Laurie Schick PT, HPCS

Laurie has been a physical therapist for over 29 years and has practiced in a variety of settings including pediatric, orthopedic and outpatient rehabilitation. She received her Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. She has always had a passion for horses and pediatrics and started pursuing an interest in learning about equine movement (hippotherapy) as a treatment tool almost 20 years ago. Laurie initially became a PATH certified adaptive riding instructor in 2003 and went on to get extensive training on how to utilize the tool of hippotherapy in her PT practice. In 2005 Laurie started a therapy clinic at Forward Stride, in Beaverton, Oregon which grew to include physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists, all specializing in incorporating equine movement as one of their therapy tools. She continued to pursue the highest level of training and education in hippotherapy and became the only Board Certified Hippotherapy Clinical Specialist (HPCS) in the state of Oregon in 2010.
Laurie is a very active member of the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA, Inc) Board of Directors. She is currently serving as the AHA, Inc Board Treasurer, Chair of the AHA, Inc Finance committee and past chair of the AHA, Inc. Ethics, Advocacy and Reimbursement Committee. Laurie is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Pediatric Section of the APTA, and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). Laurie enjoys using a very holistic, whole child approach in her pediatric practice and incorporates a variety of treatment tools and strategies, in addition to equine movement, to help each child reach their individual goals and optimal potential.
Laurie’s other passions include exploring the outdoors through hiking, horseback riding, backpacking and skiing. She also enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her two teenage kids, husband and dog.
Laurie is a very active member of the American Hippotherapy Association (AHA, Inc) Board of Directors. She is currently serving as the AHA, Inc Board Treasurer, Chair of the AHA, Inc Finance committee and past chair of the AHA, Inc. Ethics, Advocacy and Reimbursement Committee. Laurie is also a member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Pediatric Section of the APTA, and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). Laurie enjoys using a very holistic, whole child approach in her pediatric practice and incorporates a variety of treatment tools and strategies, in addition to equine movement, to help each child reach their individual goals and optimal potential.
Laurie’s other passions include exploring the outdoors through hiking, horseback riding, backpacking and skiing. She also enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her two teenage kids, husband and dog.