Announcements
Kinoshita Receives PATH Intl James Brady Award
January 7, 2026Green Chimneys Assistant Director of Nature-based Education Miyako Kinoshita presented with the James Brady Professional Achievement Award for significant contributions to the field of equine-assisted services.
Green Chimneys Miyako Kinoshita is the 2025 recipient of the James Brady Professional Achievement Award, presented annually by The Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). This prestigious award recognizes individuals who demonstrate the highest ethical behavior in their personal and professional life; possess proven leadership and dedication through delivery of service, educational contribution, support and promotion of the industry; bring innovative ideas to fruition; create collaborations and partnerships to advance the work of equine-assisted services (EAS); and enhance the success and knowledge of others in the association.
Pictured left to right: Scott Carver, President of PATH Intl. Board of Trustees; Kathy Alm, former CEO of PATH; Miyako Kinoshita, Green Chimneys; Michael Kaufmann, Green Chimneys; and Ross Braun, 2024 James Brady Awardee and former PATH Intl. Board President.
Nominated for this honor by a group of six peers, Miyako was selected for her leadership as a multi-term PATH Intl. board member and past president of PATH precursor, the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association, and in her work on various PATH committees. Her dedication to therapeutic horsemanship as a long-standing Advanced Riding Instructor, animal-assisted practitioner, and humane educator has made her a leader in both the Green Chimneys program and within the world of equine professionals.
Miyako’s personal story is a remarkable one. As a young banking professional in Kobe, Japan in 1997, she was inspired by a documentary about Green Chimneys on Japanese television. With excitement, Miyako applied for an internship, thinking she would be at the farm for just a few months. She never left!
She relocated to the U.S. and became a certified therapeutic riding instructor; and then took a full-time position leading the Green Chimneys equine program. In the years that followed, Miyako taught hundreds of students how to ride, how to develop social skills, and how to overcome personal obstacles. She soon took the helm of the farm internship program that had drawn her to the organization, mentoring generations of individuals seeking careers in nature-based and animal-assisted services.
Today Miyako serves as chief liaison between Green Chimneys’ nature-based program and its therapeutic school. She is a key member of The Ross Institute leadership team. She is also a spokesperson for Green Chimneys’ renowned approach and a recognized presenter at conferences and institutions across the U.S. and abroad. Congratulations to Miyako on this well earned honor!
