Dr. Kathleen Broughan, Ph.D. - Founder & Executive Director, Clinician
Dr. Kathleen Broughan is a clinical and sport psychologist, licensed in South Carolina and Tennessee. Dr. Broughan has over 30 years of professional experience, including 20 years of EAP practice. After earning her PhD from the University of Tennessee, she began her professional career with the Helen Ross McNabb Mental Health Center. She subsequently founded Child and Adult Clinical Associates, a large private practice she owned and managed for over ten years.
In 2005 Dr. Broughan moved to South Carolina and paired her two passions- psychotherapy and horses in the creation of Lowcountry Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, a 501 {c} 3. She has continued in the capacity of the Executive Director and service provider since that time.
Dr. Broughan has worked with a wide variety of client populations, including adults, at-risk children and teens, and families. She has extensive experience treating a range of psychological difficulties, including trauma, PTSD, ADHD, Attachment issues, Depression, Anxiety, and Eating Disorders. With a specialty in trauma treatment, Dr. Broughan is a provider for the Lowcountry Firefighters Support Team. In that capacity, she provides services for emergency personnel and their families. Additionally, she has recently developed a specialty in military services, providing mental health services to active duty military, veterans, and their family members.
Dr. Broughan served as a forensic expert and expert witness to the state and federal courts in a variety of criminal and civil cases. She developed particular expertise in the area of domestic violence and presented the first ‘Battered Woman Syndrome’ testimony allowed into evidence in the State of Tennessee.
In addition to her skills as a psychologist, Dr. Broughan is an accomplished horsewoman. She has been riding and training horses since high school. In 1998 she was awarded the United States Dressage Federation’s Silver Medal. In 1999, she was a credentialed equestrian sports psychologist at the European Championships in Holland. In 2000, she served as the team psychologist for TEAM ISRAEL in Israel’s bid for an Olympic spot. Dr. Broughan was featured in the My Life column in the May 2006 issue of Practical Horseman Magazine.
Jana Freston-Mendenhall, M.A. - Equine Specialist
Jana was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She grew up around horses and was a barrel racer as a teenager. Jana graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Utah, where she also played softball. She later attained her Master of Arts in Architecture from the University of Utah and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.
Jana ‘migrated’ to Santa Cruz, California, where she raised her four children. During that time she managed and co-owned a trail riding business which featured gaited horses.
Jana was certified as an Equine Specialist by EAGALA in 2004 and worked with Dr. Beverly Kane of Horsesensei in the Bay Area. Jana has a background in Natural Horsemanship. When Jana moved to the Lowcountry, she connected with Lowcountry Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and recertified with EAGALA. Jana has also recently become a certified Equine Specialist through ARCH (Arenas for Change).
Jana has been an integral part of the LEAP team for several years. She previously served as the barn manager where she trained and managed the LEAP volunteers that care for the therapy herd. Today, she continues to serve LEAP as an Equine Specialist with the LEAP treatment team and assists in caring for the LEAP horses.
Dr. Jody Beers, Ph.D. - Equine Specialist
Maddie Lowe, M.S., LPC - Child and Adolescent Program Coordinator, Clinician
Maddie Lowe is a licensed professional counselor in South Carolina and is currently serving as the child and adolescent program coordinator at LEAP. Maddie possesses a distinctive blend of clinical expertise and a steadfast dedication to the welfare of children and adolescents.
Maddie's educational journey started at the University of North Carolina Asheville where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in General Psychology. Maddie then went on to earn her Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Charleston Southern University. Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in counseling and psychological studies at Regent University, Maddie is deeply committed to advancing her knowledge and skills to serve her clients better.
While attending UNC Asheville, Maddie competed at the Division I level as a cross-country and track athlete at UNC Asheville. During this time, she also found an interest in equine-assisted psychotherapy as she discovered a profound connection between her love for horses and her desire to pursue a career helping people. Maddie's passion for horses started in high school where she was actively involved in her school’s FFA chapter. During her senior year of college, Maddie completed an undergraduate internship focused on equine-assisted psychotherapy, which solidified her commitment to the field. In 2019, Maddie moved to Charleston to complete her master’s degree and she began volunteering at LEAP. In 2022, she transitioned to LEAP’s clinical team.
Before joining LEAP, Maddie dedicated three years to serving as an early intervention specialist during her graduate studies. This invaluable experience enriched her skills in working with children and adolescents, providing her with a profound understanding of the challenges faced by this population and enhancing her ability to collaborate with parents.
Maddie has a special interest in working with individuals who struggle with OCD and ADHD. She also enjoys helping clients gain a stronger appreciation for themselves and assisting them in navigating various life challenges. Maddie is certified as a Mental Health provider by EAGALA (the Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association) and ARCH (Arenas for Change) for equine assisted psychotherapy. Additionally, she has extensive experience in cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention. She approaches therapy from an existential perspective, emphasizing the holistic well-being of her clients. Maddie’s dynamic and empathetic approach to her work, combined with her passion for equine-assisted psychotherapy, establishes her as an invaluable asset to the field and the clients she serves.