Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Canada certified Personal Development practitioner with special accreditation in Grief and Loss support which she received through Stronger Life Connections in partnership with EAL Canada. 

I first witnessed EAL when I participated in an Introduction to Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning workshop. In this workshop, I saw the horses act as mirrors for participants, reflecting back to them emotions they had not been able to name up until that point; The horse’s body language guided the participants to move through and release these emotions and patterns, and through their collaborative experience the horses guided these individuals to start to create new patterns, and new self-beliefs. They offered a new normal, so to speak; They offered an experience of healing, and in a way that was accessible to individuals without riding and with no equine experience. 

Witnessing this transformative session, I reflected on my experience as a child, often feeling like I didn’t quite fit and only finding solace with animals. I lamented the animals who left this world far too soon, and recalled fondly the horses who have come through my life after experiencing suffering and neglect, and that gratitude I felt knowing I was able to learn what they needed and help them experience the comfort and safety they deserved. I was brought to a new sense of conviction about my own future, and within this context my own past was given a new meaning. In this moment, I experienced a piece of the profound healing these horses were bringing to those I witnessed. In this moment, I knew that I was meant to pursue EAL and act as a conduit to bring this healing to others.

I founded Sacred Willow Equine Centre in response to this deep inner knowing. As a facilitator of Equine Assisted Learning, I centre the power that horses bring as mirrors, guides, and ultimately healers. Through this co-creative experience, I put emphasis on addressing the learner on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level and curate the experience to each learner. I understand that every individual is unique in their needs and path they are currently on towards healing.

There is something unique about horses. They have a profound ability to bring people out of the darkness and into light and to be able to facilitate their magic and to witness the results it brings to my clients is a gift, humbling and an honour I do not take lightly. 

I strive to ensure this powerful method of healing is accessible to all. I am an active volunteer with the Therapeutic Riding Association and am working toward certification as a Therapeutic Riding Coach to extend my practice in support of youth and adults with disabilities. I also recently obtained a Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) certification through Opening Minds / Mental health commission of Canada and am grateful to be able to offer this deeper understanding to my clients with different mental health experiences.

My doors are open to anyone who feels Sacred Willow Equine Centre is the next step on their healing journey, and I support both youth and adults. I prioritize working with individuals experiencing grief and loss, to help them feel not so alone. I help them find a sense of peace as they move through these deep, and often difficult, emotions. I also takes special interest in supporting caregivers to ensure they receive back the care they so freely give. I am Reiki Level 1 and 2 certified, and Animal Reiki Level 1 and 2 certified and offers Reiki energy healing in addition to EAL services. 

It is my vision that humans transcend their traumas and cultivate deep safety with soul, body, and the world around them and it is my mission to enable this transformation through facilitated horse-led healing.