When mindfulness embraces those we love,
they will bloom like flowers.
– Thich Nhat Hanh
Our Mission
OUR GOAL is to empower individuals with the tools and inspiration they need to courageously take action to realize their full potential by embracing the possible and creating the life they have imagined.
Our Vision
OUR HOPE is for all individuals to be free of suffering, experience healing and peace, live in balance with nature and enjoy deep connections that inspire and nurture them.
Our Team
Janine Asante
Founder/facilitator
For nearly 15 years, I have worked with traumatized and at-risk youth and their families both in a school and clinic setting. I have trained in attachment parenting, Play therapy, EMDR, Gestalt, Art Therapy, Sand Tray, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Conflict Resolution and Mediation. My work with parents is based on Love & Logic and Active Parenting approach. Licensed in the state of California as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I have worked with kids of all ages, couples, individuals and groups.
My life long love of horses began in my teens when I first started taking English lessons. Over time, the profound connection I felt with the horses and the peace and joy this brought me starting me wondering how others could also experience this gift. I came upon the field of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and was inspired to go back to school to earn my graduate degree so I could work professionally with horses in a therapeutic setting. Having been touched by the healing nature of horses myself, I became committed to bringing this groundbreaking and transformational experience to help people on their life journey towards health and well being.
From 2014- 2018 I offered my program to women and families and veterans in Paso Robles, CA. In 2012-2013 I worked as a co-therapist in Kern County, California with the Tachi Tribal youth, a school based program offered by Circle of the Horse in Stafford, Ca. Prior to that I assisted at the Equine Research Foundation in Soquel, Ca. and with a couple of therapeutic riding programs. Since 2006, I have been certified as a mental health specialist through the organization EAGALA, (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association.)
Professional Training
M.A. Counselling Psychology 2006
EAGALA Level II
Trauma Focused EAP- Natural Lifemanship, Texas
Mindsight and Interpersonal Neurobiology- Daniel Siegel, MD
Love and Logic – Foster Kline, Md
Attachment Therapy – Daniel Hughs, Phd
Prenatal Substance Exposure – Ira Chasnoff, Children’s Research Triangle
Parenting Educational Series – The Incredible Years
EMDR – certified by HAP
Adoption Clinical Training – Kinship Center, Salinas, Ca
Non Violent Communication – Marshall Rosenburg, San Francisco, CA
Mediation – Ike Lasater, Words that Work, Berkely, CA.
Co-Facilitators
Depending on whether an individual, family or group session, the Treatment Team includes one or more equine professionals that have extensive experience working in the equestrian field. Their expertise in horse psychology and the understanding of the human/animal bond helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of all involved including the horses.
Meet the herd
Our MAGNIFICANT co-facilitators
Passion
Sensitive, smart, curious and she knows what she wants! Passion is a 14 year old retired Arabian race horse. Happy to hang out in the pasture but is a mare with plenty of energy who loves to go on trail rides. She’s the first to greet you at the gate looking for lovin’ and a few carrots!
Pearl
Pony in a pocket.
Pearl is our little Welsh girl who steals all the hearts of everyone she meets! Despite her pint size she’s got a tough personality and can hold her own in the pasture with all the big horses.
Cactus
With racing quarterhorse legend Dash for Cash in his bloodlines, this guy is a sight to see when he bolts around the pasture. He knows his place with the mares, and is more than happy to let them take charge so he can hang back enjoying life and interacting with his people.
Misty
The Matriarch of the Herd, a 22 year old Quarterhorse, she’s super confident, a leader and she knows it! Don’t mess with Mama, but she’s also the one to hang back and chill munching grass to keep the rest of the herd calm.