Learn About Agapé

Agapé is a Greek word that means “unconditional love”. Cheryl Miller and her daughter Dawn were called to share unconditional love when they expanded their enjoyment of horses and love for children by developing a summer riding program for children with disabilities using the therapeutic value of horses to rehabilitate.

As a result of parents’ requests and therapists who witnessed the summer success, Cheryl and Dawn founded Agapé in 1986, but they continued to dream of a year round program. That dream became a reality following Dawn’s tragic death in 1992. A farm just north of Indianapolis in Cicero, Indiana was selected for the start of a therapeutic riding center. In March of 1994, Cheryl established a full-time program, serving individuals and schools throughout central Indiana.

Cheryl served as the executive director of Agape for 20 years and is now retired. Debbie Laird was appointed Executive Director of Agapé in March of 2009. Debbie has been associated with Agapé since 1998. She has filled a variety of roles at Agapé including working as a volunteer, vice president and President of the Alliance of Agapé, member and President of the Board of Directors and Director of Resource Development. Debbie’s previous experiences at Agapé and her business background will be instrumental in Agapé’s future growth.