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To truly understand my kinship with horses, I look back and feel grateful for having such wise, powerful and kind horses in my life. They helped me become a better human by us having a deep connection and giving me a valuable understanding of nature.
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After I made my first heart2heart connection with horses at age 7, I began the journey of self-love, self-acceptance and self-awareness. It is because of "how" they taught me about trust, partnership, kindness, boundaries, peace, harmony, love and community that I can provide the same opportunities for others to learn from horses.
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When we come together to have a session with the horses, I am not your teacher, the horses are.
Diana Berna
(Equine Assisted Learning) Facilitator
Experience & Education
Experience:
Diana started bringing people and horses together in 2005 at Free Spirit Ranch in Chandler, AZ. She started with individual personal growth/awareness sessions for adults. As her programs expanded and with the help of over 20+ volunteers, she provided various Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) programs, such as, respite programs for children/teens with autism and down syndrome, confidence building activities for children who have been adopted, empowerment activities for cancer survivors, community day for a group living in a homeless shelter, Horse Academy for children wanting to experience horses, and family bonding activities with the horses.
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From 2007- 2010, Diana worked together with Jessica Stanley (Licensed Therapist at A New Leaf) at Free Spirit Ranch. They provided Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) for the Arizona State required therapy sessions for children in foster care. Their programs also included 10 week ~life skills programs for teens in foster care.
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From 2010- current, Diana resides in Highlands Ranch, Colorado and currently provides EAL sessions for individuals, families and small groups at Plum Creek Pastures.
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Diana has traveled to Palm Springs, Ca to do a day event for Betty Ford Recovery Center at a horse rescue in Hemet, CA. She has seen how the 12 Step Program can be supported and encouraged with the help of horses.
Diana has traveled to host ranches to do EAL Day events as requested, such as a Day Event for Betty Ford Center, at a Horse Rescue in Hemet, CA.
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Self-Seeking Education
Diana has been studying the ways of author and horseman, GaWani Pony Boy. He gathered his knowledge from the elders from various tribes from the Pow Wows he attended. He has then written books of this wisdom and traveled to do workshops to spread the knowledge of how they have related to horses. Diana aligns herself with his belief on how horses are to be honored and respected. She brings his teachings into her sessions.
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In 2007, Diana was certified as an equine specialist for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) through E.A.G.A.L.A. With this certification, Diana was qualified to team up with licensed therapists to provide Psychotherapy sessions with the client, the horses and the therapist.
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Formal Education:
Diana's formal education includes a B.A. in Applied Behavioral Science from Ashford University and extensive Equine Science Studies at Scottsdale Community College.
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