Laurie Levon has been in private practice in Tucson for the past 18years. In the past 5 years she has transitioned to an Equine Assisted Practice. She creates opportunities for clients to explore areas of growth, insight and change with the assistance of her horses, Trace and Bow. She also draws from her knowledge of shamanism to help clients connect to horses, their instincts and Inner Wisdom. Visual and performance arts form an integral part of the experience that Laurie offers to individuals as she assists them in discovering their most authentic and creative selves. Laurie has facilitated numerous workshops, is an Epona Approved facilitator and an active member of several collectives.
Melissa Shandley has been involved in healthcare and wellness for over 30 years. Her journey includes assisting in surgery at the Mayo Clinic, coordinating the web-based training for Dr. Andrew Weil’s fellowship in Integrative Medicine and Special Projects for Linda Kohanov’s Epona Apprenticeship Program. Melissa is a Heart Tender; she has held human hearts in her hands during surgery and is now honored to support heart wisdom and coherence with horses, art and biofeedback. She encourages participants to explore authenticity and integration of body, mind, and spirit through experiential learning. Her approach is science based and draws from cross cultural teachings. She is an Epona approved facilitator. Melissa also devotes her time to supporting nonprofit organizations with funding opportunities through her work with www.thehCard.com.
Laurie and Melissa began their partnership after meeting at an equine workshop in the fall of 2001. Since then they have developed opportunities for personal and professional enrichment in the fast growing Equine field. Melissa and Laurie support each other’s gifts and talents and exhibit an effortless ability to work together. They share a passion for balancing their Equine offerings with the use of Expressive Arts, shamanism, and working with groups that share a common vision and employ consensus leadership. Melissa was enmeshed in the horse experience as a child but lost her connection for many years as her career developed. Horses were not a part of Laurie’s life until 7 years ago. Now at midlife, horses are an integral part of both their lives providing companionship, inspiration and guidance.
As well regarded experts in the field, Laurie and Melissa are routinely asked to write articles for professional journals. Click here to read their latest article on Expressive Arts and Equine Experiential Learning.

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