b'Roan Cadavona,Ritu Aparajita,Milcah Grace S. Caculitan,Kollagunta Chandrasekhar, APRN, FNP-C MD, RPVI APRN, FNP-C MD, FACCNurse Practitioner Vascular Surgeon Nurse Practitioner CardiologistK.S. Chandrasekhar , MD, FCCestablished his clinic over 20 years ago. He is well known in the community and trusted for his accurate diagnosis and A MOVING PLATFORM FOR STRENGTH AND STABILITY compassionate care. Board certied in Cardiovascular Disease and Internal MedicineEquine-assisted therapy is often discussed for its mental health benefits, but Executive Director the Heart Function Clinic, Low Risk Chest Pain Center andfamilies at Aprils Acres also see it as a way to support physical development, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for BayCare Winter Haven HospitalStaff for BayCare Winter Haven Hospitalespecially for children working on balance, body awareness, and functional Staff for Lake Wales Medical Centermobility.Clinical Associate Professor, FSU College of MedicineAs a horse walks, turns, and changes pace, riders must continually adjust to stay centered, Houston explains. That constant, rhythmic motion can activate trunk muscles and support postural control. Ritu Aparajita , MD, RPVIPreparation can be part of the therapy as well. Grooming and saddling canA Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon who earned her MBBS at University of Delhi, require reaching, grip strength, and bilateral coordination, while following aIndia. She then completed a research fellowship at Columbia University Medical sequence of steps can reinforce motor planning. Center and a residency in general surgery at Staten Island University Hospital in New York, she completed her fellowship training in Vascular Surgery at Newark Beth Israel Regardless, though, a lot of the kids that comethey do have some physicalMedical Center and St. Barnabas Medical Center in New Jersey. Shes co-authored weaknesses,Houstonsays.Evenkidswithautismhavethisdecreasedmore than two dozen journal articles. She was recently nominated for the American awareness of where their body is in space, so it kind of improves their postureMedical Association Inspiration Award that recognizes physicians who have and their balancecore strength, leg strengthall those types of things. contributed to the achievements of women in the medical profession.Forparticipantswhoareready,Houstonsaidsheintroducesbasicriding cues, including reins and leg signals, to practice coordination and controlled movement. Roan Cadavona , APRN, FNP-CA FAMILYS PERSPECTIVE brings a high level of education and experience in Cardiac Catheterization, Electrophysiology and working in the Cardiovascular Progressive Care unit. He serves Katie Schwartz began looking for equine-assisted therapy after her daughter,a vital role in providing patients with optimal cardiovascular care through counselling Charlotte, who goes by Charlie, who was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, a rareand screening, as well as disease prevention and management strategies.neurological genetic disorder.Board certied Family Nurse PractitionerOne of the hallmarks, Schwartz says, can include major regressions. Member of Staff for BayCare Winter Haven HospitalCharlie lost all of her speech and the words she once could say, Schwartz says. She totally lost control of her arms and handsShe has difficulty withMilcah Grace S. Caculitan , APRN, FNP-Cbalance and may one day lose her ability to walk.Upon receiving her Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Florida, Charlie has participated in multiple therapies since she was 2 and now receivesMilcah worked as a Nurse Practitioner at a Neurology Clinic for 10 years.Prior to that occupational,physical,andspeechtherapy,alongwithequine-assistedshe spent 8 years as a Charge Nurse in the Medical Surgical Unit at Lake Wales sessions. Medical Center. These experiences have enhanced her perspective on providing exceptional care. She prides herself in taking the extra time to listen and educate patientsThe motion of riding also mimics the muscle patterns used in walking, whichwhile promoting participation in their cardiac health. Milcah believes in the importance supports functional movement and postural control, Schwartz says. of the patient-provider relationship and is committed to providing Schwartz said Charlies school physical therapist noticed changes after a shorthigh-quality, patient-centered care.period of sessions. Nursing School: Laguna College. San Pablo City, Philippines Bachelor of Science in Nursing: Laguna College, San Pablo City, PhilippinesHer school PT noted seeing big changes in Charlie after only two months of Master of Science in Nursing: University of South Florida,Tampa, FLtherapy last summer, Schwartz says.Board Certification:Family Nurse PractitionerEquine-assisted therapy sessions can also be structured to prompt functional Hospital Affiliations BayCare Winter Haven Hospitalhand use. Activities can encourage reaching and grasping, and Charlies family hopes she can eventually progress to holding the reins.Charlie is not strong enough to grasp the reins yet, Schwartz said, but were CONTINUED ON PAGE 22centralfloridahealthnews.com CFHN | 11'