A Place to BE and BEcome...
ABOUT THE FARM
Lil’ Steps Miniatures & Wellness Farm is a fully comprehensive sensory therapy facility located in St. Malo, MB. We specialize in treating both adults and children suffering from anxiety, depression, ADHD etc.
We offer a range of services & programs including play therapy, animal-assisted therapy/counselling, equine-facilitated wellness and so much more. Both team and individual therapy options are available and make use of our horses and other animals on the farm.
Animals are sentient beings whose ability to pick up on emotion helps to teach young people the impact of their behaviours, actions and how to learn from and empathize with other people and creatures. Communication skills, self-confidence, and greater self-knowledge all grow exponentially through our programs. Whether the struggle is physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, social or behavioural, our animals are able to create an excellent learning platform for children and adults.
Our farm and programs are wonderful therapeutic experiences. To learn more about the program & services we offer, click here.
ABOUT OUR STAFF
Lucy Fouasse-Sloan BA psych, ACCP, RPC, CAATP
Animal-Assisted Counsellor/Director
In 2001, Lucy graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelors of Arts, major in Psychology and minor in Sociology. Following this, she went on to complete an Applied Counselling Certification Program through the University of Manitoba. Lucy is also a Professional Registered Counsellor through the Canadian Professional Counselling Association. She is a Professional Member of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA). Lucy is excited to be a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor through the Mental Health Commission of Canada. She is also in the final stages of completing certification through Equine Facilitated Wellness - Canada (Formally the National Association of Equine Facilitated Wellness (NAEFW). She will be working on obtaining a dual certification as a Mental Health Professional and Equine Learning Professional. Lucy has also completed the Animal Assisted Therapy Program through The Animal Behavioural Institute to become a Certified Animal Therapy Professional. She is also a member of The Manitoba Horse Council.
Through her career history, she has obtained various training in the areas of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, depression, anxiety, and other various mental health areas. Lucy worked for 11 years with the Department of Justice in helping to rehabilitate people with criminal backgrounds. She then moved into working in the Community Mental Health field and has been there for the past four years. As well, she presently provides mental health support, programming, and consultation in various school divisions.
Throughout her careers, Lucy has identified a need for alternative approaches for children and youth. Lil' Steps has been created to provide a service for children and youth to gain skills, insight, self-confidence, and other tools to foster and promote positive mental well-being.
Lucy has a strong passion for animals. Through her counselling experience and the natural healing of horses, she is excited to be able to provide an alternative therapeutic benefit for children.
Joanne Lariviere
Registered Social Worker/Facilitator
In 2007, Joanne graduated from the University of Manitoba with a Bachelor of Social Work and is a member of the Manitoba College of Social Workers. She is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology Program at Yorkville University and is a member of the Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT). Joanne is scheduled to complete her Masters studies in the Fall of 2019 and has completed the practical portion of her Play Therapy certification. Joanne enjoys learning and is always looking to expand her education and knowledge!
After graduating with her BSW in 2007, Joanne worked as a mental health clinician for children and adolescents for 10 years. This work consisted of counselling young people in the areas of anxiety, depression, ADHD, attachment, body image, self harm, anger, personality disorders, oppositional issues, and autism disorders. Joanne also worked as a supervisor for the Jordans' Principle Program which helped provide much-needed support and clinical services to children and youth with special needs and their families. Joanne currently works as a Divisional School Social Worker and has a small private practice counselling children, youth and young adults.
Joanne has a passion for working with children. youth and their families! She enjoys seeing their self-esteem and self-awareness grow as they learn positive coping skills. She focuses on prevention and educating young minds on their personal mental health and what that means for them. Every individual has the ability to build their own “tool box” for positive coping and move towards personal growth and change.
Joanne is proud to be a part of the Lil' Steps family and hopes to bring some of her passion and knowledge to the table.
Floriane Vermiere
Natural Horsemanship Trainer