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ActionABLE
Youth Empowerment
Youth Empowerment
Embark on a journey of independence and self-advocacy, guided by the majesty of the horse
Youth Empowerment
Youth Empowerment
Youth Empowerment
Customized plans to empower youth in achieving their goals, with accountability and unwavering support from our team.
Authentic You
Youth Empowerment
Authentic You
Embrace your past, conquer your future, and build essential skills in confidence, trust, and communication.
First Aid
Youth Empowerment
Authentic You
Mobile first aid training customized to meet the unique needs of you or your organization.
Team phoenix
My Background
Tamara (TJ) Nadeau
Owner & Lead Facilitator
Phoenix Equine Assisted Training
Hi, I’m Tamara (TJ) Nadeau, the owner and lead facilitator at Phoenix Equine Assisted Training. My journey over the past decade has been one of resilience, growth, and transformation. I’ve faced loss at a young age, navigated the challenges of an emotionally and physically abusive relationship, and learned to live with a permanent impairment that has shaped my perspective on perseverance and strength. Like many, I still find myself asking, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” But through it all, I can confidently say this journey has been nothing short of beautiful.
Along the way, I’ve been fortunate to encounter incredible support networks, inspiring leaders, and a handful of truly empowered individuals. I used to look at these people and think, “Wow, I want to be like them.” Today, I continue to work toward my own highest form of empowerment, but now, I have the privilege of sharing that journey with all of you.
As a certified Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) facilitator through Equine Connection – The Academy of Equine Assisted Learning and The EAL Network, I bring both passion and expertise to the work I do. My background also includes certifications as a Community Rehabilitation and Addictions Worker and a registered Red Cross First Aid Instructor. Committed to lifelong learning, I continually expand my understanding of mental health, holding certifications in:
- Crisis Prevention and Intervention Training
- Mental Health First Aid
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
At Phoenix Equine Assisted Training, my goal is to create a supportive and empowering space for individuals to overcome obstacles, unlock their potential, and embrace their unique journey—just as I continue to embrace mine.
Let’s walk this path together, with the majesty of the horse as our guide.
Meet the Teachers
Meet Buck
Meet Rooster
Meet Rooster
Buck hails from a pasture in Diamond Valley and has found his true calling as one of our founding teachers. Living with PSSM1 and Kissing Spines, Buck’s conditions made it difficult for him to continue as a mountain trail horse, and he now thrives on a carefully structured, low-sugar diet.
His previous owner, wanting to give Buck a second lease on life, entrusted him to us—where he has become an invaluable guide in our program. Buck has a unique way of teaching people the importance of making a plan and following through, offering lessons in perseverance, patience, and trust.
Buck’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of finding purpose in unexpected places.
Meet Rooster
Meet Rooster
Meet Rooster
Rooster is our master teacher of communication, bringing 19 years of life experience as a retired ranch rodeo horse into his work with us. When his previous owners decided to retire him from competitive performance, they knew he still needed a purpose—and that’s when Rooster joined our team.
We welcomed him with open hearts and have been honored to learn from his wisdom ever since. Rooster’s patient demeanor and unwavering respect for clear boundaries make him an exceptional teacher, helping participants understand the power of clarity, trust, and connection in communication.
Rooster’s lessons are as timeless as they are transformative.
Meet Heaven
Meet Rooster
Meet Heaven
Heaven has lived quite a life and is the newest teacher in our herd. Rescued from a severe neglect situation, we worked closely with a dedicated team to help this senior mare regain her strength, restore her movement, and gently integrate her into the herd.
As we navigate her skills together, Heaven has proven to be an exceptional space holder for individuals who may struggle with confidence or feel uncertain about their path. With her quiet wisdom and calming presence, she reminds us that while life can be hard and full of challenges, it’s important to push through and persevere.
Heaven’s journey is a testament to resilience, showing us that healing, growth, and purpose are always within reach—no matter where we come from.
Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we will ever do.
Brené Brown
Frequently Asked Questions
Please contact us if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Equine Assisted Learning is an interactive experience where we discover your goals and your passions and use them to help you travel down a path to the life you want. With experiential learning, the lessons are more likely to translate into your daily life as you are actively applying them in the arena with the horses.
100%! What happens in our sessions stays in our sessions, just like seeing a therapist.
The time that your program success will take depends on the complexity of your goals and your commitment and openness to your process.
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