In 2022, the CAIETS™ Field School was created as a division of Carlisle Academy, functioning as a learning lab and demonstration school drawing upon decades of learning from its trademarked namesake Carlisle Academy Integrative Equine Therapy & Sports™. Through the field school, we work with high schools, colleges and individual practitioners providing accredited academic fieldwork, coursework, certificates, and service learning experiences which intersect with the fields of health and wellness in the equine, farm, and natural environment.
Students and practitioners receive first-hand experiences in specialty program areas taught by credentialed professionals which include:
- Hippotherapy
- Adaptive Equestrian Sport
- Para-Dressage Sport
- Equine-Assisted Wellness & Learning
- Nature-based Occupational Therapy
- Farm-based Occupational Therapy
Academic Fieldwork
Since 2011, we have worked with over 100 high school, college, and graduate-level interns in the study of Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Psychology, Therapeutic Recreation, Equine Science, and Animal Behavior. We have contracted with universities around the country, including the University of New England, University of New Hampshire, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, Elon University, and the University of Tennessee. In 2021 we begin a new academic affiliation with the Duke University Occupational Therapy Doctorate Division for fieldwork experiences and certificate programs.
Today our deepest investment remains in the field of occupational therapy, where we offer Level 1 & 2 occupational therapy fieldwork placements for 1-week to 12-week immersion programs respectively. We incorporate the equine-facilitated wellness program, working farmscape program, para-dressage sports for athletes with disabilities and evolving horticultural, nature-based programs. All students receive supervision and mentoring by credentialed professionals in their field of study and according to accredited fieldwork guidelines.
All fieldwork placements are tuition-based programs. Please inquire about an application packet.
Carlisle Academy Fieldwork Partnership
It has been wonderful collaborating with Carlisle Academy for fieldwork. The expansion of ideas during our development period has been unique and innovative. Sarah and Judy were intentional in understanding Duke OTD program’s mission, vision, and curriculum in developing an immersive fieldwork experience for Duke OTD students at Carlisle. Carlisle’s core values and beliefs strongly align with the Duke OTD program. There’s been a mutual understanding on the needs of Carlisle and the needs of the Duke OTD program which helped develop a strong relationship. Students have enjoyed their fieldwork experiences at Carlisle and are able to leave feeling that they have gained knowledge, skills, and experience to grow in their professional development.Sheila Moyle, OTD, MOT, OTR/L Duke OTD Academic Fieldwork Coordinator
One amazing aspect of Carlisle is their commitment and resiliency in providing for their community. Carlisle’s duty is to those in need of their services. They were able to re-invent themselves during the pandemic to meet those needs. Even after the pandemic they continue to transform programs including the CAIETS Field School Immersion Week. Sarah understands the role and benefits of occupational therapy and has been supportive of the profession by accepting OT fieldwork students and employing OTs. I highly recommend Carlisle Academy for fieldwork experiences.
CAIETS™ Field School Immersion Experience
The primary purpose of an Immersion Week is to provide a rich experiential learning opportunity for graduate students in a masters (MSOT) or doctoral-level (OTD) occupational therapy program participating in accredited academic fieldwork. Carlisle Academy offers a non-traditional setting exploring emerging fields and interventions in the equine, farm, and nature-based practice environment. The Carlisle faculty represent decades of experience in both service delivery and curriculum development expertise.
Our next Immersion Experiences will be May 16-18 and July 25-27.
Please read here for more information on our 2023 Immersion Weeks.
Internship & Certificate Programs
Carlisle Academy provides Internship & Certificate Programs for a variety of skills in this emerging field context. These programs take place onsite at the Academy and combine practical, hands-on learning with lecture-based education, adding to a person’s vocational training, micro-credentialing, career exploration or continuing education credits. These programs emphasize best practices in the chosen scope of study as well as effective teamwork and communication in the work environment, providing support for college or job applications. All graduates will receive a certificate of completion.
Time/Tuition:
All programs span 100 hours. Schedules can be customized to different configurations of days and hours per week, but typically span 8 weeks in length. All certificate programs have a tuition of $1500, and a $250 deposit is required upon acceptance. Please inquire about an application packet.
Carlisle Academy Internship & Certificate Programs include:
- Career Exploration Internship (based on the CAIETS™ Integrative Model)
- Para-Dressage Apprentice Coach Mentorship (based on the USEF Para-Dressage Coach Apprentice Level Criteria)
- Horse Handling Certificate (based on Carlisle Academy’s Therapeutic Horse Handling Curriculum)
- Stable Management Certificate – (based on the Pony Club Curriculum, C-Level Criteria)
Service-Learning Program
Our Service-Learning Program (SLP) offers community members a valuable educational exchange based on a service-learning model. There are three types of Service Learning: Program Aide, Barn Assistant & Horse Handler. We safely place and train participants into designated roles according to their interests and abilities. In return for a commitment to service, we offer enriching benefits which include:
- Approved community service hours for high school/college
- Access to an equine learning community and field professionals
- Access to free auditing to any Carlisle Academy clinics (Para-Equestrian, Dressage, Eventing, & Horsemanship)
- Access to discounted lessons (see details below)
To apply for the Service-Learning Program, individuals must be at least 14 years old (Barn Assistant) or at least 16 years old (Horse Handler), at least 18 years old (Program Aide) and complete an application packet. Participants will need to go through an assessment by Carlisle Academy Staff to determine program eligibility and readiness. After acceptance into this program, individuals attend a mandatory training taught by Carlisle Academy staff.
Learn more about our Service-Learning Program »
Leadership Development Experiences
Leadership Development Experiences are designed for leadership teams and individual professionals seeking a grounding and unique interaction with horses that will enhance workplace dynamics, increase critical soft skills, and develop social-emotional wellness.. All retreats are led by certified professional facilitators who specialize in equine-assisted learning leadership and organizational development.
Learn more about our Leadership Development Experiences »
Consulting
Sarah Armentrout draws upon 30 years of experience of operating social enterprises within a non-profit and for-profit context and can provide programmatic and strategic consulting to centers and professionals. Rates are $150 per hour or $500 for a 5-hour package. To request an initial 30-minute conversation (at no charge) to discuss issues and goals related to consultation, please contact sarmentrout@springcreekme.com with a subject line titled “Consulting”.
For more information, contact the office at 207-985-0374, or email your inquiry to info@carlisleacademymaine.com.