
About Our Team
Connection, collaboration, shared learning and community action define the intent of our local trauma- and violence-informed community of practice with a shared focus on programming for youth. Our circle is ever-expanding and program referrals are always welcome. Call the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre at 705-748-5901. All project participants are required to register with your parent or guardian.
Pictured (l-r); Cheryl Wood, Beverley Clifton, Dr. Kateryna Keefer, Susan Hardy, Jennifer Garland, Sonya Vellenga, Nicole Oattes, Katie McKeiver, and Vivianne Burmester
Our Delivery Team
Sonya Vellenga
Former Executive Director, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre
Dr. Kateryna (Katia) Keefer
Trent University
Lisa Clarke
Executive Director, Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre
Lisa Clarke is the Executive Director and Community Engagement Manager at Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre. She has worked in non-profit research, communications, education, fund and community development for over 15 years. Her interests include violence against women, developmental disabilities and youth engagement. Lisa is a graduate of the Masters of Adult Education and Community Development at St. Francis Xavier University researching social movement theory, public education and gender-based violence.
Jennifer Garland
Owner/Program Director, The Mane Intent Inc.
Our Delivery Team
Katie McKeiver
Social Worker, Building Internal Resilience Through Horses
Annette Vlieg
Clinical Counsellor, Peterborough Youth Services and Co-Facilitator, Building Internal Resilience Through Horses
Susan Hardy
Associate Equine Program Facilitator, The Mane Intent
Beverley Clifton
Associate Equine Program Facilitator, The Mane Intent
Jordanne McLaren
Counsellor and Advocate
Jordanne McLaren is a Counsellor and Advocate at the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, working in a front line role to support individuals affected by sexual violence. In her work, Jordanne supports individuals by providing crisis support, safety and stabilization, counselling, advocacy and accompaniments to the police station, hospital and court hearing.
Jordanne supports the recruitment aspect of the Building Internal Resilience through Horses program by scheduling consultation appointments with interested individuals to discuss the program’s structure, intent and deliverables. Jordanne also helps to support participants with active listening and by providing appropriate referrals to community services. Jordanne works from a trauma and violence informed lens and a client-centred and strength-based approach. Jordanne is committed to providing supportive services to those affected by harm and victimization.
The Herd at The Mane Intent
The real magic of this program comes down to the relationships that develop between the participating young women and our herd of horses. This is a shout out to: Belle, Blue, Maggie, Mystic Mel, Maggie, Misty, Sunny, Samson, Sebastian, Prinz Harry and Leroy Brown. They each bring their gifts and stories to the experience. This is a powerful herd that is teaching us all about love, connection and empowerment.

Black and white photography by: Lora Jude DeWolfe