Nicole Hendry began her journey with the Integrated Child and Youth (ICY) team in Terrace two years ago. This is a multi-disciplinary team that plays a key role in the Province’s efforts to create a coordinated, comprehensive system of care for mental health and addictions. While supporting students at a local secondary school, she joined a weekly outing to the riding stable and saw an opportunity.
Recognizing the profound impact horses could have on vulnerable youth, Nicole drew from her own healing journey and deep connection with horses to begin including students from her caseload in these outings. The results were transformative.
Inspired by the positive changes she witnessed, Nicole secured funding from local industries to expand the program. This enabled her to welcome students from Kitimat and launch summer camps focused on animal care and nature-based connection. Strong partnerships with the local School District 82 and Volunteer Terrace have been instrumental in making equine therapy a reality.
Nicole’s passion for creating safe, supportive spaces continues to guide her work. Through horses, she helps youth build trust, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
Her therapeutic approach also includes skating, art therapy, and recreational activities. While it may appear she’s simply having fun, a closer look reveals the tremendous effort, time, and energy she invests in creating meaningful opportunities that can shape the course of young lives.
Learn more about Northern Health’s harm reduction programming and find helpful resources on our website.
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