Dr. Rebecca Bailey, Clinical Director for Transitioning Families and Licensed Clinical Psychologist, is an expert in complex case scenarios, including therapeutic reunification and or reintegration for families. In addition, Dr. Bailey is also the co-founder and director of Polyvagal Equine Institute and is dedicated to supporting and furthering the polyvagal principles of safety through interacting, connecting, and learning from horse/human bonds. She is an educational speaker and facilitator for in-person and virtual workshops. She is considered a nationally recognized expert in non-familial and familial abductions. Dr. Bailey is also a regular consultant referral for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She has been a guest and commentator on Anderson Cooper, Good Morning America, Piers Morgan, Erin Burnett, Kyra Phillips, 20/20, Diane Sawyer, Dr. Oz and World News Tonight. In 2013, she co-authored the book Safe Kids, Smart Parents (Simon Schuster).

Margie McDonald is a lifelong accomplished equestrian and horse trainer. She is trained in classical dressage and has applied the teachings to an approach that embodies compassion and connection. Her work has included promoting self-awareness and kindness between horses and humans. Her approach has always embodied an awareness of heart to head connection. She is the author of Notes from the Barn: My Life with Horses and has raised the conscious compassion of numerous equine enthusiasts.

Jaycee Dugard is a survivor of extreme trauma. She feels strongly that without animals in her world, she would not be the person she has become. Thankfully, her recovery included a team of four horses who remain in her life to this day. She has made it her life’s work to support the equine-human connection in tribute to her four teachers.

She is the author of two books: A Stolen Life (New York Best seller List) and Freedom: My Book of Firsts. She has presented with Dr. Bailey at a number of venues reinforcing her work and supporting victims’ innate resiliency.