Board of Directors

Hoofprints Ranch is a not-for-profit organization with a Board of Directors that highlights inclusion and diversity. Our madate is to serve all people of all backgrounds, ethnicity, gender, and abilities. We strive to create a socially inclusive and safe environment for humans and horses at Hoofprints Ranch.

Helena Perry, Secretary

Helena Perry BA, CH

Kwe, Ni’n Teluisi Helena Perry. Hello, my name is Helena Perry.

I was born on and currently live in PEI, currently near Scotchfort. I am a Chartered Herbalist with 15 years experience. My focus is on collecting and re-sharing Indigenous Plant Medicine within my community to better reconnect as stewards of our environment. I enjoy teaching the linguistic, cultural, historical, and ecological significance of the relationship between Indigenous people and their environment. I enjoy using plant identification, teaching sustainable harvesting, and storytelling, as methods to connect with my peers.   

My knowledge of plant medicine is inspired by Elder Albert Marshall’s concept of Two-Eyed Seeing,

“Etuaptmumk or Two-Eyed Seeing refers to learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of Western knowledges and ways of knowing ... and learning to use both these eyes together, for the benefit of all."

That said, I combine a mix of Mi’kmaq Traditional Plant Medicine teachings with a North American Herbalist practicum. I believe the combination of the two allows for a wider appreciation of the natural world.

Aleida Tweten, Chair

Aleida Tweten, MSc, EAL

I grew up in Alberta and BC, where I began riding at age three. A Welsh pony taught me a lot about horse behaviour firsthand. This mischievous pony, named Pixie, was a wonderful teacher. I then rode Arab horses, owned by late grandparents, in the mountains with my cousins and sister. I moved to PEI in 2003 and completed my BSc in Biology, obtaining summer employment as a groom for hunter and jumper horses in the Ontario and Quebec show circuits. I was introduced to the world of Standardbred harness racing as a groom and assistant trainer under the late Terry Affleck. During this time, I completed my MSc in Equine Science from the Royal (Dick) College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh. I went on to become accredited in Equine Assisted Learning with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International.

In addition to horse experience, I have worked with Indigenous populations in Ghana with Veterinarians Without Borders, as well as with Mi’kmaq First Nations here on Prince Edward Island. I am Cree on my mother’s side, and enjoy learning more about my culture and implementing teachings into my life.

Jennifer Coughlin, Teasurer

My name is Jennifer Coughlin and I was born and raised in western Prince Edward Island. After getting my Business Manger Diploma from Holland College I moved to Charlottetown in 2009 where I currently reside. 

I sustained a spinal cord injury at the age of 10, and have spent a lot of my adulthood advocating for people with disabilities on topics such as accessibility, affordable accessible housing, and income inequality. 

In 2018 I joined the board for Spinal Cord Injury PEI and have been there since. I have also been involved with an organization called Every Canadian Counts (ECC) which has been developing a national disability insurance program that aims to have the federal government support all individuals with disabilities in Canada. 

I believe living with a disability gives me a unique perspective on the world, and I’m happy that Aleida has entrusted me to be a part of her team and to help her develop accessility and inclusivity at Hoofprints Ranch. 

In my personal life I love to be creative and enjoy making art in a variety of mediums, as well as spending time with my four Persian cats.