Lunch and Learn May 2026

Close the gap between equine research and real-world practice

From research to reality 🐴—discover how to close the gap between equine research and real-world practice, and walk away with simple, actionable ways to share knowledge that matters.

On Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Noon (ET) join us for HHRF's Lunch & Learn: From Research to Reality

Join Cheryl and Justin as they explore how research in equine-assisted services and equine welfare actually reaches (or doesn’t reach) the people who need it most. Building on last year’s “Trickle Down Effect,” this session dives into new findings on awareness, access, and real-world use of research. Discover the barriers limiting dissemination—and more importantly, practical, creative strategies to overcome them. Attendees will take part in an interactive activity to develop “research sharing hacks” they can immediately apply, helping move research from publication into practice.

Cheryl Meola, PhD, LCMHCS meolac19@ecu.edu Cheryl s a therapist, professor, author, and researcher specializing in equine-assisted services and nature-based approaches to mental health. She is the author of Integrating Horses into Healing. Cheryl is an Assistant Professor at East Carolina University, owner of Mane Source Counseling, and serves on the Horses and Humans Research Foundation Board of Directors and Education Committee. Her work bridges research and practice, with a focus on nervous system regulation, wellness, and the human-animal bond.

SSG (R) Justin Grant, 3/75 RGR REGT, USASOC, Jgrant0222@gmail.com Justin Grant joins our team from Maine where he was born and raised. He joined the US Army immediately after high school as a Special Operations Combat Medic (SOCM) for ten years, as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment. Justin deployed 8 times during his career in support of the Global War on Terror, at some of the highest and most dynamic positions deployed in the Afghanistan theatre. On his 7th deployment he was engaged in close quarters combat when he was wounded. He ignored his wounds and tended to an injured comrade, thus being awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Medal. After ten years of service, Justin was medically retired due to injuries sustained across a very dynamic and lightning-fast paced career. