Founder
Terra Schaad, is the Executive Director and founder of Hunkapi Programs, Inc., in Scottsdale, Arizona where the focus is “teaching the world to fear less and love more” through equine assisted psychotherapy and somatic healing. Terra holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pre-Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University, a Master of Counseling Psychology from Arizona State University and holds specialty training in Somatic Experience. In the years 2010-2012, Terra had the extraordinary opportunity to live in Italy and work at the University of Iowa’s CIMBA, and international MBA Business program. Her time there allowed her to lead and coach international students and executives through a rigorous leadership development program while researching the effect of mindfulness on emotional regulation in leadership and the workplace. In recent years, Terra has created a trademarked the Somatic Equine Experience ©, a curriculum specific for working with First Responders living with PTSD. In March 2024, Terra traveled to Israel to train the curriculum to trauma therapists and soldiers coming out of battle. Her passion for helping people heal through trauma with grace, compassion and a little bit of humor has given way to her speaking to numerous groups of people, organizations, and leaders including the United States Prosecuting Attorney Association, Utah Prosecuting Attorney Association, and Scottdale Police Department. Terra has been honored by the Arizona Capitol Times with the “Women Achievers of Arizona in 2019”, recognized by Governor Douglas A. Ducey when given the State of Arizona Commendation in 2020, and was honored with the Phoenix Business Journal’s 2023 Outstanding Women in Business Award and “20 Names to Know in Valley” for Nonprofits. She is a three-time Ironman Finisher and recently fulfilled a long-time goal of running the Boston Marathon. Terra combines her education, intuition, and experience to observe and interpret individual and group behavior while giving immediate, tangible feedback that will challenge you to move mindfully and live optimally.