EAL ACADEMY - Key Persons
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.
Job Titles:
- Founder, Owner, and Master Trainer
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.
Job Titles:
- Founder, Owner, and Master Trainer of EAL Academy / Founder and Owner
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).