Work with Adults!
Certification in Equine-Assisted Support©
This is a well-spaced-out certification program for people who have busy schedules and want to take their time completing a 65-hour certification course. It is structured to allow practitioners to develop their own unique adult program with guidance and mentorship. There are 7 online live modules, and an intensive in-person weekend here in Calgary, Alberta (you do not need to bring a horse). This course is accessible to individuals with an existing background in a health and wellness related profession. With the successful completion of this certification, you will either be able to receive the designation of EASP (Equine-assisted Support© Practitioner) or EASLC (Equine-assisted Support Life Coach). This course has been recognized by 2 insurance companies that provide competitive insurance rates.
Email Marianne directly to request more info info@mariannedisipio.com Next session begins in the fall of 2025.
Work with Children & Teens!
Certification in Equine-Assisted Social-emotional Skills Strengthening©
This is also well-spaced-out course for people who have busy schedules and want to take their time completing a 70-hour certification. Applicants will be required to have an idea for a program they would like to create, within their scope of practice, within a health and wellness pediatric profession. There are 7 live online modules, and an intensive in-person weekend here in Calgary, Alberta (horses provided). With this certification, graduates will also have the option to register with the Canadian Academy of Equine-assisted Support©.
Email Marianne directly to request more info info@mariannedisipio.com Next session begins in the fall of 2025.
Testimonials
“Marianne is an exceptional teacher, mentor, wise woman, and now a friend. I am certainly an advocate for this program as my life has changed in wonderful ways due to pursuing my passion with her program. My practice and love of my work only continues to grow as Marianne is committed to being an available mentor. She is professional, respectful, brilliant, passionate, and so full of vigour! I am available to discuss my experience with any potential interested students!” Deb Smith, EAS©LC, Reg CA (AB), Registered Nurse, Graduate 2023 FullCircleeas@gmail.com
“Marianne’s course exceeded my expectations! The value I got from the material covered was superior and helped me launch my business! I already received a grant! I could not believe the quality for the cost! I love her strong focus on infusing all that you are in your offerings! I strongly recommend the course!” Desirée Sher, EAS©LC, Reg CA (BC), Trauma Specialist, Graduate 2024 connect@desireesher.com
THE CANADIAN ACADEMY OF EAS©
The profession of Equine-assisted Support© now has an Academy! Graduates of Equine-assisted Social-emotional Skills Strengthening can also register! To read about the Board of Advisors and to find a practitioner in your area, scroll down the page!
Both the profession of Equine-assisted Support© and the Academy were developed by Marianne Disipio and are copyrighted. This means that it is registered with the government of Canada, and all rights are reserved. We have initiated the process of getting the Equine-assisted Support© practice and Equigrounding© technique trademarked.
The 2 main insurance companies for equine-assisted interventions in Canada have reviewed the course and now recognize the practice. Graduating members who register with the Academy will be guided to apply for competitive rates. Rates vary according to the applicant’s professional background. Graduates must apply for their own insurance. Tuition does not include insurance.
The Academy is intended to be a helpful resource for its practitioners and to provide quality service to clients. Joining the Academy is optional; however, it does allow you to use the designation of EASP© Reg. CA or EASLC© Reg. CA. This offers more professional standing in the work you do.
To become registered with the Academy and use the EASP© or EASLC© Reg. CA designation, practitioners who have graduated from the EAS© certification course are required to follow the guidelines set by the Academy.
The Academy has a board of advisors.
The Canadian Academy of EAS© is a private educational body that plays the role of offering practice guidelines. It is not regulated under the Health Act or any laws. Currently, there are no equine-assisted interventions held at this level.
Being a registered practitioner or coach gives you the following benefits:
1) using the designation of EASP© Reg. CA or EASLC© Reg. CA, offers more of a professional status, as well as some assurance of a certain standard of service delivery to clients
2) accessing a variety of helpful free resources to improve your practice
3) option to attend continuing education rounds at no cost
4) ongoing support as needed and access to the board of advisors
5) being placed on the EAS© practitioner and coaches register for your city and province
Membership fee: $189/ year (This fee is already included in the certification fee; however, if you decide not to join the academy, it will be either deducted from your tuition or reimbursed at the end of the course).
