About Silver Maple Equine Therapy
Silver Maple Equine Therapy invites clients on a supported yet self-directed journey to overcoming obstacles and achieving greater mental health and well-being, utilizing the unique EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association) treatment model. The foundation of EAGALA lies in offering a space for clients to connect with the spirit and power of highly attuned horses within nature, providing an opportunity to discover, grow, and heal.
Outside of the four walls of the traditional talk therapy setting, we bring an innovative approach to mental health care in South Central Wisconsin. At Silver Maple Equine Therapy, we meet clients where they are, providing gentle guidance and a supportive environment as they discover their own path.
While our methods are backed by research and science , our approach is rooted in curiosity, connection, and self-determination. In everything we do, our commitment is unwavering: to serve each individual client in a way that is holistic, caring, compassionate and – ultimately – healing.
Get to Know Us
Get to know Bonnie Chapek
Raised in the small town of Cadott, WI, Bonnie was active in various sports and clubs throughout her youth, but – in any spare time she could find – she would make the four-hour drive to visit her aunt and her horses. There, she helped with all the care and chores related to the horses and enjoyed the company of her aunt.
Soon, she had a realization that would direct her future work: she learned that horses gave her a sense of peace and helped alleviate her struggles with anxiety and depression. After high school, Bonnie relocated to Milwaukee, closer to her aunt, and began working at a horse stable. Eventually, she landed in Madison and spent several years working at a horse training barn. During that time, she began to understand she wasn’t the only one to be positively impacted by interactions with horses: these spiritual, powerful, mysterious and peaceful animals seemed to help everyone they encountered in some way.
Researching more about horses and healing led Bonnie to the EAGALA model and, soon after, Silver Maple Equine Therapy was born. In her spare time, Bonnie loves to give care and attention to her plants and serves as an administrator for a few popular horse groups on Facebook.
Get to know James Benkard, LCSW, CSAC
A native of New York, NY, James grew up interested in writing, humanities and the performing arts. After completing a Bachelor’s degree in history and a three-year theater arts program in Washington, DC, he moved to the Midwest and started counseling clients with substance use disorders.
James and his wife moved to Madison in 2004. Since then, he has worked for UW Health’s Behavioral Health and Recovery Clinic, Journey Mental Health Center, ATTIC Correctional Services, Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, the State of Maryland’s Office of the Public Defender, and Madison East Comprehensive Treatment Center.
He completed graduate training at UW-Madison’s School of Social Work in 2015 and received his LCSW credential in 2018. Threads of his work and experience have connected his interest in alternative therapies and treatments when shown to be effective and suited to a client’s unique situation and needs, as was the case with his initial training in the EAGALA model in 2014.
A baseball aficionado and aspiring guitar player, James lives in Madison with his wife and daughter – who, of course, loves horses.
