And This IS Julie!

Hi, my name is Julie and I am a life-long crazed and head-over-heals lover of all things horse-y. 

Once a knocked kneed but enthusiastic horse rider and jumper, life as a city girl took me far away from my passion.  University, marriage, family and jobs became the focus of my life and my time spent with horses was limited to a few lessons with my kids and some wonderful trail rides.

I followed my path as an academic and have had a 25+ year career working in world of social work as a consultant and professor.  I have a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Toronto and in 2001 founded Equity Vision Educational Services, a small consulting firm specializing in research, facilitation, coaching and training.

In 2015, I became the Director of the Children and Youth Grief Network, a multi-disciplinary and evidence-informed collaborative of palliative pediatric care and grief specialists in the GTA. Fascinated by the experts I was working with along with knowledge that death, dying and loss remain a very uncomfortable topic of conversation that often leaves families struggling to find the support they need motivated me to do more.  I acquired a certificate in Children’s Grief and Bereavement from Sick Kids Centre for Community Mental Health (Toronto 2018) and a certificate in Death, Dying and Bereavement from Wilfrid Laurier University (complete Sept 2020).

Not surprisingly, those mesmerizing eyes, gently swishing tails and soft ears drew me back to the barn where my commitment to supporting those who are grieving or experiencing loss would be put into practice honoring horses as the brilliant teachers they are.  I am trained as a FEEL partner by the FEEL Partners in Connection training program at Horse Spirit Connections-Equine Assisted Learning (complete March 2020).

The idea to create the Equine Intelligence Academy was born over hours and hours of planning, discovering, laughing and even a few tears.  Partnering with Gail and her vast equine experience is a dream come true where I can hang out with the horses at the charming Skye Blue Acres and share my knowledge of collaboration, relationships and leadership as well as the grief and bereavement sector with you.  I look forward to meeting you!