About Us
The EAL Academy trainers have worked together providing EAL certification training since 2007. Our training programs are considered by many to be the best EAL certification training available. We're experienced in providing EAL programs with our own clients since 2003.
Our training programs provide hands-on experience so that you build confidence in facilitation. We provide clear, repeatable processes for you to use in facilitating great client experiences with lasting results and impact. We also provide templates and tools based on our over 20 years of experience so you can quickly start your own program.
We only train in small groups so you gain hands-on experience and receive coaching on your facilitation. No matter your skill level, there is more to learn to become a confident facilitator and deepen your understanding of learning with horses.
Our training programs provide hands-on experience so that you build confidence in facilitation. We provide clear, repeatable processes for you to use in facilitating great client experiences with lasting results and impact. We also provide templates and tools based on our over 20 years of experience so you can quickly start your own program.
We only train in small groups so you gain hands-on experience and receive coaching on your facilitation. No matter your skill level, there is more to learn to become a confident facilitator and deepen your understanding of learning with horses.
Our History
In 2018, Linda Pucci, Kim Shook, and Todd Shook, founded EAL Academy to expand into new areas of coaching and facilitating experiential learning through the horse-human connection.
We're also the original founders of E3A. Along with our other esteemed colleagues, we formed E3A in 2006 to create a home for everyone that wanted to facilitate learning experiences with horses. At that time, other EAL training organizations required a mental health professional to facilitate EAL programs. While with E3A, we developed curriculum and were master trainers through 2017.
Our main goals in creating EAL Academy were significant:
We're very passionate about all types of learning experiences with horses and we want EAL to grow to serve more people, in more communities all around the world. Come grow with us to become an EAL Facilitator and Coach, to bring more EAL to our communities and allow horses to share their wisdom to help us grow and change.
We're also the original founders of E3A. Along with our other esteemed colleagues, we formed E3A in 2006 to create a home for everyone that wanted to facilitate learning experiences with horses. At that time, other EAL training organizations required a mental health professional to facilitate EAL programs. While with E3A, we developed curriculum and were master trainers through 2017.
Our main goals in creating EAL Academy were significant:
- To shorten the training duration from 6 days to 4
- Add more horse activities
- Add somatic experiences with horses
- Include activities with a much deeper connection with horses.
We're very passionate about all types of learning experiences with horses and we want EAL to grow to serve more people, in more communities all around the world. Come grow with us to become an EAL Facilitator and Coach, to bring more EAL to our communities and allow horses to share their wisdom to help us grow and change.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Our mission is to inspire and nurture the development of experiential facilitation skills for learning programs with horses, that are based on the wisdom of our horse partners through the horse-human connection. We provide tools and training for Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs for corporate training, leadership development, team building, coaching, personal growth, and youth programs.
Our vision is to for equine programs to flourish so more people can learn and grow through incredibly moving experiences with horses. We stand out because we support all equine program staff and we are guided by our uncompromising principles to do what's right. We offer a culture of warmth, belonging, and respect, where everyone is welcome.
Because the heart is the foundation of the horse-human connection, we live these HEART values at our core with all human and horse partners:
H – Honor the horse wisdom of our facilitation partners, and this is the core of EAL experiences
E – Empower EAL practitioners through positive, collaborative experiences and inspire them to bring their voice, values, and passions to their programs
A – Awaken the art of facilitation, based on methods and techniques that are grounded in acceptance and safety, both emotional and physical
R – Respect the horse and human willingness to participate in this work through reverent practices
T – To be trusted for living these values with integrity
Our goals are that our clients:
Our vision is to for equine programs to flourish so more people can learn and grow through incredibly moving experiences with horses. We stand out because we support all equine program staff and we are guided by our uncompromising principles to do what's right. We offer a culture of warmth, belonging, and respect, where everyone is welcome.
Because the heart is the foundation of the horse-human connection, we live these HEART values at our core with all human and horse partners:
H – Honor the horse wisdom of our facilitation partners, and this is the core of EAL experiences
E – Empower EAL practitioners through positive, collaborative experiences and inspire them to bring their voice, values, and passions to their programs
A – Awaken the art of facilitation, based on methods and techniques that are grounded in acceptance and safety, both emotional and physical
R – Respect the horse and human willingness to participate in this work through reverent practices
T – To be trusted for living these values with integrity
Our goals are that our clients:
- Experience the best EAL Facilitation training available
- Train in small group settings
- Gain hands-on facilitation experience
- Learn impactful activities with horses and methods of facilitation to target the horse feedback
- Personally grow through their own powerful learning experiences with horses
- Are hosted by caring facilities
Our Founders & Trainers
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Linda Pucci, Ph.D.
