Emma Licata is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor with a diverse background in education and horsemanship.

Her equestrian journey began at age 14, when she won a raffle for riding lessons. Quickly falling in love with every aspect of horsemanship, Emma spent her weekends working at the barn in exchange for more time in the saddle.

At just 19, Emma founded her first equine-assisted program on the North Fork of Long Island. This experience planted the seeds for her lifelong commitment to equine-assisted services and inclusive education.

Emma has since graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Child Study from St. Joseph’s University, and obtained NYS teacher certification. Emma brings to her riding instruction a rich foundation of teaching experience in both general and special education classrooms, along with training as an Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist. Her knowledge of instructional strategies and behavior support allows her to meet a wide range of learners with patience, adaptability, and skill.

Currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), Emma continues to deepen her understanding of language, culture, and human connection. Her academic and professional journey reinforces her belief that meaningful connections — whether with people or horses — are the foundation for growth.