To find out more about the Academy and apply, contact Marianne Disipio directly at info@mariannedisipio.com
Canadian Register of Equine-assisted Support© Practitioners and Life Coaches
Alberta
Calgary and surrounding areas
Marianne Disipio, Equine-assisted Support© Life Coach, Founder, and Director
NW Calgary (Bearspaw)
Scope of practice: supporting moms of children with special needs, social/emotional skills strengthening© for children and teens, mental health recreational groups, seasonal equine activities
Other formal training; Occupational Therapy, Wellness Coaching, Reiki, Equine-assisted Healing, and Yoga Instructor
403-828-0242
Marsha Johnson, PPSAC CA (AB), Soutien assisté par le cheval© (Practicienne provisoire et supervisée)
Nord Ouest
Programme d’intégration sociale Marsha et son troupeau! Multiples activités privées et en groupe pour femmes, couples, et enfants, incluant la mise à terre equine© (equigrounding©), offrant un milieu de rencontres pour briser l’isolement des nouveaux arrivants à Calgary.
marshaj7487@gmail.com
403-703-6901
Edmonton
Deb Smith, Equine-assisted Support© Life Coach
Scope of practice: supporting women experiencing compassion fatigue related to caring for others professionally and/or personally, as well as those who desire to reconnect with themselves after experiencing a critical change/transition, loss, grief, or death.
Other formal training: degree in nursing, certified death Doula, completed shamanic studies, Reiki, Animal Talk practitioner
smithdeb61@gmail.com
780-266-4155
Wainright
Karen Bennett, Equine-assisted Support© Life Coach
Scope of practice: supporting children and youth with special needs and adults experiencing coping challenges related to PTSD, as well as providing training/education for human service/resource personnel who work with various populations who might benefit from EAS©.
Other formal training: certified educational assistant, equine-assisted learning facilitator, Roots of Empathy facilitator, Triple P facilitator
kbrespiteservices@gmail.com
780-808-5063
British Columbia
Vancouver and surrounding areas
Desirée Sher, Equine-assisted Support© Life Coach
Desirée has dedicated over two decades to supporting families through her work in the non-profit sector. As a certified Equine-Assisted Support© Life Coach, she brings together her deep belief in the healing power of horses with her passion for nature, meditation, and breath work, creating a unique program of body, mind, and equine. Desirée and her herd create a nurturing space where clients can reconnect with their inner selves, allowing their souls to breathe and find clarity on their life’s next steps. Her holistic approach helps individuals gain new perspectives and restore emotional balance. In addition to her equine work, Desirée holds certifications in trauma awareness facilitation, forest therapy, equine-guided mindfulness and human/equine reiki. Her diverse background provides clients with a comprehensive toolkit for healing and personal growth. You can find her at www.soulspacecoaching.ca
Board of Advisors
Montana Theilgaard
Montana is a counsellor and art therapist who is passionate about the healing aspects of art, animals, and nature. She is an avid animal lover and believes strongly in the power of horses to facilitate self-awareness.
Tea Di Lillo
Tea is a horse trainer skilled in the Relational Horsemanship method. She specializes in teaching effective and compassionate communication between humans and horses. She has a diploma in equine sciences, and her areas of expertise include Working Equitation and colt starting/training/coaching.
Deb Smith
Deb’s background is in nursing. She is an Equine-assisted support Life Coach who recently graduated with honours. Deb has additional experience in Animal Talk and Therapeutic Touch with horses.
Clarissa Khan
Clarissa’s formal education is in massage therapy, and she also does coaching. Her focus has always been to help clients realize the importance of spirituality for fostering true well-being. Clarissa applies principles of ecotherapy in her practice and incorporates horse energy in her work.
Mildred Noakes
Mildred is a mom of 3 teenagers, whom she reports have been her greatest life teachers in that they have given her the opportunity to learn about neurodiversity, perseverance, and love. Her youngest, with Down Syndrome and verbal apraxia, has truly enjoyed working with horses. Mildred’s formal education is in electrical engineering and architectural technologies.
