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Event Overview:

Paws, Hooves, and 60 Years of Practice: Dogs, Horses, Standards, and Welfare in AAHS is a one-day mini conference hosted by the Animal-Assisted Human Services (AAHS) Chapter of the CCPA, designed for professionals working in—or curious about—the field of animal-assisted interventions.

In honour of CCPA’s 60th anniversary, this special event celebrates the evolution of the field—past, present, and future—while exploring what lies ahead for ethical, evidence-informed practice.

Through interactive sessions led by experts, attendees will:

  • Deepen their understanding of the language and behaviours of dogs and how to integrate canine partners into practice effectively.

  • Discover the neuroscience behind equine-assisted approaches and its implications for therapeutic outcomes.

  • Learn about national standards for training and guidance in choosing best-practice models.

  • Reflect on the critical importance of animal welfare in all professional practice.

This is a unique opportunity to connect with peers, gain insights into the latest research and standards, and honour the role of animals in shaping the counselling and psychotherapy landscape over the past 60 years.


Speakers:

Dr. Aubrey Fine - Keynote speaker 

Dr. Aubrey Fine is a Professor Emeritus at California State Polytechnic University and a licensed psychologist, originally from Montreal, Canada. A recognized expert in human-animal interactions, he has authored numerous books, including The Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy and Afternoons with Puppy. Dr. Fine has received multiple honors for his work in education and community service, including the CSU Wang Award and the William McCulloch Award in Human-Animal Interaction. He serves on the Board of Pet Partners and has been featured on major media outlets including CNN, NPR, and The New York Times. 

 

 

Eileen Bona

Eileen has worked with individuals experiencing disabilities, mental health concerns, and behavioural challenges since 1988. With a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from the University of Alberta, she has held leadership roles with the Brain Injury Association of Alberta and the Sydney Association for Community Living, alongside extensive front-line experience. In 2003, she founded Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy, now recognized nationally for its innovative, nature- and animal-assisted approaches. Eileen also developed the first college course in Animal Assisted Wellness in Canada (English), later partnering with the only college offering full certification. She is additionally trained in EMDR and other therapeutic modalities . 

Sue McIntosh

Sue McIntosh is the founder and lead Counsellor and Trainer at Healing Hooves. A Certified Canadian Counsellor with a Master’s in Counselling, she holds extensive training in Animal Assisted Therapy, Equine Facilitated Wellness, EMDR, EFT, and developmental psychology. With a lifelong background in horsemanship, she is a licensed coach with Equestrian Canada and triple-certified with Pro-EFW as a practitioner, mentor, and trainer. Sue has presented nationally on the human-animal bond and equine therapy, is a Neufeld Institute parent educator, and the author of a therapeutic story series featuring the animals of Healing Hooves. 

 

Danielle Clark 

Danielle has a background in psychology and has been a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) wity nearly two decades of experience working with animals, including service dogs, therapy animals, and exotics. She began her work with Dreamcatcher in 2008 and has since held various roles in training, instruction, and program development. Danielle currently serves as Program and Marketing Manager for Family Solutions Group while continuing to support Dreamcatcher™'s international canine-assisted therapy initiatives. 

 

 

Click HERE to learn more about the presenters and the event

 


Date: Saturday, November 22nd, 2025

Time: 8:30AM - 5PM MT

This event has been approved for 6 Continuing Education Credits

 

CEC Info for CCPA Members: 

To receive your CEC, you are required to register with the same email as your member portal profile. Log in to your portal to confirm.

 

Further Information:

Questions | Email events@ccpa-accp.ca

More Events | Visit ccpa-accp.ca/eventcalendar

 

 

AAT Mini Conference - Paws, Hooves, and 60 Years of Practice: Dogs, Horses, Standards and Welfare in AAHS

Register Now

  • Saturday Nov 22 2025, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
  • The King's University
    9125 50 St NW
    Edmonton, Alberta
    Canada
    T6B 2H3