Ann O'Shallie - Associate Professor
Associate Professor Ann O'Shallie heads up Wilson's four-year, equine-facilitated therapeutics program one of only five such programs offered by colleges throughout the United States. Ann joined Wilson 17 years ago to establish a therapeutic riding programme. Ann designed a curriculum for a four-year degree in equine-facilitated therapeutics (EFT), a program designed to not only give students a thorough knowledge of human disabilities and methods of teaching riders with disabilities, but also of the biomechanics and kinesiology of the horse - as well as techniques to train, evaluate and advance both horse and rider. Today, Wilson is one of only five colleges throughout the United States to offer such a program. The goals of the programme she created are multifaceted. To accomplish them, students take courses not only in equestrian studies, but also in education, psychology and small business management.
President of the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI) - an organisation devoted to collaboration between countries to promote philanthropic, scientific and educational equine assisted activities – Ann invites students to join her at conferences all over the world. She has led workshops to create programmes and train instructors in Taiwan, Turkey and Greece, as well as throughout the United States, where she is a certified master instructor with the Pennsylvania Council on Therapeutic Horsemanship (PACTH). She is also a master instructor and evaluator for the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH).
Martine Hausberger
Martine is a Research scientist at CNRS since 1986 at the university of Rennes, Head of the Ethology department from 1999 to 2014, Head of the French national network of ethologists since 2008 and President of the International Ethological Conference in Rennes in 2009. Since 1986, Martine has been Director of Research in the university of Rennes, France and has published over 156 publications.
Martine holds a PhD and Doctorate of Science and has carried out extensive research on the relationship between horses and humans and horse welfare. Her research has also focused on the impact of early experiences and in particular social experiences on social and cognitive development in horses. In addition, Martine has presented at numerous international conferences on the horse human relationship.
Martine currently supervises a team of 6 staff scientists working on the human-horse relationship and welfare issues in horses.
Sun Tui (PG Dip Trauma & PTSD, EMDR, MNCP (Accred), CD-ABNLP, ABH, TLTA, BCMA).
SunTui is the CEO and Founder International Foundation Equine Assisted Learning (IFEAL) and IFEAL Qualifications for Equine Facilitated Human Development and Learning; an interdisciplinary vocational education for medical and mental health professionals, educators, equine professionals, health and well-being practitioners and all business professionals who want to professionally master the art of employing horses in the field of human development.
The Degree and Masters level diploma’s are certified by Crossfields Institute and Assured by Pearson Education Ltd, the UK’s largest awarding organisation. All IFEAL Q students are eligible for full membership with the National Council of Psychotherapists (NCP) and Standards for Assisted and Facilitated Equine Professionals (SAFE Professionals). The trainings are an evidence based bio-psycho-social approach of the theoretical methodology and outcomes of Equine Facilitated Human Development and Learning (EFHDL) which is now recognised as a defined psychological field of science and all research data is independently evaluated by Kings College, London. Her qualifications include: a Post Graduate Diploma in Traumatology (a CBT based Integrative Approach for Treating Complex Trauma and PTSD), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnotherapy, Advanced Epona Approach™ Equine Facilitated Instructor. Diplomas Human, Animal and Equine Healing, Applied Equine Behaviour Riding Instructor, NLP Business Coach and a certificate in Psychotherapeutic Counselling.Sun Tui is currently studying towards a PhD in the applications of Equine Assisted Accelerated Learning and Therapy Sun Tui founded a Charity -The Dare to Live Trust in 2011 which offers Equine Facilitated programmes for those suffering the effects of trauma; especially military veterans, their families and young offenders.
Clodagh Carey (BHSII) Manager – Festina Lente Equestrian Centre
Clodagh has worked with Festina Lente Riding School since 1998, which started as a Two year Pilot EU pilot project aimed at promoting employment for people with disabilities. Clodagh has a strong interest and commitment in providing quality, safe and enjoyable riding experiences to all those who ride at Festina Lente and has a particular interest in ‘centered riding’. Clodagh also coaches and assesses students of the Therapeutic Riding Coaching Course at Festina Lente which is now in its fourth year of delivery. With a passion for horse welfare and management, Clodagh will be presenting her study on the impact of bitted bridles vs bitless bridles for horses involved in Therapeutic Riding at the HETI conference in Taiwan in June 2015.
Virginie Mc Carthy, Clinical Psychologist, Reg. Psychol., Ps.S.I
Virginie qualified in France in 1997 as a neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist. She is currently a Registered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland. She worked in a neurological department of the University Hospital Pontchailloux in Rennes, France. After moving to Ireland, her degrees were recognised by the Ministry of Health and Children and the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) in 2001. She subsequently worked therapeutically in the Adult Mental Health service of the HSE and more recently in the Child and adolescent mental health service of the HSE. Over the years, among other things, she trained in the fields of attachment and trauma and has developed therapeutic experience in these areas.
Her introduction to horses was through her husband who in his younger years was an amateur jockey, now teacher, sport injury massage therapist, equine massage therapist and kinesiologist.
Tina Symington - The Donkey Sanctuary Assisted Therapy Centre
Tina Symington is the Centre Manager at The Donkey Sanctuary Assisted Therapy (DAT) Centre Belfast in Templepatrick County Antrim. She was employed before the centre opened in 2011 and has been actively developing and promoting DAT services throughout the North of Ireland for the past 4 years. Tina and the team are responsible for the care and welfare of 20 donkeys and delivering donkey assisted therapy to over 170 children and young people with a wide range of disabilities and additional needs per week at the purpose built centre. She assists with training donkeys to provide therapeutic outreach visits to Care Homes, Hospices and Hospitals.
She previously worked as a Disability Inclusion Officer in Belfast with Integrated Services, supporting children and their families to integrate into their communities and delivering disability awareness training to service providers. Tina has been interested in and owned horses and donkeys her whole life and regularly competed in show jumping as a child, she was also an active member of Killultagh Pony Club and Lagan Valley Riding Club. Her passion for equines and working in her families Riding School led her to complete her BHS exams and become a riding instructor at Tullynewbank Stables where she worked for 10 years.
Tina is committed to assisting the physical, social and emotional development of children and young people and regularly provides respite foster care for children with disabilities with her husband and 2 daughters at home.
Claire Misson Equine Assisted Practitioners Network
Claire Misson founded the Equine Assisted Practitioners Network in January 2013 to provide a community for any practitioners working in EAP & EAL Members come from many different models and membership of the group is global with members in the UK, Europe, America, Canada and Australia. Practitioners meet regularly in the UK to network, collaborate and share best practice. The first EAPN Conference – ‘Foundations for the Future’ takes place on October 17th and 18th 2015 in Berkshire, UK with the www.eapn.org.uk
Claire is EAGALA and EAHAE Certified to provide Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Assisted Learning and Equine Assisted Leadership and Personal Development.
Claire founded Mirror Me Equine Assisted Learning and Coaching in 2005 and
Claire partners with business coaches, trainers, HR specialists, schools, counsellors and therapists to encourage a more holistic approach for businesses, individuals and groups, to facilitate learning and increase performance.
In November 2014 Claire set up a new venture, 'Involved Leadership' with her business partner, Jo-Anne Karlsson, to work with businesses and individuals to become more effective leaders i.e. connecting leaders with leadership. Claire and Jo-Anne believe that everyone is Involved (in) Leadership in their personal and business lives. The programmes delivered focus on discovering what is 'possible' by liberating hidden skills, expanding comfort zones and encouraging 'stepping into' leadership (and back from leadership, when required) as part of a unique experience which delivers accelerated and sustainable learning and lasting change to individuals, teams and businesses.
Claire lives in Berkshire, UK with her husband and three children, four horses, three dogs and one cat. She is based at Hillfields Farm in Berkshire which has become the unofficial ‘home’ of the Equine Assisted Practitioner’s Network.
Fiona McDevitt MISCP MCPA MCVP MIACST CST-T
Fiona McDevitt has worked as a Chartered Physiotherapist for 20 years having graduated with an honours degree in Physiotherapy from Trinity in 1995. She has worked in Canada, Australia and throughout Ireland and specialises in musculoskeletal and pain conditions in both the paediatric and adult population. She holds clinics in Adare in County Limerick, Cork City and recently joined The Lymph Clinic Team in Cork.
