I have a passion to help people navigate their challenging times, heal their pain, and create healthy change in their lives. I dreamed that my passion for working with horses and my love for helping people would merge one day. I am excited to watch this dream after many years of training finally become a reality. I received my EAGALA certification in 2016, and most recently, my level two training within the Natural Lifemanship Institute. Pairing my mental health expertise and horse knowledge is an amazing, experiential treatment option for clients that moves them out of the traditional therapy office. The process of working with the horses builds our self-awareness and through the relationship with the horse, we are able to transform our ability to see and interact differently with others in our life. This unique treatment helps provide opportunities for connection, healing, restoration, empowerment,
self-awareness and the ability to create change within ourselves. It is a powerful process. We build true relationships with the horses. This therapy process is real and transformative to everyone even with little to no experience with horses. I love the science behind why working with horses is so beneficial. The work with horses actually help rewire our brains. The horse helps us create new connections and pathways in our brains, allowing our bodies and minds to heal and for growth to take place.
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I grew up in Fresno and after graduating high school with honors, I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Summa Cum Laude from California Baptist University in 2007. In 2009, I graduated with a dual Master’s in Social Work (MSW) and MS in Criminal Justice from Loma Linda University in Southern California. In 2013, I obtained my Clinical Social Work License (LCSW), which allows the practice of clinical mental health services. My heart belongs in the nonprofit sector where I strive to give back to the community I grew up in.
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For the last 10 years, I have worked at Valley Children’s Hospital in the Neuroscience Department as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker where I have specialized in helping children and families living with neurological conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy and Epilepsy. As the current Epilepsy Program Manager, I help create and implement support programming for families. I strive to create safe places where people can make connections with others, feel heard and build a support system. I continue to work on creating education for schools both locally and nationally to promote seizure safety and reduce stigma of mental health and epilepsy on school campuses. I am excited to serve on the Epilepsy Alliance America National Board of Directors where I continue to advocate for Children’s needs and the importance of mental health awareness and services for our youth
and young adults.
 
Prior to my time within Valley Children’s Healthcare, I gained extensive trauma experience through working with foster care and adoption families, pediatric and adult hospice patients, and children placed in the juvenile detention system. My heart and passion is to serve the underserved families in our Central Valley. I know that with God all things are possible, and that transformation and change is available to those that seek it!

I look forward to walking alongside you.

~ Caitlin Bernard-Vincent