Sarah-Michelle Senécal
Founder & Clinical Director

Sarah-Michelle Senécal, OT Reg (MB); M.O.T., is a Manitoba licensed occupational therapist. She received her Master of Occupational Therapy from the University of Manitoba. She is a DMI Level C Practitioner, DRI Floortime Advanced Practitioner and Trainer, Registered Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviours Course Facilitator, and an American Hippotherapy Association (AHA) AHCB certified practitioner through the American Hippotherapy Certification Board. Sarah continues to expand her knowledge and the knowledge of other therapists about hippotherapy used as a treatment strategy through student mentorship and her involvement with the American Hippotherapy Association Inc. as the second vice-president of the board.

​Sarah, along with her colleague Karen, have collaborated to pair bodywork with therapeutic techniques to promote healing from physical discomfort and emotional symptoms that result from trauma or stress. Their work has been facilitated internationally, and is being carried out by therapists in Europe.  
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Sarah enjoys hiking, camping, biking and spending time with her family, her heart horse Tobi, and her two Doodles Stanley & Coco.  ​

Christopher Pedlar
Owner & Facilities Manager

Chris is one of the horses favourite people as he is the man on the tractor with the hay bales! Chris oversees the smooth operation and maintenance of our facilities, ensuring a safe, efficient, and welcoming environment for staff and clients alike - keeping the barn and yard in tip top shape.

His practical handyman skills, developed through years of helping on the family farm, running a roofing business, and caring for horses, are invaluable. He ensures the horses are always in well-mended fences and well supplied with hay.

With a keen eye for detail and a hands-on approach, Chris is dedicated to making Stable Connections run smoothly and safely! 

Karen Saindon
​Certified Equine Massage Therapist

​In 2004, Karen graduated from The Art of Equine Bodywork program and has a full practice in Canada and the United States. She has continued her education in Cranial Sacral Therapy and is currently a student of the Vluggen Institute of Equine Osteopathy, Germany. Her work has evolved into teaching in Canada and the US. Karen works with Equine Assisted Programs at home and in Europe. She is also retired from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

​Karen, along with her colleague Sarah, have collaborated to pair bodywork with therapeutic techniques to promote healing from physical discomfort and emotional symptoms that result from trauma or stress. Their work has been facilitated internationally, and is being carried out by therapists in Europe.  

Outside of work, Karen enjoys spending quality time with her 7 grandchildren. She owns her own horses, Joey & Harley. ​​

Hayley Edwards
Administrative Director & Senior Instructor

Hayley is a certified Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) Senior Instructor, Equestrian Canada Instructor of Beginners, and the Regional CanTRA Instructor Candidate Coordinator for the Prairies and Nunavut. With decades of experience in adaptive riding and hands-on equine experiential learning, Hayley is passionate about coaching and mentoring. 
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Passionate about learning and working in partnership with the horses, Hayley thrives on helping individuals recognize their unique strengths. 

When she isn’t helping people discover their potential, Hayley enjoys time crafting, spending quality time with her horse and her cat, and basking in the magnificence of the vast prairie skies.

Carla Bergen
​Equine Manager & Head Instructor

Carla is a certified Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) Senior Instructor and Equestrian Canada Instructor. She is dedicated to helping people of all ages and abilities make meaningful connections with horses. With a diverse background in the horse industry Carla began instructing in 2008. 

​Carla loves watching the magic of the connection between participants and their horses. She feels fortunate to witness the physical, emotional, social, and mental growth participants demonstrate through their experience with their horse, and the pride and confidence participants show in their personal development.  

Outside of work Carla loves spending time with her horse and her dog, being active outside, working in the garden, and being delighted by the natural world. ​​​

​Melisa Hillhouse
​Occupational Therapist

Melisa is a Manitoba licensed Occupational Therapist OT Reg (MB); M.O.T. She recently graduated as an Occupational Therapist from the University of Manitoba.

Melisa works with adults in a hospital setting and is enjoying expanding her practice to support paediatric clients at Stable Connections. She is passionate about creating a warm, safe, and collaborative environment where individuals and families feel heard and supported.

Melisa values building strong therapeutic relationships and tailoring her approach to meet each client’s unique needs, while continuing to grow and learn as an early-career clinician.

Outside of Stable Connections Melisa enjoys going for walks with her two dogs. 

Cristabel Nett
Senior Rehabilitation Support Worker

Cristabel has had a 38-year career as a physiotherapist, working in many areas of practice but with particular interest in treating neurological conditions. In retirement from this profession, she is thrilled to be part of the Stable Connections team in the role of Senior Rehabilitation Support Worker! All the satisfaction, challenge, and fun without the paperwork!

Tavia McKinnon
Mental Health Clinician & Instructor

Tavia has her Masters of Social Work from the University of Northern British Columbia, is a registered social worker, and professor at the Universite de Saint-Boniface. She is a certified Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA) Intermediate Instructor as well as an Equestrian Canada Instructor.

With extensive experience working across diverse practice settings, Tavia brings an experiential learning informed approach to teaching and creating engaging learning environments. 
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She uses equine assisted and experiential approaches to support deep learning, self-reflection and relational skill development. 

Tavia enjoys being outdoors, camping, and spending time with horses and friends. 

Maciah Friesen
Ranch Support & Horse Handler

Maciah is a Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association instructor in training who brings over six years of experience working with horses in a variety of roles across the equine industry.

Through these varied positions, Maciah has developed a strong practical skill set, with an understanding of horse behaviour, and a passion for assisting her clients to build connections with horses.

Maciah is enthusiastic about growing and sharing her knowledge, supporting others as they progress in their own learning journeys, and continuing to develop her skill set as she works toward becoming a qualified instructor. 
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In her free time Maciah enjoys playing sports, and hanging out with her horses. 

chelsea
HOrse handler

Bio to come soon...

Kevin Mathu
Physiotherapist

Bio to come soon...

Anita Mathu
Mental Health Clinician

Bio to come soon...






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Emily Kalyniuk
Physiotherapist

Bio to come soon...