About Andrea

Dr. Andrea St.Hilaire is an educator, horsewoman, nonprofit founder, and interdisciplinary researcher whose work centers on thoughtful learning environments, communication, resilience, and humane development for both horses and humans.

Halcyon grew from Andrea's lifelong belief that animals, nature, meaningful relationships, and supportive learning environments can create opportunities for connection, growth, and resilience. What began as a small equestrian program (Halcyon Equestrian) has evolved into a broader nonprofit focused on fostering community and creating spaces where individuals and families can experience belonging, learning, and support.

With more than three decades of riding and two decades of professional equestrian experience, Andrea’s background includes riding instruction, horsemanship education, young horse development, coaching, and community-based programming across a variety of equestrian disciplines. Her approach emphasizes calm, individualized, relationship-centered teaching grounded in correct foundational development, adaptability, and compassionate horsemanship.

Andrea’s teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that strong, thoughtful basics transcend disciplines. A horse moving willingly and bravely in balanced walk, trot, and canter, with a supple back, elastic contact, appropriate energy, and growing self-carriage, develops a foundation capable of supporting many future pathways. Specialization comes later; correct and humane fundamentals come first.

Current areas of interest and continuing education include dressage, western dressage, working equitation, eventing foundations, fox hunting preparation, and interdisciplinary approaches to horse-and-rider development. Andrea is currently enrolled in:

• The United States Dressage Federation (USDF) L Judge Education Program (Part 1 completed; Part 2 in 2027)

• The Western Dressage Association of America (WDAA) and US Equestrian Federation (USEF) judge training pathway for ‘r’ license

• Working Equitation licensed officials education and training for L program through USA Working Equitation

• Renewing US Hunter-Jumper Association Trainer Certification in autumn 2026 (certified since 2009)

Andrea additionally serves as President and Founder of Halcyon Healing Center, Inc., a North Carolina nonprofit focused on fostering connection, resilience, and community through animals, nature, and supportive educational experiences.

Her broader educational and professional background includes interdisciplinary doctoral research exploring resilience, communication, moral experience, and relational environments within pediatric palliative care. These perspectives continue to inform her approach to teaching, learning, leadership, and human-animal interaction.

Andrea values collaborative learning, humane horsemanship, and creating positive environments where both horses and people can develop confidence, communication, adaptability, and trust over time. Whether working with adult amateurs, anxious or returning riders, young horses, or individuals seeking a quieter and more supportive learning environment, her goal remains the same: thoughtful, sustainable growth grounded in relationship, clarity, and respect.

Additional Background & Continuing Education

Andrea holds a PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Glasgow, with doctoral research focused on resilience, communication, moral experience, and relational environments within pediatric palliative care.

She additionally holds a Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Positive/Sport Psychology and continues to pursue interdisciplinary education related to horsemanship, communication, human development, and supportive learning environments.

Additional certifications and areas of continuing education include:

• Secular/Interfaith Chaplain with The Humanist Society & American Humanism Association. Pursuing board certification with Unitarian Universalists.

• Shay Center/Voices of America Moral Injury Program certified (and subsequently faculty).

• Pediatric Palliative Care (CSU Shiley Haynes Institute)

• Certified Grief Educator (David Kessler Training)

• Animal-Assisted Intervention Specialist (AAAIP)

• Trauma-Informed Approaches (multiple entities)

• End-of-life Doula Training (multiple entities)

• Extensive training in holistic approaches to mind-body connection

• Equine judge education and continuing professional development