Realizing potential through harmony with nature, people and animals.
Destiny!
Ending up where we are supposed to be.
All 40 acres of the tranquil woods called out to us and the rough terrain boasted adventure in the making.
Eileen's first therapy horse Rain and dog
Axle led the way as if they were part of a bigger plan.
Their gift of unconditional love, inquisitive temperaments,
and innocence refreshed us like the morning dew as we settled into rural living; and all was well in the world.
Ending up where we are supposed to be.
All 40 acres of the tranquil woods called out to us and the rough terrain boasted adventure in the making.
Eileen's first therapy horse Rain and dog
Axle led the way as if they were part of a bigger plan.
Their gift of unconditional love, inquisitive temperaments,
and innocence refreshed us like the morning dew as we settled into rural living; and all was well in the world.
Dale is a Civil Engineering Technologist. He loves working outdoors and it was his dream that fueled the emergence of Dreamcatcher™.
Dale and Eileen were born and raised in the city, nevertheless, Dale always wanted to live on a ranch and have horses and other animals to care for. Eileen began to envision starting an animal program and Dale made it happen. With a zealous shepherding instinct along with a profound influence ignited by a person he befriended who struggled with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) a compelling desire to help others was awakened like never before. Dale didn't waste any time getting to work. He began clearing some land and building fences for the animals that would eventually call their home Dreamcatcher™. He concocted a chicken coop out of an old shed on the property, seeded and cared for the new pastures, built a round pen for gentle horse training, and renovated an ensuite for a therapy room. But that was just the tip of the iceberg. He then purchased heavy equipment to maintain the land, cut and cleared walking trails, and to this day continues to keep the program going by splitting and stacking wood, maintaining the property regularly, purchasing feed and supplies for the critters while feeding and caring for them. The smiles on the faces of the people that visit, the joy experienced by the volunteers and staff and of course watching Eileen thrive along with their furry friends has become his priceless return on investment. From hay rides to plowing snow and chopping wood his smile boasts; it doesn't get any better than this. His invested heart's desire is to one day be involved on a full-time basis. |
Eileen is a registered psychologist. She holds a Master of Education from the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Alberta and is the Owner/Founder of Dreamcatcher™ Nature Assisted Therapy and Dreamcatcher™ Animal Assisted Wellness Academy. She has been formally working with people with disabilities, behavioral concerns and mental health issues since 1988. She grew up with her brother John who had a severe brain injury, epilepsy and cerebral palsy caused by meningitis when he was eight months old.
Eileen's lived experience with John enabled her to relate to individuals and families that experience similar challenges. This significant relationship, along with the selfless example of her mother who tenderly and painstakingly cared for John all the days of his challenging life birthed a burning desire within Eileen to help others catch their dreams as John had. Eileen has had a private practice in Alberta since 1995. She apprenticed with a psychologist for four years who specialized in working with adults with organic brain dysfunction and severe behaviour and boundary disturbances, while establishing her own private practice. Prior to the establishment of Dreamcatcher™ in 2003, Eileen spent many years learning about horses. She began training with horse professionals, Equine Facilitated Counselling professionals, and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) professionals to ensure a safe and ethical practice involving equines and many other animal species. Eileen is a past Vice President of the Brain Injury Association of Alberta and past liaison Vice President of the Sydney Association for Community Living. She has worked in group-homes and in institutionalized settings. Further, she has worked as a sessional instructor of Introductory Psychology at the King's University College; designed and implemented the first Animal Assisted Therapy course in Western Canada at Lakeland College; is a national speaker on the healing power of animals and nature and the benefits of AAT. Eileen has also chaired the National Task Force on standards and certification in AAT in Canada. Additionally, Eileen has designed and implemented the first Online Certificate in AAT for Master's level helping professionals at Concordia University College of Alberta. Her work with clients, their families, school liaisons, social workers, and treatment staff not only builds bridges, but maps out treatment strategies for children, youth and adults in need. Eileen's goal is to provide a fun neutral therapeutic setting to those who love animals as much as she does. She is helping others heal through the human-animal bond experience and healthy appreciation for nature. She encourages visits to the Ranch and always has a warm smile and a welcoming committee that is sure to put a smile on your face. To arrange your visit please call the Dreamcatcher™ office at 780-809-1047 or submit your request by using the online contact us form. We look forward to meeting you. |
"Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson