Articles Jessica Van Der Hoek

Jessica is one of the most inspiring women I know. She has been a paramedic with over 20 years experience, and has been not only an advocate for her patients, but for her coworkers always, and with more intention through this extremely challenging pandemic. She has been a strong voice for mental health issues, ptsd, trauma and individuals with special needs. To truly help our community, and showcase her talents, she started a phenomenal charity, Prairie Sky Equine Therapy over 10 years ago. Jessica and her charity have helped a tremendous amount of families, individuals and first responders through a equine therapy program that allows those facing these challenges to recover, find peace, build their support system, find counselling, and rebuild their lives. Even through her busy AHS paramedic schedule, she donates a unreal amount of time supporting the board, and its staff, caring for the animals, and following up with the participants of her program to ensure they are receiving the care and attention they need. On a personal note, my autistic son went through her program for several years, and because of Jessica and her team, his development is currently well above expectations , he learnt to speak and has been able to achieve lifelong coping and social skills. Jessica is both a force and gift to our community.