Ph.D. in Community-Clinical Psychology Founder and Master Trainer of EAL Academy Founder and Past Owner of Inner Resource Center, LLC and Resources with Horses Retired Psychologist (1978-2012) Coach, Consultant, and Trainer |
Linda worked as a psychologist and therapist for many years before adding coaching, Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) to her professional toolbox in an effort to help people make more rapid changes. Her focus has always been to help clients find the resources they need to improve their lives. Linda began working with horses and psychotherapy clients in 2003, when she was initially certified by EAGALA (Level I).
She soon wanted to move beyond the therapy model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, and was one of the founding members of Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A). Along with other founding members, Linda was interested in a training program that would assist facilitators who wanted to work outside the mental health or special needs areas, to focus instead on Equine Assisted Learning with Corporate, Educational/Youth Groups and/or Personal Development. In 2007, Linda completed the Innovative Horizons EAL training program with the other founding members of E3A. During her years with E3A, Linda served as Founder, Board Member, Vice-President of the Board, President of the Board, Curriculum Author, Chairperson of several committees, and Master Trainer.
In 2018, with Kim and Todd Shook, Linda helped co-found EAL Academy, in order to continue teaching others how to facilitate effective educational programs with horses. Specifically, Linda wanted the EAL Academy curriculum to follow updated protocols of learning, and current approaches to the horse-human connection that focus in greater detail on the horse-human relationship, and what that can offer corporate, educational, and personal development training for individuals and groups.
Currently, Linda’s professional career is focused on training, writing, coaching, and consulting. She loves the “aha’s” people get from experiential learning, and typically incorporates activities into all of her trainings, with or without horses.
She soon wanted to move beyond the therapy model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, and was one of the founding members of Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A). Along with other founding members, Linda was interested in a training program that would assist facilitators who wanted to work outside the mental health or special needs areas, to focus instead on Equine Assisted Learning with Corporate, Educational/Youth Groups and/or Personal Development. In 2007, Linda completed the Innovative Horizons EAL training program with the other founding members of E3A. During her years with E3A, Linda served as Founder, Board Member, Vice-President of the Board, President of the Board, Curriculum Author, Chairperson of several committees, and Master Trainer.
In 2018, with Kim and Todd Shook, Linda helped co-found EAL Academy, in order to continue teaching others how to facilitate effective educational programs with horses. Specifically, Linda wanted the EAL Academy curriculum to follow updated protocols of learning, and current approaches to the horse-human connection that focus in greater detail on the horse-human relationship, and what that can offer corporate, educational, and personal development training for individuals and groups.
Currently, Linda’s professional career is focused on training, writing, coaching, and consulting. She loves the “aha’s” people get from experiential learning, and typically incorporates activities into all of her trainings, with or without horses.
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Jill Rivoli
B.S. Anthropology, Graduate Work in Experiential Education and Leadership Master Trainer of EAL Academy Founder and Owner of New Perspectives Hospitality and Operations Executive |
Jill has been interested in horses, humans, and the dynamics that occur between the two for many years.
Her career is varied and has ranged from being an archaeologist in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, time spent as executive director of multiple nonprofits, managing riding stables and camps, hospitality, activities/program management, guest ranch management, and equine-assisted learning specializing in personal development and organizational development/leadership.
After graduate school, Jill discovered Miraval Resort in Tucson, AZ in 2007 and quickly joined the mindfulness resort as their Equine Manager. She facilitated the signature Equine Experience program and co-facilitated the Equine Intensive programs with Wyatt Webb. She worked with over 7,000 individuals and groups there facilitating their personal growth.
She started her own EAL business (New Perspectives) in 2010 and was certified through the Equine Guided Education Association in 2010 and through the Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A) in 2015. Previously she was a board member for E3A. She's a current and founding board member for Belos Cavalos in Kenwood, CA (an organization that provides EAL programs for youth in crisis).
Jill is currently the Assistant General Manager of Rock Creek Cattle Company in Montana and has joined EAL Academy as a Master Trainer in 2022.
Her career is varied and has ranged from being an archaeologist in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, time spent as executive director of multiple nonprofits, managing riding stables and camps, hospitality, activities/program management, guest ranch management, and equine-assisted learning specializing in personal development and organizational development/leadership.
After graduate school, Jill discovered Miraval Resort in Tucson, AZ in 2007 and quickly joined the mindfulness resort as their Equine Manager. She facilitated the signature Equine Experience program and co-facilitated the Equine Intensive programs with Wyatt Webb. She worked with over 7,000 individuals and groups there facilitating their personal growth.
She started her own EAL business (New Perspectives) in 2010 and was certified through the Equine Guided Education Association in 2010 and through the Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A) in 2015. Previously she was a board member for E3A. She's a current and founding board member for Belos Cavalos in Kenwood, CA (an organization that provides EAL programs for youth in crisis).
Jill is currently the Assistant General Manager of Rock Creek Cattle Company in Montana and has joined EAL Academy as a Master Trainer in 2022.
