Meet The Team
Shana Nicholls
CEO & Founder
Shana Nicholls is a passionate educator, community leader, and the founder of Confident Kids Canada (est. 2013), a youth– and family–focused organization dedicated to strengthening mental health through self-awareness, emotional regulation, and personal confidence.
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Her work is grounded in decades of personal development training with world-renowned teachers including Tony Robbins, Les Brown, Mel Robbins, and Dean Graziosi. She has also completed extensive education in adverse childhood experiences and trauma with Dr. Gabor Maté & Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, positive youth development through Lions Quest Canada, FCSS, Dr. Jody Carrington’s teachings, and ongoing research from the Search Institute. Shana is additionally certified in Mental Health First Aid, Early Childhood Development Support Services, and Indigenous Historical Trauma awareness.
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But Shana’s expertise isn’t just professional—it’s deeply personal.
Born into the home of a violent, alcoholic father and a traumatized mother, Shana grew up in an environment that left marks and set a tone. After decades of struggle, stress, and survival, she made the decision to change her life from the inside out. Through relentless learning, mentorship, and mindset work, she learned how to turn her stress into strength—the hardest and most transformative work she has ever done.
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Today, Shana brings that lived experience into every room she enters. Her direct, compassionate approach makes complex concepts simple. Her deep understanding of human behaviour—rooted in neuroscience, trauma-informed practice, and connection-based psychology—helps children, teens, and families build skills they can use immediately, not someday.
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Shana is also a lifelong volunteer and an active community builder. She is a five-year founding member and co-chair of the Sylvan Lake Youth Justice Committee, the treasurer for her school’s PAC committee and hot lunch program, and a community member who consistently shows up where she is needed.
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Through Confident Kids Canada, Shana has created a learning environment that goes far beyond “theory.” She launches young people and families into ACTION and real-time experiences that shift behaviour, increase confidence, and strengthen emotional wellbeing on the spot.
Shana is a true change-maker—a guide who helps others build the solid foundation they need for all future growth.
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The Teachers
Callie
Equine Assisted Learning Teacher
Callie makes an impact on everyone who meets her! Although she is huge and noble, she may overwhelm you with her presence until you realize she has the nature of a large dog who loves attention! Having planned and raised her from birth, we have bonded with Callie and imprinted her with a calm and a confident attitude since day one. Bred to be a show jumping horse, Callie was instead introduced to EAL because of her outstanding personality. It paid off! She is showing wisdom beyond her years and has brought great value to the program by providing participants with safe, teachable moments. Don't be surprised if Callie tries to hold her own rope or to 'help' put on her halter with her dexterous lips! While Callie shows patience and interest in the EAL program, she will also wander off or take a break if no one is in charge. Perfect for teaching leadership, commanding participant involvement, and adding her unique personality to inspire creative problem solving, Callie will point out your strengths and limitations with her glorious and clever charm!
Haley
Equine Assisted Learning Teacher
Haley is a star! Originally boarded at our farm, she was abandoned by her owner after getting injured in a wire fence as a two year old. We took on the task of doctoring her for nearly two years after the injury and during that time she proved herself worth keeping. Young, injured and untrained, Haley displayed unconditional trust towards us even when she was shaking with fear of what was happening to her. Never once did she refuse to cooperate! Haley gives you her whole attention and always tries to please, which prompted us to try EAL with her. She loves it! Super in tune with her handler(s), Haley teaches participants to take a calm approach with trust being her core value. If a group is experiencing conflict or communication breakdown, Haley's sensitive nature will quickly make them aware of the problem. She approaches everything with a willing attitude, and looks for direction and support from her handler(s) to see it through. She is an ideal teacher of self-awareness and communication, who inspires a willingness to try in everyone who meets her!
Belle
Equine Assisted Learning Teacher
Belle is a sweet little girl with just the right blend of trust and sensitivity. Her ears twitch like a radar as she carefully assesses the personalities of her teammates. She seeks trust and confidence from her handlers and is calm and forgiving as participants learn these values. Even though she was rescued from a neglectful situation, it was apparent that she was destined to become a lesson horse for kids. However, it was discovered that she had a back injury that prevented her from being ridden. She now enjoys life as one of our awesome teachers at Confident Kids Canada!
Cody
Equine Assisted Learning Teacher
Cody is a beautiful addition to the team! He is a willing partner unless he senses no leadership - then he stops participating (perfect for teaching EAL!) Cody was donated to Confident Kids Canada due to their limited ride ability. Although Cody is only 12 years old, he has developed arthritis in his fetlocks (ankles) which causes him to trip and stumble with too much exercise. He's found a whole new purpose at Confident Kids Canada though! He will never be ridden and he has the nature to teach so many people the value of learning effective communication skills! Known to flap his lips up and down for no reason, nibble on clothing and untie shoelaces, Cody always looks for leadership in his teammates. (Where are your boundaries? What is appropriate assertiveness? Do you have self confidence...?) Cody asks all of these questions! He's a big horse with a kind eye and a willing heart. Cody is sure to engage participants as they work towards their personal development.
Casper
Equine Assisted Learning Teacher
Casper is an absolute ‘keener!’ He’s the first to greet you at the gate and he’s always ready to participate. In fact, Casper is so eager to please that he sometimes becomes socially ‘awkward’ just trying to fit in with his herd. He wants, so much, to be liked & gets super insecure when others are rude. A beautiful teacher of kindness, Casper shows participants how a resilient, flexible attitude wins the day!
No matter what happens, he is willing to stop, think and try again. He is a true inspiration of growth & confidence & everyone who meets him feels it!