About Equellness Center: Our Mission & Team
Mission
We Promote Mental Fitness and Personal Growth Through Equine-Assisted Services and Wellness Programs.
Approach
Innovative approach builds on the unique bond between humans and horses, leveraging that bond with both mental and physical interactions.
Process
Providing an individualized and unique wellness approach to empower the cultivation of resilience, self-awareness, and mental fitness.
Values
Community & Family
Building a community and family beyond blood relations is crucial to create a safe and inclusive space for individuals and animals. Prioritize enlightening individuals about healthy relationships as well as the concept of “chosen family”.
Inclusivity
Accepting and valuing everyone regardless of background, identity or abilities; educating ourselves about different communities and practices while fostering an environment of acceptance and understanding. Creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all individuals while promoting diversity, inclusion, equity and ability.
Language
Recognizing the powerful impact of language on those around us, and understanding the use of appropriate vocabulary to promote inclusivity, love and respect with our community; all while demonstrating professionalism and building stronger relationships.
Self-Care
Is crucial for overall well-being. Value the importance of “me time” for mindfulness activities (meditation, reflection) as tools to cultivate inner calm, gain self-awareness, enhance happiness and sense of balance within oneselves.
Respect
Respect is not just being polite or courteous to others, but also actively listening, valuing opinions and honoring boundaries. By creating this culture, individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, feelings as well as having their voices heard and respected.
Love
Love is infused into all aspects of our work, creating a warm, welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We aim to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve and in the world at large.
High Standards
We uphold the highest standards of professionalism, striving to provide our clients with the best possible care through high-quality services, while embodying qualities such as inter gritty, respect and accountability in all interactions while maintaining those same standards in every aspect of our work.
Flexibility
Adapting to changing circumstances and recognizing that flexibility allows us to respond to new opportunities, challenges and situations in a productive, creative and effective way. Striving to approach each situation with a clear and open mind, taking time to reflect while considering the needs and goals of others. Believing the ability to flex is a crucial aspect of personal and professional development can help achieve greater success, fulfillment and happiness in all areas of our lives.
Sustainability
Nature based experiences allow individuals to connect with the natural world; creating a self-sustaining ecosystem by implementing agricultural biodynamic practices.
Animal welfare
Dedicated to promoting education and providing resources to enhance the lives of animals. Providing general pet education, promoting compassionate and responsible animal partnership.
Equellness Team Qualifications
Our diverse and talented team at Equellness is highly qualified to serve a broad community with various needs. Here’s a snapshot of our collective qualifications:
Foundational course completion in the Masterson Method of equine bodywork.
Certified Horse Powered Reading facilitator, with additional certifications in Trauma Informed Care and Youth Training care. All team members are certified in CPR and First Aid.
ESMHL (Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning) and CTRI (Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor) certifications, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) through PATH Internationally - Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship Association.
NLC-EP Natural Lifemanship Certification - Trauma Informed Equine Assisted Learning for Equine Professional.
Mindfulness Meditation Teacher certification from both the Awareness Training Institute and the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley.
EAGALA, Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association with special distinction as Military Service Provider.
Our Team
Alejandra Lara
Executive Director
Owner of Park City Horse Experience, co-founder of REINS. Over 20 years of experience in Equine Assisted Activities for Personal Development incorporating Horses. Experiences in Park City, Utah, and Chile. Awarded Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International PATH Intl. in 2018.
Kat Bergmann
Co-Founder and Board Member
Kat is a passionate individual with a deep love for horses and therapeutic equine activities. She has dedicated herself to exploring the benefits of these activities, and has seen firsthand the transformative power they can have on individuals facing a range of challenges.
Lexie Pearce
Director of Children’s Programming
Meet Lexie, a passionate educator with a Waldorf education background who has discovered her love for equine assisted learning. With over six years of experience teaching in the PCSD preschools and Waldorf schools.
Nyle Webb
Horse Coach and Barn Manager
Kimberley Labertew
Board Member/Collaborative Partner
Michael Weiss
Collaborative Partner
Heidi Heydt
Collaborative Partner
Meet our Herd
Our Equine Partners are:
A herd animal who depends on interconnected and complex relationships
A mammal who craves connection and authenticity
A highly sensitive creature who relies on ongoing, subtle, and embodied communication
A sentient being, an individual, with their own wants, needs, and histories— including their own wounds to heal.
1. Gentle Temperament: Fjords are known for their friendly and calm demeanor.
2. Surefootedness: Adapted to the rugged terrain of Norway, Fjord horses excel in navigating challenging landscapes.
3. Strength and Endurance: Robust and sturdy, Fjord horses display remarkable strength and endurance.
4. Rich Shared History with Humans: With a history dating back thousands of years, the Fjord horse is considered one of the oldest and purest breeds, retaining many of its original characteristics.
Why horses
The horse pays close attention to the client, creating a back-and-forth connection where both respond, forming a special bond. This interaction is like a dance, following scientifically-supported principles of equine-assisted Services. Meanwhile, the horse subtly adjusts its position, making a safe space for the relationship as clients explore challenges and self-discoveries. Importantly, the Equellness Center ensures an environment without judgment, shame, or embarrassment.