The Circle Of Support

Katy is the founder of
Heartfelt Therapy which, like many of our animals, found its forever home at Heartfelt Farm. Katy is a Registered Canadian Art Therapist, (Post MA Art Therapy, MA, BA, Vis Art Dpl) and is an Equine - Facilitated Mental Wellness Practitioner. She has training in Expressive Play Therapy and Indigenous Focusing Oriented Therapy and Complex Trauma.  Katy recalls
fondly caring for her first pony at age 6 and finding a sense of belonging in the natural world. She has been sharing the company of horses now for over 50 years. Katy believes in creating a culture of reciprocity and caring, and her
farm is a place of safety and solace for those who struggle, which is something she has always found in the presence of her animal relations. Her background in the Creative Arts and a variety of Mental Health settings culminated in a career which is centered on supporting the young ones - who are both our present and our future.

Hannah is our herd manager, group co-facilitator, EFL student, and owner of Stable Connections Equine Services. Growing up with the privilege of being surrounded by horses and a natural understanding of their sacred way of being, Hannah is motivated by the wisdom and learning that horses have to offer us. Currently completing her Equine Facilitated Wellness (Pro Canada) training, Hannah is a Co-Facilitator of many Heartfelt offerings, as well as program lead for our very own Stable Connections programs. In these programs, Hannah offers both individual and group equine wellness programs for children ages 4+ seeking to learn about and be in connected relationship with horses.

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Hannah has also completed her Barefoot Trimming Certification, and offers trimming services within the local area. She specializes in working with ponies & miniature horses. In this work, Hannah is inspired to work with each animal's individual needs to create positive lasting equine care experiences.

Anastasia is a Child and Youth Care worker with a deep passion for supporting children and youth in nurturing, relational spaces. She holds a BA in Child and Youth Care and an Early Childhood Educator Assistant Certificate, and is currently completing her MA in Counselling Psychology. Anastasia co-facilitates wellness programs where children, youth, and families are invited to slow down, connect with themselves and others, and experience support through relationship. She is especially drawn to the wisdom of horses and the calming presence of nature, and values the way these more-than-human teachers can help young people feel grounded, seen, and heard. Rooted in a relational and strengths-based approach, Anastasia centres safety, curiosity, and connection in her work, honouring each child’s unique story and ways of being in the world.

Danika is a Registered Social Worker with the BCCSW and is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology. She brings over 10 years of experience supporting children and youth in a variety of settings, and is deeply committed to walking alongside young people in ways that feel safe, respectful, and empowering.

Her approach is open, grounded, and compassionate, with a strong belief that each child holds their own inner wisdom and capacity for growth. She values creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported to move at their own pace, following their unique process.

Having grown up on a farm surrounded by animals, Danika developed an early connection to the natural world and the meaningful relationships it can offer. She brings a creative and enthusiastic spirit to her work, and feels grateful to be part of a space where children can explore, express, and reconnect with themselves, others, and the land.

Meag Saulnier is a mixed ancestry womyn of European and Mi’kmaq descent. She is grateful to the Lkwungen people for providing a home away from home and has had the great honour to work within community for the past 17 years in various capacities. Meagan’s educational background is in Child and Youth Care and has been trained in attachment and trauma informed approaches. She values relational work while also honouring Indigenous teachings and ways of knowing, doing, being, and healing. Meagan has a deep respect for the land – the four legged, winged ones, crawlers, finned friends, standing still and plant relatives, recognizing them as a part of the work she does. Meagan also believes in the power of play and artistic expression as important tools on ones journey.

For as long as Sasha can
remember, animals and the natural world have held significant roles in her life,
as some of her dearest friends, teachers and healers.  

In her ongoing journey of healing, growth and education, Sasha has learned that horses have extraordinary ways of engaging humans in experiences of authentic connection, deeply felt support and resilience.

Sasha is thrilled and grateful to have a place in this compelling area of therapy, where the innate capacity to heal is nourished through relationships of mutual safety, belonging and kinship with the more-than-human world.