2026 Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Summit
Our co-founder, Nancy Shier-Anzelmo and Melissa Herbert (from our partner barn Horses with Hearts, in Martinsburg, West Virgnia) will be presenting The Power of Hope and Activation: The Connected Horse Program at the 2026 Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Summit in Rock, PA.
They will explore the journey to support care partners and those diagnosed with any type of dementia to reset with the support of equine assisted learning.
Nancy Schier Anzelmo is a passionate Gerontologist who loves horses and created a first of its kind program for those living with a dementia diagnosis and their care partners in a 3 week workshop with horses. Nancy is recognized nationally and internationally for her work, and is a former presenter at the EAL Summit in 2024. She has been the presenter at numerous national and international conferences for Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia.
Melissa Herbert is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in WV, VA & MD and a certified EAGALA mental health provider, specializing in complex trauma. Melissa has worked in a variety of settings to include child welfare, community mental health, crisis services, school-based therapies, & medical social work. Melissa transitioned from Veterans Affairs to her own full-time practice in 2024. Melissa became a certified Connected Horse Facilitator in March 2025 and is leading the program at Horses with Hearts.
