ABOUT ELP

ELP MISSION

The Embodied Leadership Project makes it possible to work therapeutically with horses by providing free and low-cost programs both in-person and remotely from the farm. Our remote/distance sessions utilize the calming sounds of the handpan drum, video, storytelling, and meditation, allowing us to fasciliate a bond with horses without participants needing to be physically present with them.

ELP VISION

Healing with horses, beyond stables and fences - available to anyone, anywhere.

Our story

The Embodied Leadership Project (ELP) began with a simple belief: leadership lives in the body. In a world that rewards disconnection—pushing through exhaustion, ignoring intuition, numbing emotions—ELP offers a different path. Founded by Jamila in 2016, the project uses movement and stillness to help people to explore leadership as an embodied practice, rooted in self-awareness, resilience, and compassion.

Shortly after launching, in 2016 Jamila (an interdisciplinary artist, trauma-informed yoga teacher, and somatic practitioner) received grant funding to study Equine-Assisted Learning, working with horses to deepen understanding of embodiment, boundaries, relationships, and mindfulness. In 2020, a grant allowed ELP to welcome Angus, ELP’s equine partner, expanding access to horse wisdom through both in-person and virtual sessions.

Today, ELP focuses on rest as the foundation for embodiment. Through workshops, groups, and classes, participants learn how to pause, connect with their bodies, navigate overwhelming sensations with care. ELP believes embodied leadership creates more compassionate, creative, and empowered communities.

Who we are

JAMILA JACKSON

Director, Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator, Certified Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher, MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts, IFS-Inspired Coach

Jamila Jackson is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and facilitator in Massachusetts. Her work centers on creating spaces of rest, authentic expression, and community care. Jamila has dedicated her life’s work to supporting youth and families, particularly in underserved communities. She has over 25 years of professional experience working with young people, using creative expression, mindfulness, and leadership development to foster emotional health and community building.

Her facilitation style is rooted in her upbringing in Oakland and Berkeley, CA, where she was immersed in a culture of youth leadership grounded in music, dance, social justice, and emotional expression. These early experiences informed her lifelong dedication to supporting young people through listening, play, and culturally relevant trauma care. Her work draws on therapeutic practices from yoga therapy, African Diasporic dance and music, tending to trauma through working therapeutically with horses, and somatics — attending to the intersection of the psychological and physical systems of the body.

Tess o'day

Administrative Consultant & Founding Member of ELP

Tess is an artist, facilitator and adminstrator and a founding member of The Embodied Leadership Project. She holds a BA from Hampshire College and also works as the Project Manager and Fabrication Lead at GoodSpace Murals

Angus

Primary Equine-Collaborator

The Embodied Leadership Project received funding from the Kaleidoscope Institute Semester of Justice Grant to deepen our ability to bring the healing and trauma-sensitive wisdom of horses to the community. Through the grant Jamila was able to buy Angus and launch our Equine- Assisted Learning (EAL) Program.

Angus lives with his Herd at Ohana Farm in North Brookfield, MA.

OHANA FARM

The Home of Farah DeJohhette Whole Horsemanship

Farah DeJohnette owns Ohana Farm where Angus lives. Farah's Horsemanship approach emphasizes Friendship, Connection, Trust, and Communication, in balance with Technique. She prioritizes the relationship first and tapping into the horses Innate cues so communication is effortless and easy. Most important, FDH emphasizes Fun with horses! You can learn more about Farah's work here

A few TESTIMONIALS about the work

“I have anxiety that is at times crippling. These meditation techniques helped take me away from my worries just for a moment of peace and clarity." - Adult Workshop Participant

"This is a dream come true for me" - Youth Participant

“The horses, they talked to me. I was asleep at that moment. And they let me not wake up. They interacted with me. It was so easy and unobtrusive and with so much love.

I am overwhelmed with love and gratitude right now ” - Daydream with Horses Workshop Participant

“I often struggle to feel connected to my body. This workshop made me feel so safe and comfortable to the point that I could’ve fallen asleep. I often feel unsafe/in survival mode, so that’s huge for me.” - Workshop Participant

“I didn’t expect such depth, but I was ready for it. The horses showed me who I am.” - Workshop Participant

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