In 2007 Fiona passed the Craniosacral Therapy (CST) exam qualifying her to use CST in her work. She began studying it in 2004 as another tool in her toolbox to deal with those unexplainable plateaus some patients have in healing and also some of the emotions and physical effects associated with trauma.
Fiona has always been interested in horses and discovered that CST was a very gentle but effective technique in the treatment of horses. It enables horses to be treated for previously very difficult conditions such as head shy etc.
Deirdre Kennedy
Deirdre’s education and career started in the business world. In 1993 in mainland Europe she proceeded into teaching and training before being led to training in Craniosacral therapy (CST). Having gained intensive experience in USA (www.integrativeintentions.com) is now running Adare Craniosacral therapy clinic for adults, babies and children.(www.dkcraniosacral.com). In 2005 Deirdre joined the IACST and has been chairperson, secretary and advisory in the ongoing process of compliance with European regulations. She one of the founding members of EFETA, Ireland's umbrella organisation for people working professionally in the field of equine facilitated therapeutic and learning work.
Deirdre’s common thread in life has always been her passion and love for horses and animals in general. In 2010 having commenced training in equine facilitated work she begun to explore working with CST on humans out with a herd of horses. She trained with Arianna Strozzi, EAGALA and in 2014 completed the first ever Irish course in life and workplace coaching (EFL). She have a keen interest in the horse welfare aspect of partnering with horses.
As well as a human clinic, where Deirdre specialises in babies and birth trauma, she works at home with a team of 2 horses and 2 ponies with EAL and EACST. She has facilitated EAL coaching in the corporate world in Europe and EAL therapy in family constellations. She has been a study group facilitator for Upledger Ireland and is training to be a teacher for equine CST for Upledger USA. Her current services include equine facilitated workshops for personal development, team building, self-awareness and psychosomatic blockage release and integration. Deirdre also treats children with special needs on a one-to one basis with her equine and canine team.
Associate Professor Ann O'Shallie heads up Wilson's four-year, equine-facilitated therapeutics program one of only five such programs offered by colleges throughout the United States. Ann joined Wilson 17 years ago to establish a therapeutic riding programme. Ann designed a curriculum for a four-year degree in equine-facilitated therapeutics (EFT), a program designed to not only give students a thorough knowledge of human disabilities and methods of teaching riders with disabilities, but also of the biomechanics and kinesiology of the horse - as well as techniques to train, evaluate and advance both horse and rider. Today, Wilson is one of only five colleges throughout the United States to offer such a program. The goals of the programme she created are multifaceted. To accomplish them, students take courses not only in equestrian studies, but also in education, psychology and small business management.
President of the Federation of Horses in Education and Therapy International (HETI) - an organisation devoted to collaboration between countries to promote philanthropic, scientific and educational equine assisted activities – Ann invites students to join her at conferences all over the world. She has led workshops to create programmes and train instructors in Taiwan, Turkey and Greece, as well as throughout the United States, where she is a certified master instructor with the Pennsylvania Council on Therapeutic Horsemanship (PACTH). She is also a master instructor and evaluator for the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH).
Martine Hausberger
Martine is a Research scientist at CNRS since 1986 at the university of Rennes, Head of the Ethology department from 1999 to 2014, Head of the French national network of ethologists since 2008 and President of the International Ethological Conference in Rennes in 2009. Since 1986, Martine has been Director of Research in the university of Rennes, France and has published over 156 publications.
Martine holds a PhD and Doctorate of Science and has carried out extensive research on the relationship between horses and humans and horse welfare. Her research has also focused on the impact of early experiences and in particular social experiences on social and cognitive development in horses. In addition, Martine has presented at numerous international conferences on the horse human relationship.
Martine currently supervises a team of 6 staff scientists working on the human-horse relationship and welfare issues in horses.
Sun Tui (PG Dip Trauma & PTSD, EMDR, MNCP (Accred), CD-ABNLP, ABH, TLTA, BCMA).
