About Us
We have been providing Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) certification training since 2007. Many consider our training programs to be the best EAL certification training available, which has been built upon our experience in providing powerful 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, Kim and Todd Shook, along with Linda Pucci, founded EAL Academy to expand into new areas of coaching and facilitating experiential learning through the horse-human connection.
We're also founders of the Equine Experiential Education Association (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 we were with E3A through 2017, we were board members, developed the curriculum, and were Master Trainers.
Our main goals in creating EAL Academy were:
We achieved these grand goals and held our first 4-day EAL Accelerated Facilitation Certification training in April 2019. After COVID, in September 2021, we held our first 1-day training for Facilitating Mindfulness EAL Programs. We continue to create new training experiences to support EAL Facilitators in sharing their love of horses to create powerful learning, growth, and wellbeing experiences for their clients.
We believe strongly in a coaching style of facilitation, that everyone can learn to be a successful facilitator. This is an empowering approach for clients to find their own deep meaning in the experiences and answers they discover.
We're 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 and be part of bringing more EAL experiences to support our communities.
We're also founders of the Equine Experiential Education Association (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 we were with E3A through 2017, we were board members, developed the curriculum, and were Master Trainers.
Our main goals in creating EAL Academy were:
- To shorten the in-person certification training duration from 6 days to 4
- To add more horse activities
- To add somatic experiences with horses
- To add new activities based on a much deeper connection with horses
We achieved these grand goals and held our first 4-day EAL Accelerated Facilitation Certification training in April 2019. After COVID, in September 2021, we held our first 1-day training for Facilitating Mindfulness EAL Programs. We continue to create new training experiences to support EAL Facilitators in sharing their love of horses to create powerful learning, growth, and wellbeing experiences for their clients.
We believe strongly in a coaching style of facilitation, that everyone can learn to be a successful facilitator. This is an empowering approach for clients to find their own deep meaning in the experiences and answers they discover.
We're 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 and be part of bringing more EAL experiences to support our communities.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Our mission is to inspire and nurture the development of experiential facilitation skills for learning programs with horses. Skills that are based on the wisdom of our horse partners through the horse-human connection and utilizing a coaching style of facilitation. We provide tools and training to facilitate EAL programs for business training, leadership development, team building, coaching, personal growth, wellbeing, mindfulness, meditation, and youth programs.
Our vision is for equine programs, which benefit both people and equine, to flourish so more people can learn and grow through incredibly moving experiences with horses.
Because the heart-connection is the foundation of the horse-human connection, we live these HEART values at our core with all human and equine partners:
H – Honor the wisdom, choices, and wellbeing of our equine facilitation partners, with this being at the core of all EAL experiences
E – Empower EAL practitioners through positive and collaborative experiences that inspire and build confidence to bring their voice, values, and passions to their programs
A – Awaken the art of facilitation, through methods and techniques that are grounded in acceptance, without judgement, and safety (both emotional and physical)
R – Respect the equine and human choice to participate through respectful practices, and give back to our equine partners for all they give to us and our clients
T – To be trusted for living these values with integrity
Our goals are that our clients:
Our vision is for equine programs, which benefit both people and equine, to flourish so more people can learn and grow through incredibly moving experiences with horses.
Because the heart-connection is the foundation of the horse-human connection, we live these HEART values at our core with all human and equine partners:
H – Honor the wisdom, choices, and wellbeing of our equine facilitation partners, with this being at the core of all EAL experiences
E – Empower EAL practitioners through positive and collaborative experiences that inspire and build confidence to bring their voice, values, and passions to their programs
A – Awaken the art of facilitation, through methods and techniques that are grounded in acceptance, without judgement, and safety (both emotional and physical)
R – Respect the equine and human choice to participate through respectful practices, and give back to our equine partners for all they give to us and our clients
T – To be trusted for living these values with integrity
Our goals are that our clients:
- Experience the best EAL training available, learning experientially and gaining the tools necessary to successfully support their EAL program
- Train in small group settings
- Learn impactful activities with horses and facilitation methods that target horse feedback, wisdom, and honor their wellbeing
- Grow personally during the training experience
- To be hosted by caring facilities
Our Instructors
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Carrie Ross
Instructor and Coach of EAL Academy Founder and Owner of R Connections Executive Leader |
Carrie is an authentic leader, who builds relationships with people and horses through connection and trust.
Over the last thirty years, Carrie has successfully managed, created, and lead teams and organizations in the public, private and non-profit sector. Highlights and accomplishments include winning the Saskatchewan Tourism Business of the Year Award as owner of the Fieldstone Vacation Farm, owner of TourQuest which is an innovative Saskatchewan receptive tour company promoting “Heartland Canada” to the international travel trade sector, coordinating and participating in Saskatchewan Royal Visits through her role as the Executive Director of Government House, and leading three organizational change management projects while in executive leadership positions with the Government of Saskatchewan. Carrie served as a board trustee on one of Canada’s most iconic national museums, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Along with her ability to successfully coach and instruct leadership skills in a corporate environment, Carrie has two Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator Certifications though the EAL Academy and Equine Connection.
In 2021, Carrie started her own EAL business (R Connections), offering unforgettable learning experiences, bringing together her passion to empower people and partner with horses. By partnering with horses, Carrie brings learning to life to create strong teams, authentic leaders, and women’s wellness experiences in a beautiful rural setting only 10 minutes from Regina, Saskatchewan.
Carrie joined EAL Academy as an Instructor in 2022.
Over the last thirty years, Carrie has successfully managed, created, and lead teams and organizations in the public, private and non-profit sector. Highlights and accomplishments include winning the Saskatchewan Tourism Business of the Year Award as owner of the Fieldstone Vacation Farm, owner of TourQuest which is an innovative Saskatchewan receptive tour company promoting “Heartland Canada” to the international travel trade sector, coordinating and participating in Saskatchewan Royal Visits through her role as the Executive Director of Government House, and leading three organizational change management projects while in executive leadership positions with the Government of Saskatchewan. Carrie served as a board trustee on one of Canada’s most iconic national museums, the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Along with her ability to successfully coach and instruct leadership skills in a corporate environment, Carrie has two Equine Assisted Learning Facilitator Certifications though the EAL Academy and Equine Connection.
In 2021, Carrie started her own EAL business (R Connections), offering unforgettable learning experiences, bringing together her passion to empower people and partner with horses. By partnering with horses, Carrie brings learning to life to create strong teams, authentic leaders, and women’s wellness experiences in a beautiful rural setting only 10 minutes from Regina, Saskatchewan.
Carrie joined EAL Academy as an Instructor in 2022.
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Kim Shook
B.S. Computer Engineering Founder, Owner, 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 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 has been on the board since 2014 and is currently the Board Chair of Consumers Credit Union, nationally ranked as one of the top performing financial institutions and best places to work. Kim is a Board Member of Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, the first therapeutic riding program to serve those with special needs in North America.
Prior to working full-time at EAL Academy, 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 global technology solutions ($10 - $40 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 has been on the board since 2014 and is currently the Board Chair of Consumers Credit Union, nationally ranked as one of the top performing financial institutions and best places to work. Kim is a Board Member of Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center, the first therapeutic riding program to serve those with special needs in North America.
Prior to working full-time at EAL Academy, 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 global technology solutions ($10 - $40 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, Owner, 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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