
08/05/2025
Now taking new clients: Casey Bennington-Palmer
(she/her)
BSW, EAGALA ES, MSW Student
Clinical Intern + Lead Equine Specialist
Casey is passionate about the unique and transformative healing power of the human-animal bond. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Walden University and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work (MSW), with an expected graduation in 2025. With a lifelong connection to animals and a deep commitment to trauma-informed care, Casey is excited to continue building her career in trauma-focused animal-assisted psychotherapy and veterinary social work.
Casey began riding horses at age five and never outgrew the “crazy horse kid” phase. She studied Animal Science at Berry College and Therapeutic Horsemanship at Lander University, competing nationally on the Intercollegiate Equestrian Teams at both schools. In 2013, she graduated from an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Nursing program and became a Credentialed/Registered Veterinary Technician. Over the years, Casey has worked in small animal, equine, large animal, and emergency/critical care settings. In 2019, she earned her Fear-Free Animal Professional certification, emphasizing ethical and effective low-stress handling.
In 2020, Casey became an EAGALA-certified Equine Specialist and now holds a military designation for working with service members, veterans, and their families through equine-assisted services. Her career in veterinary medicine sparked a deep interest in trauma therapy and grief counseling, leading to her current focus on integrating clinical social work and animal-assisted interventions.
Following the completion of her MSW, Casey plans to pursue a Veterinary Social Work Certificate. Her goal is to support veterinary professionals coping with compassion fatigue, burnout, anxiety, and PTSD, as well as clients grieving the loss of animal or human loved ones.
Casey is a proud spouse and daughter of combat veterans and holds a special dedication to serving military personnel and first responders. As a mother to a remarkable child on the Autism Spectrum, she is passionate about helping neurodiverse children understand and express their emotions and needs. She is LGBTQIA+ affirming and welcomes clients of all backgrounds, identities, and family structures.
In her free time, Casey can often be found in the barn or pasture with her horses, or spending time with her dogs (Rylee and Pancho) and cats (Lil Bit and Harvest). She also enjoys riding her Harley Street Glide, “Cher,” and cherishing time with her husband and children.