SunTui is the CEO and Founder International Foundation Equine Assisted Learning (IFEAL) and IFEAL Qualifications for Equine Facilitated Human Development and Learning; an interdisciplinary vocational education for medical and mental health professionals, educators, equine professionals, health and well-being practitioners and all business professionals who want to professionally master the art of employing horses in the field of human development.
The Degree and Masters level diploma’s are certified by Crossfields Institute and Assured by Pearson Education Ltd, the UK’s largest awarding organisation. All IFEAL Q students are eligible for full membership with the National Council of Psychotherapists (NCP) and Standards for Assisted and Facilitated Equine Professionals (SAFE Professionals). The trainings are an evidence based bio-psycho-social approach of the theoretical methodology and outcomes of Equine Facilitated Human Development and Learning (EFHDL) which is now recognised as a defined psychological field of science and all research data is independently evaluated by Kings College, London. Her qualifications include: a Post Graduate Diploma in Traumatology (a CBT based Integrative Approach for Treating Complex Trauma and PTSD), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Hypnotherapy, Advanced Epona Approach™ Equine Facilitated Instructor. Diplomas Human, Animal and Equine Healing, Applied Equine Behaviour Riding Instructor, NLP Business Coach and a certificate in Psychotherapeutic Counselling.Sun Tui is currently studying towards a PhD in the applications of Equine Assisted Accelerated Learning and Therapy Sun Tui founded a Charity -The Dare to Live Trust in 2011 which offers Equine Facilitated programmes for those suffering the effects of trauma; especially military veterans, their families and young offenders.
Clodagh Carey (BHSII) Manager – Festina Lente Equestrian Centre
Clodagh has worked with Festina Lente Riding School since 1998, which started as a Two year Pilot EU pilot project aimed at promoting employment for people with disabilities. Clodagh has a strong interest and commitment in providing quality, safe and enjoyable riding experiences to all those who ride at Festina Lente and has a particular interest in ‘centered riding’. Clodagh also coaches and assesses students of the Therapeutic Riding Coaching Course at Festina Lente which is now in its fourth year of delivery. With a passion for horse welfare and management, Clodagh will be presenting her study on the impact of bitted bridles vs bitless bridles for horses involved in Therapeutic Riding at the HETI conference in Taiwan in June 2015.
Virginie Mc Carthy, Clinical Psychologist, Reg. Psychol., Ps.S.I
Virginie qualified in France in 1997 as a neuropsychologist and clinical psychologist. She is currently a Registered member of the Psychological Society of Ireland. She worked in a neurological department of the University Hospital Pontchailloux in Rennes, France. After moving to Ireland, her degrees were recognised by the Ministry of Health and Children and the Psychological Society of Ireland (PSI) in 2001. She subsequently worked therapeutically in the Adult Mental Health service of the HSE and more recently in the Child and adolescent mental health service of the HSE. Over the years, among other things, she trained in the fields of attachment and trauma and has developed therapeutic experience in these areas.
Her introduction to horses was through her husband who in his younger years was an amateur jockey, now teacher, sport injury massage therapist, equine massage therapist and kinesiologist.
Tina Symington - The Donkey Sanctuary Assisted Therapy Centre
Tina Symington is the Centre Manager at The Donkey Sanctuary Assisted Therapy (DAT) Centre Belfast in Templepatrick County Antrim. She was employed before the centre opened in 2011 and has been actively developing and promoting DAT services throughout the North of Ireland for the past 4 years. Tina and the team are responsible for the care and welfare of 20 donkeys and delivering donkey assisted therapy to over 170 children and young people with a wide range of disabilities and additional needs per week at the purpose built centre. She assists with training donkeys to provide therapeutic outreach visits to Care Homes, Hospices and Hospitals.
She previously worked as a Disability Inclusion Officer in Belfast with Integrated Services, supporting children and their families to integrate into their communities and delivering disability awareness training to service providers. Tina has been interested in and owned horses and donkeys her whole life and regularly competed in show jumping as a child, she was also an active member of Killultagh Pony Club and Lagan Valley Riding Club. Her passion for equines and working in her families Riding School led her to complete her BHS exams and become a riding instructor at Tullynewbank Stables where she worked for 10 years.
