Programs

Spirit of love, LLc

Living a vocation of light and love

About

Spirit of Love: Animal-assisted learning & wellness

Spirit of Love is my family-run animal-assisted learning and wellness program. Founded in 2018. we create individualized programs that meet learning and wellness needs. Our goal is to promote life-long learning and wellness by nurturing the human-animal bond.

WE ARE LOCATED IN MARYLAND AND OFFER BOTH IN-PERSON AND VIRTUAL PROGRAMS.

  • Mission Statement & Vision

    The mission of Spirit of Love: Learning & Wellness is to provide animal-assisted learning and wellness services  to promote life-long learning, health and wellness though the human-animal bond.

    To nurture the human-animal bond by creating a relaxed and fun environment to promote therapeutic interventions and engaged experiential learning, improving cognitive, social, and physical and emotional well-being.  To inspire and conduct scientific research in the field of animal-assisted therapy to enhance the quality of life for all.  To encourage, recognize and develop dedicated animal-assisted therapy and education research within the scientific community.

  • Animal-Assisted Learning & Wellness

    Programs are available for individuals and groups:
    * Tutoring for all ages
    *  Animal-Assisted Education/Learning
    * Content-Focused Tutoring
    * Writing Coaching
    ​*  Workshops ~ Individualized and developed in accordance with intended goals.  Workshops include, but are not limited to the following:
                  ~  Life Skills
                  ~ Animal-Assisted Learning
                  ~ Leadership & Team-Building Activities

  • Programs

    Consultation
    A consultation will take place to provide the best individual program development.  The consultation will be conducted before the program begins.  It is a wonderful opportunity for a meet-and-greet and goals/outcomes to be established.


    Individualized Program
    On-going Assessments and Evaluations - Evaluations will follow each session.

    Team Conferences half way through each program and a final evaluation conference at the end of each program.
    ​
    ​Safety lesson will begin each program.


Meet the Team

  • Colleen Marie

    FOUNDER

    Managing Member, Equine Specialist and Lead Instructor

    B.S., M.S., M.F.A., ESMHL

    Over 20 years of experience

  • Bill

    INSTRUCTOR

    Support Services and Animal Care

    B.A., M.A. (current)

    First Responder

  • Kenobi

    SUPPORT DOG

    Kenobi’s playfulness always brightens the day.

  • Maverick

    Support Dog

    Currently In-Training

Testimonials

Why Spirit of Love is special…

Caring Instructor & Loving Animals!
• Incorporates a whole body aspect of wellness
• Provides opportunities for kinesthetic learning
• Experience compassion for others
• Naturally promotes responsibility and life skills
• Takes place in a variety of environments with animals specially trained with specific criteria
• Individualized programs focus on unique goals
• Program plans are on-going and team-centered
• Educational Programs meet state education core standards

… And is founded, designed, and practiced in LOVE

“My son could not read when he began working with Colleen and Kenobi. After just a few session, his confidence grew and within a couple of months he was reading full sentences. Thank you!”

AAL Participant

“I was not in a healthy state when I began virtual wellness sessions with Colleen. As soon as we met, I knew we would work well together. She is kind and so knowledgable. My life has improved so much!

AAW Participant

“Spirit of Love brought a great joy to our career day at school. The students were thrilled to interact with the support dog and hamster. Their faces brightened during the presentation.”

School Representative

Creative Nonfiction

A Change of Heart

Personal reflection as an equine specialist in mental health and learning (ESMHL)

“Sweat ran down my arm like a stream in the middle of a desert. I tossed the last of the manure into the wheelbarrow before dumping it on the pile outside the barn door, the pungent scent burning my nostrils. The calluses on my palms throbbed as I re-tied my ponytail.

It was another summer morning on the farm, but this one was to be special. I was taking the lead in my first equine-assisted therapy session. For five years I trained for this, earning hundreds of hours towards my Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) certification from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH). All unpaid hours, it was truly a work of the heart, one that some people could not understand…”

Meet Spirit

​Spirit was our founding partner and namesake. He was a sweet, funny and loving American Paint Horse. Spirit loved playing with the other horses in the field, going on trail rides and carrots!  He was a wonderful all-around horse who inspired all who worked with him.

Newsletter

A Personal Letter