Victoria (Tori) Poe, B.Ed, MSW, RSW:

Tori is a Registered Social Worker and has extensive experience facilitating community-based programs and delivering equine-assisted learning facilitator training programming. Recognizing the power of horses to help heal and educate beyond riding, Tori began her journey in the field of Equine Facilitated Learning and Equine Facilitated Counselling, creating her business, 2 Lead Change in 2006.

As a lifelong learner she completed her Master of Social Work (MSW), Indigenous Field of Study, developing knowledge and skills in decolonizing practices as white settler of Germanic and English ancestry, offering wholistic, nature-informed, learning and healing opportunities. As a Program Coordinator for Walls to Bridges, Tori works with student alumni members inside and outside of a federal prison to create collaborative and innovative learning communities within correctional and community settings. Currently, she is studying Somatic Experiencing®, a body-oriented approach to the healing of trauma and other stress disorders. She has also worked as an instructor at Seneca College for four years with the Therapeutic Recreation Degree Program.

Tori supports people, in groups or one-on-one, in their healing, with their career path, or with interpersonal relationships and welcomes innovative approaches to learning and change. She has supported persons to develop leadership skills or facilitate decision making and manage stress, anxiety, and addictive behaviours.

Tori has honed her skills with extensive experience in Project Management and Employment Training, including international experience with over 25 years’ experience developing and implementing employment and personal development training programs for immigrants, youth, college students and woman while managing client intake, assessment, and career planning. A strategist as well as an educator, Tori has worked with the Agribusiness and Trade Unit of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Emerging Markets providing support in project/proposal administration, marketing, and recruiting for international development projects. She is effective in client service relations, strategic planning, and staff/project management.

Tori has co-facilitated the FEEL (Facilitated Equine Experiential Learning)® Certification Program at Horse Spirit Connections (2008 – 2021) and has co-facilitated with other Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) practitioners. As facilitator, peer mentor, program developer, and trainer, Tori brings her education and training expertise as well as her diverse experience working with horses. She has learned from her horse Querica, and gleaned much from EPONA instructors, Klaus Hempfling, Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association, Equine Guided Education Association and many herds of horses.