Host Dave Roberts welcomes equine professional and coach Michelle Holling-Brooks to the Teaching Journeys podcast. Michelle describes a life-threatening illness at 13 (equine eastern encephalitis and viral spinal meningitis) that left her in a coma, then deaf, light-blind, partially paralyzed, and without memory or sense of self, leading to functional freeze and disconnection from family. She recounts how returning to a barn and bonding with a horse named Schedule became the bridge back to engagement, communication, and physical recovery through connection and rhythmic movement, and how her “energy eyes” and intuitive senses emerged. After Schedule’s death and a suicide attempt, her German shepherd Baron helped spur a renewed healing journey. Michelle explains her nonprofit Unbridled Change (founded 2008), evolving from equine-partnered psychotherapy to broader heart-centered healing presence work, and discusses her books The Horse Cure and Trauma-Informed Enlightenment with an accompanying deck and guidebook, plus resources and offerings via unbridledchange.org.

About Michelle Holling-Brooks:

MICHELLE HOLLING-BROOKS has over 20 years of experience working as an Equine Professional and Coach in the field of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapy, specializing in working with clients to heal trauma, post-traumatic stress, and attachment issues. After a life-threatening illness at the age of 13 changed Michelle’s life, a horse named Schedule A helped her heal her body, mind, and soul. Michelle is passionate about sharing the lessons horses have taught her about healing and personal growth with her clients and other professionals. She believes that horses provide us all with the gift of awareness, the kindness of unconditional love, and an open challenge to us as humans to step into our own empowered voice.

Connect with Michelle:

Website: unbridledchange.org

Social Media: @unbridledchange

To find out more about Dave go to davidrobertsmsw.com