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Kim Shook
B.S. Computer Engineering Founder and Master Trainer of EAL Academy Founder and Owner of Bella Terra Prior Technology & Operations Executive |
Kim developed her facilitation and training skills through her corporate leadership, training, and management experiences. In the field of Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), Kim received her certification from EAGALA (Level I) in 2003. In 2007, she completed the Innovative Horizons EAL training program along with the other Founders of Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A). While with E3A, Kim was a Founder, Board Member, Curriculum Author and Master Trainer.
In 2000, Kim had a life changing experience with Wyatt Webb at Miraval Tucson. It has been her single greatest life epiphany and this experience with a horse explained many aspects of her life up until this point. It was so moving that Kim couldn't live without the spirit of the horse. Within 6 months Todd and Kim purchased their first miniature horses.
Since 2003, Kim and Todd Shook have offered learning programs with their miniature horses in southwest Michigan at Bella Terra, working with numerous businesses and individuals for team building, leadership development, coaching, personal growth (including mindfulness and meditation), and youth, serving clients of all abilities.
Kim is currently the Board Chair of Consumers Credit Union, nationally ranked as one of the top performing financial institutions and best places to work. Prior to working at EAL Academy full-time, Kim was Chief Operations Officer at BASIC, a technology based Human Resource solutions provider, responsible for $30 million annual revenue and 140 staff. Kim began her career in Information Technology. She managed, developed, and implemented large-scale technology solutions ($10 - $30 million) at Pfizer, McDonald’s Corporation, and The Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Kim also has extensive experience facilitating top executives and leading strategic planning initiatives. Kim has been the recipient of many top awards in leadership, project management, team excellence, coaching, and process improvement. She received McDonald's Corporation Presidents' Award, recognizing their "best of the best" top 1% employees.
In 2000, Kim had a life changing experience with Wyatt Webb at Miraval Tucson. It has been her single greatest life epiphany and this experience with a horse explained many aspects of her life up until this point. It was so moving that Kim couldn't live without the spirit of the horse. Within 6 months Todd and Kim purchased their first miniature horses.
Since 2003, Kim and Todd Shook have offered learning programs with their miniature horses in southwest Michigan at Bella Terra, working with numerous businesses and individuals for team building, leadership development, coaching, personal growth (including mindfulness and meditation), and youth, serving clients of all abilities.
Kim is currently the Board Chair of Consumers Credit Union, nationally ranked as one of the top performing financial institutions and best places to work. Prior to working at EAL Academy full-time, Kim was Chief Operations Officer at BASIC, a technology based Human Resource solutions provider, responsible for $30 million annual revenue and 140 staff. Kim began her career in Information Technology. She managed, developed, and implemented large-scale technology solutions ($10 - $30 million) at Pfizer, McDonald’s Corporation, and The Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Kim also has extensive experience facilitating top executives and leading strategic planning initiatives. Kim has been the recipient of many top awards in leadership, project management, team excellence, coaching, and process improvement. She received McDonald's Corporation Presidents' Award, recognizing their "best of the best" top 1% employees.
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Todd Shook
LMSW, BSN, B.S. Information Technology Founder and Master Trainer of EAL Academy Founder and Owner of Bella Terra Licensed Therapist, Case Manager, Psychiatric Nurse & Wellness Coach |
Todd began his professional career in Information Technology. After 10 years, his desire to help people led to a career change and he earned his BSN from Southern Illinois University. For over 10 years, Todd was a Registered Nurse with experience in Home Health, Emergency Room nursing, and Case Management. To move into Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, Todd went back to school and, in 2010, he earned his master’s degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University. In 2012, he received his license in Social Work (LMSW).
In the field of equine experiential growth and learning, Todd received his EAGALA (Level I) certification in April 2003. He has been providing equine assisted learning and psychotherapy services ever since, in southwest Michigan with his miniature horses at Bella Terra. In 2010, Todd was certified by the Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A) and in 2012 he became a Master Trainer to teach others how to facilitate experiential programs with horses. He has also authored curriculum.
In 2018, Todd co-founded EAL Academy, with Linda Pucci and Kim Shook, to continue his passion of teaching others how to facilitate learning programs with horses. This work with horses has been extremely rewarding to Todd because of the immediate growth and insight participants have when they are working with horses.
In the field of equine experiential growth and learning, Todd received his EAGALA (Level I) certification in April 2003. He has been providing equine assisted learning and psychotherapy services ever since, in southwest Michigan with his miniature horses at Bella Terra. In 2010, Todd was certified by the Equine Experiential Education Association (E3A) and in 2012 he became a Master Trainer to teach others how to facilitate experiential programs with horses. He has also authored curriculum.
In 2018, Todd co-founded EAL Academy, with Linda Pucci and Kim Shook, to continue his passion of teaching others how to facilitate learning programs with horses. This work with horses has been extremely rewarding to Todd because of the immediate growth and insight participants have when they are working with horses.
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Information subject to change.
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