ABOUT ELP

ELP MISSION

The Embodied Leadership Project creates spaces where people can rest, reconnect, express themselves, and develop healthier ways of caring for themselves and one another.

We use creative, embodied, and trauma-responsive approaches to support youth, families, educators, helping professionals, and communities, while cultivating a culture of rest that can shape how we care for ourselves, one another, and future generations.

ELP VISION

A rested village, caring for one another and the earth.

Our story

The Embodied Leadership Project (ELP) began in 2016. The project uses movement, music, mindfulness, and community-building to help people to explore leadership as an embodied practice, rooted in self-awareness, resilience, and compassion.

Shortly after launching, in 2016 Project Director Jamila 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

Trauma-Informed Educator • Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator • Director, Embodied Leadership Project

Jamila Jackson is an interdisciplinary artist, educator, and facilitator whose work centers on rest, authentic expression, and culturally responsive trauma care. She is the Director of The Embodied Leadership Project and founder of Rest as Response and Rest School, community-based initiatives exploring rest as a direct response to trauma, stress, overwhelm, vicarious trauma, and burnout.

With more than 25 years of experience working with young people, families, and communities, Jamila uses creative expression, mindfulness, somatics, handpan music, and equine-assisted learning to create spaces where people can pause, reconnect, and develop sustainable approaches to caring for themselves and others.

Raised in Oakland and Berkeley, California, Jamila’s approach is grounded in listening, play, and creative expression and heavily informed by her upbringing at Destiny Arts Center. Her work is rooted in a belief that those who care for others need rest themselves, and that how we care for ourselves shapes how we are able to respond to others.

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

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse