Emily holds a PhD in Comparative Psychology, an MS in Psychology, and a graduate degree in Equine Science. She is certified in several models of equine-assisted activities and previously chaired the Equine Welfare Committee for PATH for two years. Her research explores equine affiliative behaviors and their overlap with human bonding, with applications in horse management, ownership, equine-assisted services, and welfare assessment. Executive Director of Equine International.

Teg is a highly accomplished equine professional with over 40 years of experience as a CanTRA and Pony Club Examiner, specializing in Rider Biomechanics. Her credentials include International Coach, Equine Canada Certified Coach, BHSAI, International Biomechanics Coach Level 2, and CanTRA Coach. She was named the 2015 International Biomechanics Coach of the Year and 2019 Horse Council BC Coach of the Year. Since joining the Comox Valley Therapeutic Riding Society (CVTRS) in 2007, Teg has played a key role in securing CanTRA accreditation and establishing CVTRS as a CanTRA examination center.

Carinna is the Director of Programs and Impact at Power To Be. Carinna has a degree in Child and Youth Care and leads with an ability-centered approach in her work through programs, partners, and outcome measurement. She has been with Power To Be for over 18 years and has worked with other non for profits and organizations supporting people, families and other service providing organizations. Carinna understands the strategic benefit of partnerships and integrating different skill sets, lived experiences, history and perspective. It is with this mindset that Carinna aims to find authentic ways to move the notion of inclusion and impact forward collectively.

Patty Kirk is a learning and behaviour specialist at Generation Farms in Nanaimo, BC, with experience in equine programs at Cowichan Valley Therapeutic Riding and Queen Margaret’s School. She is a Certified Learning Professional and Mentor with the Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness and holds a Master’s in Education focused on special education. Patty supports children with diverse neurocognitive and physical needs, as well as trauma histories, using attachment theory, somatic practices, nature-based and animal-assisted approaches. She formerly served as a Learning Specialist in School District 68, leading program development, teacher training, and family support.

Helgi Sangret is the sole proprietor of Two Strides Forward Equestrian. Her background includes eventing, Pony Club, natural horsemanship, starting and training horses, dressage, positive reinforcement training, therapeutic riding and horsemanship, and vaulting. Helgi has been a certified coach for almost 20 years, and has spent the last few years developing a trauma-informed practice that extends compassionate coaching to horses and humans of all ages and abilities. She is committed to ongoing learning, and continuing to be of service to horses and their people.

Masters of Applied Counselling Psychology graduate of Athabasca University, EAL Canada Facilitator, BCACC - RCC pending approval; EMDR Counselling - EMDRIA approved EMDR counsellor. Owner of Connect Uniequus, where she combines lessons on self-regulation, attachment, and interpersonal skills to create a holistic counselling approach. She emphasizes wellness as a balance among mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Taylor integrates person-centred, narrative, emotion-focused, and cognitive-behavioural therapies to assist individuals and families in crisis, trauma survivors, and those seeking complementary therapeutic approaches.

Megan has been a clinical counsellor since 2002, with experience in schools, HR, and private practice. She also teaches at Adler University, enriching her client care. Megan helps clients move beyond past experiences to create meaningful change. Her practice includes CBT, DBT, Adlerian Therapy, Expressive Arts, EMDR, and Radically Open DBT. She offers personalized, evidence-based support for trauma, anxiety, and mood-related challenges.

Sandra founded HippoLogic, offering online coaching and courses through the HippoLogic Clicker Training Academy for horse enthusiasts worldwide. Sandra's mission is to enhance the relationships between horse owners and their horses through positive reinforcement, fostering trust and understanding. As a writer and speaker, she focuses on improving equine welfare through practical training. Her HippoLogic Clicker Training blog has won the Top 75 Horse Blog Award, and her articles have appeared in magazines like Saddle Up and Bit. She has also contributed to Horse Illustrated (USA).

Karen holds a Diploma in Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University and has over 17 years of experience supporting individuals with diverse abilities and training volunteers in therapeutic riding. Her work is informed by personal experience with family members facing learning disabilities, brain injury, and Alzheimer’s, combined with formal education. Karen works closely with families and support teams to improve daily functioning. She uses tools such as Bal-A-Vis-X, Brain Gym, relaxation, sequencing, Zones of Regulation, and boundary-setting. Her expertise includes physical disabilities, autism, brain injury, trauma, and neuroplasticity to support attention, learning, and function.