Child Centered Animal-Assisted Therapy Association

📢 We've Opened Another Fundamentals Training! 📢

Due to the interest we've received, we're excited to announce that we've opened another CCAATA Fundamentals Training!

🗓 September 12 & 13
📍 Lil' Steps Wellness Farm – St. Malo

Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to build a strong foundation, this two-day training is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and grow your skills in a supportive environment.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot! Visit the link below to register for your spot!

We look forward to welcoming you to St. Malo this September! 🌿

Fundamentals of CCAAT — Lil' Steps Wellness Fundamentals of CCAAT | Organized by the Child-Centered Animal-Assisted Therapy Association.

Absolutely!🫶

🐷 Fun Pig Fact!

Pigs are actually much smarter than most people realize—they’re considered one of the most intelligent animals in the world! In fact, pigs can learn their names, recognize voices, solve simple puzzles, and even play games using joysticks. 🧠🎮

They also have great long-term memories, which means they can remember places, routines, and even other pigs for years.

So next time you think of pigs as “just farm animals,” remember—they’re clever, social, and full of personality! This is why Winnie at Lil' Steps Wellness makes a fantastic animal-assisted co-worker!💕

Henry & Daisy enjoying an online learning day with one of our clinicians getting her professional development credits in for the year

Today’s animal-assisted activity was a reminder of how powerful connection can be without words.

Whether it was a gentle nuzzle, a calm presence, or a playful moment, the animals showed up exactly as they are—and in doing so, helped others feel more grounded, open, and at ease. There’s something special about the way animals meet us where we’re at, without judgment and with complete presence.

These moments create space for confidence, emotional regulation, and trust to grow in ways that feel natural and safe. Sometimes healing and learning don’t look like sitting at a table or having a conversation—they look like brushing a coat, walking side by side, or simply being together in quiet understanding.
Photo courtesy of Lil' Steps Wellness Farm, St. Malo, MB

Grateful for the animals who do this work so naturally, and for every person who gets to experience that connection.

Just a few photos from our May Fundamentals training in Alberta!

BOTH our Alberta and Manitoba Fundamentals trainings sold out so we have officially added 2 FALL dates for the Fundamentals of CCAATA course at Lil’ Steps Wellness farm on September 12 & 13, 2026 & October 3-4 in Millet, Alberta.

This hands-on training is the first step toward certification through the Child-Centered Animal-Assisted Therapy Association and is designed for professionals looking to integrate animals into their work with children and youth in a structured, ethical, and evidence-based way.

If you’ve been thinking about incorporating Animal-Assisted Therapy into your practice, this is your opportunity to learn in an immersive farm setting alongside experienced facilitators and therapy animals.
Spots are limited and tend to fill quickly.

Learn more and register today
https://lilstepswellness.com/prof.../p/fundamentals-of-ccaat
https://ccaata.com/training-and-workshops/

Animal-assisted therapy doesn’t always happen in a barn or a therapy room—it can also come to life through stories.

One beautiful example is the work of our Board Member and CCAATA Trainer Lucy Sloan, whose children’s storybook series is inspired by the real animals at Lil' Steps Wellness Farm. These stories bring the heart of animal-assisted therapy into a format children can connect with anywhere—at home, in classrooms, or in moments when they need comfort and understanding.

Through storytelling, children can learn about emotions, empathy, and connection in a way that feels safe and engaging. The animals become characters who help model calmness, problem-solving, friendship, and trust—mirroring the same benefits seen in hands-on animal-assisted activities.

It’s a reminder that healing and learning don’t only happen through direct interaction with animals, but also through the stories we share about them.

Animal-assisted therapy can take many forms—and sometimes, a book can be just as powerful as a gentle nuzzle in the pasture.

’sBooks

We are grateful to share feedback from Julie Pannell about her experience with the Child-Centered Animal-Assisted Therapy Training:

“I loved the case examples, group connections with like-minded people, and a community of people who are genuine and care about supporting the mental health needs of kids and teens.”
— Julie Pannell

Hearing experiences like this is exactly why this training exists—to bring together compassionate professionals who are committed to supporting children and youth through meaningful, animal-assisted approaches.

If you're passionate about mental health, connection, and the healing power of animals, this community may be for you.