Penny Pennell, Heartland’s director holds certification through the Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and the American Association of Christian Counselors as a paraprofessional counselor. She  and  her dog “Sammy” are also certified through the Delta Society as an Animal-Assisted Activities team. With over 25 years experience in the field of youth care and education, including specialized treatment of eating disorders, she’s developed a love for facilitating therapeutic learning activities which are not only fun but life-changing as well.

 

Penny comments: ….“Using nature as our  most powerful ally, we like to conduct sessions outdoors whenever possible, where reflective learning activities promote  self-discovery and inner healing. Barriers to behavioral change are broken down in the context of a fun activity, which opens the door for deeper change on many levels. I love seeing our clients learn how to enhance communication, confidence, and self-esteem; enjoy newfound courage to confront & overcome fear, take risks, accept responsibility and increase peace. “