.
Ruth Overton OTR/L
Ruth is originally from Washington State, but has called the North Lake Tahoe area home for the last 7 years.
She received Master's of Occupational Therapy from Washington University in St. Louis.
She currently lives in Incline Village where she takes advantage of the diverse nature through hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and kayaking. Ruth has always loved horses and growing up enjoyed western riding, bareback trail rides, and competing in equestrian vaulting.
Ruth is excited for the opportunity to be around horses again and incorporate her love for horses with her work and passion as an Occupational Therapist.