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ABOUT HOPE IN HER EYES
ABOUT HOPE IN HER EYES
Hope in Her Eyes is a faith-centered nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals find healing, resilience, and renewed purpose through the powerful connection between humans and horses.
Amy McCormick originally founded Hope in Her Eyes in New Jersey. Together with her husband, John McCormick, they made the decision to move the organization’s mission to Altoona, Alabama. Their goal was to broaden the reach of Hope in Her Eyes and establish a tranquil ranch setting where both individuals and families could find restoration and renewed hope.
The nonprofit now operates at Anchor of Hope Ranch in Altoona, Alabama, a western-style ranch setting designed to foster reflection, healing, and connection with both nature and horses.
AMY MCCORMICK
FOUNDER
Certifications
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EAGALA Certified Military Equine Specialist – 2022
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Draper Sensory Therapy Certified – 2024
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Trauma-Informed Care Certification – 2024
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Mental Health First Aid for Veterans – 2023
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Resilience First Aid Responder – 2024
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Disaster Response Crisis Counselor for New Jersey(DRCC) – 2025
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TLC Responder – 2024
Through these certifications, Amy provides programs that focus on nervous system regulation, emotional resilience, and trauma-informed care while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both participants and horses.
Amy McCormick is a certified Equine Specialist and trauma-informed responder dedicated to providing safe, compassionate, and neurologically supportive equine-assisted services.
Her training combines equine-assisted therapy, crisis response, trauma-informed care, and sensory-based therapeutic approaches.
Amy’s passion for equine-assisted work began through extremely personal experiences. Witnessing the calming and transformative effect horses could have on emotional regulation, confidence, and healing, inspired Amy to pursue professional training and certifications in equine-assisted therapy, trauma-informed care, and sensory-based therapeutic approaches.
Today, Hope in Her Eyes serves individuals and families seeking support for trauma, neurological challenges, emotional struggles, and life transitions. The ranch environment allows participants to step away from daily pressures and experience healing in a calm, natural setting.
A HEART FOR SERVICE
The McCormick family also holds a deep connection to military service. With three active-duty United States Marine Corps sons, the family understands firsthand the sacrifices and challenges military families face. Supporting veterans, active-duty service members, and their families is a central part of the mission.
Hope in Her Eyes is very proud to be the only program East of South Dakota that offers Draper Sensory Therapy . This specialized approach provides a unique opportunity for individuals throughout the Southeast to access innovative neurological and sensory-based therapy.
At Anchor of Hope Ranch, horses become partners in healing—helping individuals rediscover courage, trust, and hope.
ANCHOR OF HOPE RANCH
Anchor of Hope Ranch provides the home for Hope in Her Eyes and its equine-assisted programs.
Located in Altoona, Alabama, the ranch is designed to reflect a peaceful western ranch environment where individuals can slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience the quiet strength of horses.
The ranch setting plays an important role in the therapeutic process. Surrounded by open space, natural beauty, and a supportive herd environment, participants often begin to feel a sense of peace the moment they arrive.
At Anchor of Hope Ranch, the horse is not simply an animal—it becomes a partner in the healing journey.
Every participant who walks onto the ranch is welcomed with compassion, dignity, and hope.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 12:2 NKJV
