About Us

Our team at Bluebird Acres Wellness is committed to helping individuals achieve a balance of mind, body, and soul through our nature-based approach to mental health. Our passion for animals has pushed us to specialize in unique approaches, such as a person-centered therapeutic approach and animal-assisted counseling. We work with each patient or group to tailor a plan that fits their individual needs.

Come to Bluebird Acres to stimulate all your senses and bring yourself back to nature.

How did we get here?

Taking the leap

Steve and Rachel grew up in Foothills County and always wanted to return. In a matter of months, after making the decision to move back out to the country, Steve and Rachel found themselves here in this beautiful setting with a head full of ideas. Steve oversees the upkeep of the property and the management of the facility while Rachel runs the nature-based wellness and counseling services. But when they aren't "working" on the farm, they are still here enjoying every corner of it.

Meet Rachel

Your Therapist and Facilitator

I did some research and found the Dreamcatcher Academy and just fell in love with the program but I did not have a supporting diploma or degree as a base for my curriculum. So that was it; I was going back to college to become a counselor. I decided to take a 2-year counseling diploma in 1 year, buckled down and completed it, and really enjoyed myself. What a challenge but I appreciated the Kelowna College of Professional Counselors' program and now hold my diploma proudly.

Currently, I am in the middle of the Animal Assisted Intervention certification program with Dreamcatcher Academy. It is fabulous. I am just loving the experience and I love sharing it with people here on the farm and out in my volunteer work.

My 20+ years of experience in Girl Guides has been an asset as well in this new role. I enjoy working with groups especially girls and young women.

As well as in guiding I have always been an active volunteer. For the past few years I have volunteered with Alberta Health Services in the Long Term Care department at Oilfields Hospital in Black Diamond. I mostly volunteer in Pet Visitation with our AHS-approved dog, Tala. She is so special and I love sharing her with patients and residents.

I am also able to assist with end-of-life planning. I have taken extra certification in counseling those who are working through the MAiD service. What an honor it is to assist people and their families during this very transformative time.

When I am not working with clients on the farm, that is usually where you will find me. I love this place. I love the forest and am inspired daily when I spend time with the trees, the views, and, of course, the animals. They force me to breathe in a more regulated fashion, to slow down, and to reflect. Each of the animals here has a special place in my heart.

As you can tell, I have a love of Nature and Animals and here we like to offer you the opportunity to immerse yourself in this environment while exploring what's available for you in regards to counseling here on the farm and in my approach.

I am the resident Therapist and Program Facilitator here at Bluebird Acres Farm.

I grew up in the Foothills and was very happy to move back here after a decade in the city. I spent a few years working as an EMT in the City of Calgary as well as privately up north in oil and gas. I was also a flight attendant with Westjet at the same time. (Because I guess I wasn't busy enough!)

I faced some health issues and some loss and realistically, I was not able to continue with those career options so I decided to help my Dad grow his online business and I stayed there with him for many years. However, I knew I always wanted to work in animal-assisted therapies somehow.

The Therapeutic Approach

I approach counseling by holding and creating space for my clients to explore themselves while facilitating a person-centered therapeutic environment. This means the focus is on you, the person, and not the problem. The goal is to help you become more independent when dealing with all of life's challenges and stages; motivating you to take charge and make the changes you want in your life.

Partnering with the animals invites a sense of adventure and personal growth and immersing yourself in the natural setting is welcoming and peaceful. Learning mindfulness techniques and exploring the inward parts of yourself while working with the animals takes us to a personal space where we find inspiration.

I have experience with end-of-life counseling and planning, mindfulness training, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and many other areas of mental wellness.

Meet Our Team Of Animal Therapy Assistants

Our animal therapy assistants bring unique personalities, warmth, and a little mischief to every session, creating a safe and welcoming space for clients. From Tala, the calm and nurturing Lab-Greyhound mix who shares her soothing energy with visitors, to Lincoln, the gentle Quarter Horse who offers his reassuring presence, and Chilli the young, playful donkey who’s a natural at showing love and teaching trust—each animal adds something special to our therapeutic environment. Together, they remind us of the healing power of connection, supporting clients on their journeys with compassion, humor, and heartfelt affection.

Lincoln

Lincoln, our 17-year-old Quarter Horse with a soft, dappled buckskin coat, proudly serves as the farm’s animal therapy assistant. Once a barrel racer and riding school favorite, he’s now the self-appointed protector of his little buddy, Chilli the donkey, and a warm, welcoming presence for everyone who visits. Lincoln loves his role, greeting clients, offering calm during breathwork, and even making a silly face for treats. Though he’s not formally cleared as a therapy horse, his natural instinct for support shines through in every interaction!

Princess Tala-Roo

Tala, a 5-year-old Lab-Greyhound mix with gentle amber eyes and a sleek black coat, joined us at four months after being rescued with her sister from a tough start in a garbage dump. Naturally calm and nurturing, Tala’s journey in therapy began early, and she’s since been trained and certified by Alberta Health Services, making her a regular visitor to local hospitals and an adored animal therapy assistant on the farm. Whether calming clients, sparking smiles during difficult moments, or showing off her silly wiggle dance, Tala’s presence creates a warm, welcoming environment for everyone she meets.

(Note: Tala is specially certified for therapy work outside the farm.)

Chilli Chonkers

Chilli, a two-year-old dark brown donkey with long ears and even longer legs, brings his silly, affectionate energy to the farm. Born on a sheep farm and a natural fit for our therapeutic environment, Chilli adores showing off with playful jumps, snuggles, and head rubs at the "Chilli Chair" where clients can pet him over the fence. Although he’s still young and in training, Chilli’s goofy charm helps clients feel safe, teaching them about trust, boundaries, and the importance of unconditional love.

(Note: Chilli’s interactions with clients are limited to over-the-fence encounters for now.)