This document outlines my qualifications and personal scope of practice in both the human services and equestrian fields. Please note, that while I offer therapeutic and trauma-informed services, I am not a therapist, and do not provide therapy. If you have any questions about any of my qualifications or experience or would like a more detailed list of my professional development in any area, please do not hesitate to ask.

 

The qualifications, training, and experience I possess to support this scope of practice are as follows:

 

Certified Equestrian Canada Competition Coach since Summer 2007.

I have a background in teaching and participating in Pony Club, Dressage, Three – Day Eventing, Hunter/Jumper, and Horsemanship, teaching private and group lessons to children and adults from beginners up to competitive levels. I have also been starting and training horses both under supervision and on my own for many years. I participate in updating (Pro D) hours to support this certification each year, including auditing and participating in dressage, equitation science, jumper, and horsemanship clinics.

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Certified Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association Senior Instructor since March 2016.

I worked at the Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association from June 2013, until August 2022 as an admin assistant, instructor, and then Head Coach. I taught private and group lessons to children and adults with diverse needs, including Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Fine and Gross Motor issues, Learning Disabilities, Muscular Dystrophy, Muscular Sclerosis, Neuro Cognitive and Neuro Developmental conditions, Developmental Delays, Stress Disorders, Sensory Processing Disorder, Developmental Coordination Disorder, Visual Impairments, and Traumatic Brain Injuries. I participate each year in professional development relevant to this field, including workshops on the various neurodiversities, therapeutic riding and para-dressage clinics, and lately have been focusing on Anxiety, Chronic Stress, PTSD, and trauma-informed practice. I was also very involved in recruiting and training of therapy horses, volunteer training, and more.

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Equestrian Vaulting Associations of BC Provincial Trainer since August 2016.

I have experience teaching group vaulting lessons to children, youth, and adults with and without diverse needs from beginner to early competitive levels. I have experience and am comfortable coaching students up to the “Canter D” level. I also have experience recruiting and training vaulting horses. I participate in Pro D training every year, including gymnastics foundations and movement training.

 

Pro EFW Canada Equine Professional Certification Candidate since August 2022.

 I began training with Pro EFW Canada in early 2021, and have completed all the trainings, and am working on meeting the extensive requirements for certification. My mentor is Deborah Marshall at Generation Farms. I participate in ongoing training, personal and professional development. This includes, but is not limited to: nature-based, somatic and mindfulness activities, Poly Vagal Theory and nervous system functioning and regulation courses and workshops, trauma-informed workshops and training, including an 8-hour certificate program, horsemanship clinics, and regular counseling and personal growth work for myself. I also completed the Whole Horse Apprenticeship in 2023, which features a holistic approach to horses including anatomy, physiology, attuned horsemanship, energy work, and more, with a wide variety of guest instructors and presenters. As of April 2024 I have over 200 hours of cross-training and reading on trauma and nervous system functioning and regulation, and apply this learning to work with both humans and horses.

 

Additional Training

I spent several years working as a dog trainer for PetSmart, and was the Area Trainer in charge of training new trainers for the island. In this role I did extensive studying on learning theory, canine ethology, operant conditioning theory and more. I am extensively trained in R+ training techniques, including clicker and trick training, and have employed these skills with both dogs and horses.

 

Areas in which I am NOT Qualified to Provide Service

 

I work in a therapeutic based program, I do not enter into the practice of therapy.

 

It is outside of my personal Scope of Practice as a human services professional to work with anyone with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder, or anyone with risk of self-harm or harm to others, or anyone with suicidal ideation.

It is outside of my Scope of Practice as an Equine Professional to work with high performance sport or competitive riders, i.e. Level 3 dressage and above, 1 meter jumpers and above, or Pre-training level eventing or above or competitive riders competing in FEI sanctioned shows. It is also outside my scope to work with horses with severe behavioral issues, such as an aggressive stallion.

It is outside of my personal Scope of Practice as an EFW Professional to work with Behavior Disorders, severe depression, expression of suicidal thoughts, gender dysphoria, or diagnosed psychiatric disorders.

Insurance

 

I carry professional liability insurance through BFL Canada.