NIKKI (AVERA) LANDA Executive Director |
Nikki is a fifth generation Nevadan who grew up on family ranches falling in love with horses from an early age. Throughout her younger years Nikki and her horses participated at local shows. In high school, she discovered her life’s biggest pleasure through an internship; equine assisted therapy. In 2014 she graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a bachelors in Social Work. After years of volunteering at local therapeutic riding centers, Nikki completed the Instructor in Training Course at High Hopes Therapeutic Riding Inc. in the fall of 2017; where she completed a life goal and became a PATH Intl. Certified Instructor and Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. When she is not riding horses, Nikki also enjoys hiking with her dog, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. |
ALEXANDRA "ALEX" WHITTEY PROGRAM DIRECTOR |
I grew up in mid-town Manhattan but was fortunate to be able to experience horsemanship lessons starting at age 5 and to spend my summers at an equestrian camp in Upstate New York. I recalled that the greatest sense of achievement I experienced in my youth had always revolved around my accomplishments with equine partners. The highlight of every year for me was being able to go back to camp and nurture special relationships that I had built with certain equines. I felt happiest with them because they did not judge me but rather, completely accepted me as I was. My spirit felt free. I did not need to explain myself and we shared a silent understanding of how we felt, at any given moment. They had grown to trust me and I, them. Through our experiences, we built confidence and rose to the top of our world. Our achievements were unbelievable and they hosted a place in my heart where genuine happiness shined brightly. From that, my dream to one day become an instructor, to help others revel in their achievements with equines, was born.
On my epic journey into the world of Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies (EAAT), I realized more than ever that I am a life-long learner and that aside from being an instructor, I have the ability to relate to the challenges that might come with being the parent of someone with special needs. What motivates me to be a part of this industry is my passion for seeing people rise up to challenges, to the best of their abilities, and succeeding. Additionally, I believe that helping provide EAAT to communities is an incredible way in which to offer holistic (body, mind and spirit) health and wellness services from which most anyone can benefit. I hold close to my heart, the expectation that every single person is capable of being the best version of themselves and that it is my duty as an instructor, to assist them in finding their path to success. |