Can Praxis EAL is a Canadian registered charity, and we provide mental health recovery programs for Canadian Veterans and First Responders (serving and retired) living with an Operational Stress Injury (OSI), such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
We incorporate equine therapy into our programs because horses understand us and can teach us about ourselves. Horses are experts at reading body language and pick up on all the non-verbal cues we bring to an interaction.
Founded in 2013 by a Canadian Military Veteran and a Trauma-focused clinician, Can Praxis is the leading Equine-Assisted Therapy provider for the Veteran and First Responder communities.
Our Mission
Helping Veterans, First Responders (serving and retired) and their Spouses/Partners/Family Members, living with an Operational Stress Injury (OSI).
We aim to improve Spouse/Partner/Family function for our Veterans and First Responders through equine-assisted therapy and support.
Our Vision
Hope renewed, lives restored.
Creating a renewed tomorrow is what we do, and we do this by helping Veterans, First Responders (Serving AND Retired), and their Spouses/Partners/Family Members with OSI.
Our Values
You First
We make every single decision with the support of future and past participants at the core.
We are saving lives, and we will NOT compromise our service to You, our participants at any cost.
We Lead
We set the standard in Equine-Assisted-Therapy for Veterans, First Responders (both serving and retired) and their families in Canada.
Our programs are highly sought-after because they are proven to reduce the impacts of Operation Stress Injuries (OSI), supporting healing and recovery all.
Community
Our programs incorporate a robust peer-support component, which continues long after program completino,
Our Alumni stay connected with supports online, as well as within the communities where they live.
Board of Directors
LCol(ret) Rick Bowes – Can Praxis Ambassador
Richard (Rick) Bowes served as an armour officer in the Canadian Army from 1984-2003. Rick released from the Canadian Army as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2003 and immediately began employment in the Canadian
Douglas Alexander Gardner – Chair
Douglas Gardner, a strong leader with a full military career, Doug Gardner rose through the military ranks, earning new experiences and opportunities. Originally from Owen Sound Ontario, Doug grew up in a military…
Susan Thomas – Director
Work has always been complemented with community engagement and Susan has, over the years, served on several board of directors with a wide range of focus from multi-faith organizations, the YWCA, Alberta University
Jillian Young – Director
Jillian is also the founder, spokesperson and advocate for Cara HELLPs and an Alberta Health Services (AHS) family advocate volunteer. Her goal is intended to educate through public awareness and help in fundraising
Rachel Dziver – Director
Rachel Dziver is a Chief Petty Officer Second Class with the Royal Canadian Naval Reserves serving at HMCS TECUMSEH in Calgary, Alberta. During her career, she has trained and been employed in Halifax…
Steve Critchley
Steve Critchley is a practicing mediator with international experience. He taught mediation programs overseas in the United Kingdom, Italy, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and Dubai.
Clinicians & Facilitators
Dr. Brad Hagen
Dr. Brad Hagen is a Registered Psychologist with 35 years of experience offering support and treatment to individuals, couples and families coping with mental health challenges. He currently serves as a team psychologist
Dr. Brenda Abbey
Doctor Brenda E. Abbey is a Cognitive Educational Consultant currently in private practice in Calgary Alberta. She graduated with a Doctorate in Applied Research & Educational Cognitive Psychology from the University of Toronto,
John Senior
Served in the Canadian Armed Forces and the RCAF, both regular and reserve forces, from 1990 until 2013. His service and tours consist of Germany, multiple tours in Bosnia, Quebec Ice Storm, the
