Brittney Pakkala is a Certified Teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers since 2014. She specializes in experiential education, environmental and biological sciences and design technology. She has received additional certifications in mental health first aid, inclusion and differentiated instruction in the classroom setting. Brittney has a passion for working with youth (12+), women and the LGBTQ+ community.Â
She is currently training as an equine facilitated wellness professional through the Professional Association of Equine Facilitated Wellness (Pro-EFW), having completed her focus training summer 2021. She is applying to be dual certified as both an equine and teaching professional. She currently has experience leading private personal development sessions on themes such as mindfulness, empowerment and effective non-verbal communication. She will be launching professional development workshops summer 2023, with themes in self-care and leadership. Equine assisted learning is a form of experiential education, where people learn through authentic experiences, reflection and building meaningful relationships with the horses. It is facilitated on the ground only.
While she has a strong understanding of child development and education, she is not a certified therapist and cannot diagnose or treat any clinical symptoms. Brittney is insured to practice equine assisted learning through Capri Insurance, Ontario Equestrian and is in good standing through the Ontario College of Teachers.
Brittney has over 20 years of experience working with horses, as a rider, owner, and trainer. She has a strong passion for rescuing and restarting horses, many of which have become part of her program. She has 7+ years of experience working with beginner and intermediate riders, with the aim of improving the wellness of horse and rider through effective communication and dressage riding principals. She embeds skills outside of the saddle, such as safe horsemanship, proper tack fitting, basic lameness evaluations and bodywork such as stretches, massage and acupressure (inspired by Masterson Method and Holistic Horseworks). She is an Ontario Equestrian Member, Equestrian Canada registered coach and has a current Bronze teaching license in Good Status.