our team
Karol SantistevanOTR/L , CTRI, ESMHL, ASDCS
Karol Santistevan is the founder of Ropes & Roses Therapy Services. Born and raised in the Black Hills in South Dakota, she was just 6 months old when she was first put on the back of a horse. Karol grew up in the world of rodeo where her first job was to warm-up and cool-down pick-up horses. In 1999, Karol earned an Associate of Business in Business Administration and Accounting from Casper College.
In 2002, Karol became a certified Special Olympics Equestrian Coach, a Level 2 Western & English Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) Instructor, and in 2004, her PATH Int’l Registered Level Instructor Certification. In 2004 Karol co-founded and was the executive director of Reach 4A Star Riding Academy, a Premier Accredited Therapeutic (PATH) Riding Center. Karol was awarded the PATH Int’l Region 10 Instructor of the Year in 2007. After much encouragement from students and coworkers, Karol went back to school to complete a Master’s of Occupational Therapy program through the University of North Dakota. In 2023, she became accredited as a DIRFloortime® Practitioner through the International Council on Development and Learning (ICDL). She is a clinical specialist for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASDCS).
Her education combined with years of experience, holistic, nature based approach allows her to connect deeply with her patients. By getting back to the grassroots of what OT really is, Karol's approach is grounding herself and the horses to engage as a team to support her clients. Her connections with the mental health community run deep and help create wraparound services the community needs.
Karol feels fortunate to teach as an adjunct at Casper College. Not only does she get a chance to teach, but also mentor associate students in OTA, Pre-OT, Social Work, Addiction studies, Nursing, and Education. She also works regularly with UW Social Work Students and Nationwide OT Doctorate students.
Karol states “My approach is holistic, nature based, and allows clients to get in touch with themselves in our beautiful Wyoming environment. It gives clients the chance to realize who they are in a truly authentic way.
Genie Hensley COTA/L, ESMHL
Genie Hensley believes some of life's most meaningful growth happens through connection, whether that connection is with a horse, a therapy dog, a supportive therapist, or discovering strengths within yourself. Her passion is helping individuals of all abilities build confidence, navigate challenges, and engage more fully in the activities that bring purpose and joy to their lives.
As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L), Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL), and AHCB Hippotherapy Certified OT Practitioner, Genie combines clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the healing potential found in human-animal relationships. She works closely with clients, families, and interdisciplinary team members to create safe, engaging, and meaningful therapeutic experiences that honor each person's unique journey.
At Ropes & Roses Therapy Services, Genie serves a vital role of coordinating and supporting the organization's incredible volunteer team, where she helps foster a positive and welcoming environment in which everyone feels valued and connected to the mission. In addition, her love of horses extends beyond the therapy arena, as she also helps oversee the care, well-being, and workload management of the therapy horses, ensuring they remain healthy, happy, and ready to support the clients who depend on them.
Genie's commitment to service reaches beyond her daily clinical work. She currently serves as President of the Wyoming Occupational Therapy Association Board, advocating for the occupational therapy profession and supporting practitioners throughout the state.
As a member of the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, she incorporates the special bond between people and dogs into therapeutic experiences. Whether working alongside a horse or a canine partner, Genie values the opportunities animals provide to encourage trust, connection, growth, and self-discovery.
When she isn't working, you can often find Genie enjoying Wyoming's wide-open spaces with her family and animals. Her curiosity, compassion, and love of lifelong learning inspire everything she does. She feels honored to walk alongside people as they discover new strengths, overcome obstacles, and create meaningful lives filled with possibility, hope, and connection.
Tisa Sucher, MSW, LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.”
― Brene Brown
Tisa, a native of Wyoming, cherishes the rejuvenating essence of nature and animals, appreciating how they refresh & soothe the soul. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she brings a wealth of experience, marked by genuine acceptance and compassion, to her therapeutic practice. Tisa's academic journey led her to the University of Wyoming, where she attained both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work. Her career spans over 30 years, with licensure in the State of Wyoming since 2004.
Her expertise encompasses a diverse range of areas including primary care outpatient mental health, healthcare, inpatient psychiatric care, emergency detentions, private behavioral health practice, hospice, bereavement, and academia. Tisa is adept at serving varied populations, including the elderly, veterans, teenagers, and individuals from diverse socioeconomic, spiritual, ability, and cultural backgrounds.
In 2020, Tisa began volunteering with a national non-profit organization dedicated to training service dogs for veterans affected by PTSD. Additionally, her volunteer efforts extend to suicide prevention and various spiritual communities. She is a recognized speaker at professional and community events.
Tisa has been an active member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) since 2005, contributing to the Wyoming NASW Board in 2022 and part of 2023. She has also played a vital role in clinically supervising and mentoring numerous social workers throughout her career.
At Ropes & Roses Therapy Services, Tisa offers a range of services including:
- Individual and group Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Specialty areas encompass Trauma-Informed Care, Shared Decision Making, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Grief and Loss Therapy, PTSD Treatment, Anxiety and Depression Treatment, Suicidality Treatment, Chronic Illness/Pain Adjustment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Integrative/Holistic Therapy, and Animal Assisted Therapy.
- Psychotherapy Group options such as PTSD Equine Assisted Recovery Groups, Bereavement Groups, and Cognitive Behavioral Specialty Groups.
- Professional Training options such as Trauma Informed Care for health facilities/clinics, churches, and professionals; What you need to know about Service Dog; and Interdisciplinary Collaborations in Mental Health Treatment.
Accepts Private Pay, BCBS, Medicare/Medicaid.
Ryan Grady-Office Assistant
Ryan brings a strong background in organization, operations, and human connection to her role as Office Assistant at Ropes & Roses Therapy Services. With over a decade of experience in hospitality and administrative leadership, Ryan has a natural ability to keep systems running smoothly while making people feel genuinely welcomed and supported.
Before joining Ropes & Roses, Ryan held leadership roles including General Manager and Director of Housekeeping for large hotel properties, where she oversaw complex scheduling, billing, staff coordination, and day-to-day operations. Her attention to detail, efficiency, and calm presence make her a steady and reliable support for both clients and clinicians.
At Ropes & Roses, Ryan is often the friendly voice on the phone or the first face you see when you arrive. She helps manage scheduling, communication, and office flow, while also lending a creative touch to events and clinic operations. Ryan values meaningful connection and takes pride in creating an environment where clients and families feel at ease.
Outside of work, Ryan is a creative entrepreneur and artist, bringing the same care and thoughtfulness to her artwork that she brings to her role at the clinic. She is grateful to be part of a team that blends compassion, nature, and purpose — and is proud to support the healing work that happens every day at Ropes & Roses.