Paws, Hooves, and 60 Years of Practice: Dogs, Horses, Standards and Welfare in AAHS

22 November, 2025

Kings University, Edmonton, AB.

Early Bird open now until October 4th, 2025

Dr. Aubrey Fine is a Professor Emeritus at California State Polytechnic University and a licensed psychologist based in California. Originally from Montreal, Canada, he has been a leader in the field of human-animal interactions for over four decades. Dr. Fine is also an adjunct professor at Utah State University and has authored or edited numerous influential books, including The Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy, Afternoons with Puppy, and The International Handbook on Human-Animal Interactions and Anthrozoology.

His work has focused on the psychosocial benefits of the human-animal bond, animal-assisted interventions, social skills development, ADHD, and childhood resilience. Dr. Fine has received several prestigious awards, such as the Wang Family Excellence Award from the California State University system and the William McCulloch Award from the International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations.

He has appeared on major media outlets including CNN, NPR, PBS, and ABC, and his work has been featured in Time, People, The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times. Dr. Fine serves on the Board of Pet Partners and continues to advocate for the therapeutic power of the human-animal connection.

Danielle holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and has been a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). She began her professional animal training career in 2006 and has since worked with a wide range of species, from pet dogs and horses to exotic animals like lemurs and nurse sharks. Her experience includes roles with the Calgary Humane Society as an Animal Behaviour Specialist and with psychiatric service dog and animal-assisted therapy programs.

Danielle began her journey with Dreamcatcher in 2008 during her senior psychology practicum and has since contributed in many capacities, including instructor for both Dreamcatcher’s Animal Assisted Wellness Academy and Lakeland College’s certificate program. Her unique background in animal behaviour and therapeutic work allows her to bridge both worlds, promoting ethical and effective practices in Animal Assisted Human Services (AAHS).

She currently serves as Program and Marketing Manager for Family Solutions Group and continues to support Dreamcatcher™ through program development, training, and international canine-assisted therapy initiatives.

Sue McIntosh is the founder and lead Counsellor and Trainer at Healing Hooves. A Certified Canadian Counsellor with a Master’s degree in Counselling, she brings extensive training in Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT), Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW), EMDR, EFT, and developmental psychology through her studies with Dr. Gordon Neufeld.

With a lifelong background in horsemanship, Sue is a licensed coach with Equestrian Canada, a certified Provincial Trainer with the Alberta Equestrian Federation, and a certified trainer with the Alberta Equestrian Vaulting Association. She is also triple-certified with Pro-EFW as a practitioner, mentor, and trainer, and has played an active role in advancing professional standards for AAT and EFW across Canada.

Sue has presented nationally on the human-animal bond, child development, and equine therapy, and her work has been featured in local and national media, including Discovery Channel’s Healing with Animals. She is also a Neufeld Institute parent educator and the author of a therapeutic story series featuring the animals of Healing Hooves.

Eileen is the youngest of 11 children and grew up alongside her brother John, who lived with a severe brain injury, epilepsy, and cerebral palsy. Inspired by her mother’s dedicated care for John, she developed a deep commitment to supporting individuals and families facing similar challenges.

She began her career apprenticing with a psychologist specializing in brain injury and complex behavioural needs, and since 1988 has worked with people experiencing disabilities, mental health concerns, and behavioural challenges. Her experience includes leadership roles with the Brain Injury Association of Alberta and the Sydney Association for Community Living, as well as front-line work in group homes and institutional settings.

Eileen holds a Master of Education in Educational Psychology from the University of Alberta and has practiced in behaviour management privately since 1995. In 2003, she founded Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy to provide a safe, motivating environment where people of all ages can heal. She also developed the first college course in Animal Assisted Wellness in Canada and partnered with the only college that offers it as a full certification program. Today, she is recognized as one of Canada’s leading professionals in Animal Assisted Therapy and is also trained in EMDR and other specialized therapeutic modalities.