Tina is committed to assisting the physical, social and emotional development of children and young people and regularly provides respite foster care for children with disabilities with her husband and 2 daughters at home.
Claire Misson Equine Assisted Practitioners Network
Claire Misson founded the Equine Assisted Practitioners Network in January 2013 to provide a community for any practitioners working in EAP & EAL Members come from many different models and membership of the group is global with members in the UK, Europe, America, Canada and Australia. Practitioners meet regularly in the UK to network, collaborate and share best practice. The first EAPN Conference – ‘Foundations for the Future’ takes place on October 17th and 18th 2015 in Berkshire, UK with the www.eapn.org.uk
Claire is EAGALA and EAHAE Certified to provide Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Assisted Learning and Equine Assisted Leadership and Personal Development.
Claire founded Mirror Me Equine Assisted Learning and Coaching in 2005 and
Claire partners with business coaches, trainers, HR specialists, schools, counsellors and therapists to encourage a more holistic approach for businesses, individuals and groups, to facilitate learning and increase performance.
In November 2014 Claire set up a new venture, 'Involved Leadership' with her business partner, Jo-Anne Karlsson, to work with businesses and individuals to become more effective leaders i.e. connecting leaders with leadership. Claire and Jo-Anne believe that everyone is Involved (in) Leadership in their personal and business lives. The programmes delivered focus on discovering what is 'possible' by liberating hidden skills, expanding comfort zones and encouraging 'stepping into' leadership (and back from leadership, when required) as part of a unique experience which delivers accelerated and sustainable learning and lasting change to individuals, teams and businesses.
Claire lives in Berkshire, UK with her husband and three children, four horses, three dogs and one cat. She is based at Hillfields Farm in Berkshire which has become the unofficial ‘home’ of the Equine Assisted Practitioner’s Network.
Fiona McDevitt MISCP MCPA MCVP MIACST CST-T
Fiona McDevitt has worked as a Chartered Physiotherapist for 20 years having graduated with an honours degree in Physiotherapy from Trinity in 1995. She has worked in Canada, Australia and throughout Ireland and specialises in musculoskeletal and pain conditions in both the paediatric and adult population. She holds clinics in Adare in County Limerick, Cork City and recently joined The Lymph Clinic Team in Cork.
In 2007 Fiona passed the Craniosacral Therapy (CST) exam qualifying her to use CST in her work. She began studying it in 2004 as another tool in her toolbox to deal with those unexplainable plateaus some patients have in healing and also some of the emotions and physical effects associated with trauma.
Fiona has always been interested in horses and discovered that CST was a very gentle but effective technique in the treatment of horses. It enables horses to be treated for previously very difficult conditions such as head shy etc.
Deirdre Kennedy
Deirdre’s education and career started in the business world. In 1993 in mainland Europe she proceeded into teaching and training before being led to training in Craniosacral therapy (CST). Having gained intensive experience in USA (www.integrativeintentions.com) is now running Adare Craniosacral therapy clinic for adults, babies and children.(www.dkcraniosacral.com). In 2005 Deirdre joined the IACST and has been chairperson, secretary and advisory in the ongoing process of compliance with European regulations. She one of the founding members of EFETA, Ireland's umbrella organisation for people working professionally in the field of equine facilitated therapeutic and learning work.
Deirdre’s common thread in life has always been her passion and love for horses and animals in general. In 2010 having commenced training in equine facilitated work she begun to explore working with CST on humans out with a herd of horses. She trained with Arianna Strozzi, EAGALA and in 2014 completed the first ever Irish course in life and workplace coaching (EFL). She have a keen interest in the horse welfare aspect of partnering with horses.
As well as a human clinic, where Deirdre specialises in babies and birth trauma, she works at home with a team of 2 horses and 2 ponies with EAL and EACST. She has facilitated EAL coaching in the corporate world in Europe and EAL therapy in family constellations. She has been a study group facilitator for Upledger Ireland and is training to be a teacher for equine CST for Upledger USA. Her current services include equine facilitated workshops for personal development, team building, self-awareness and psychosomatic blockage release and integration. Deirdre also treats children with special needs on a one-to one basis with her equine and canine team.
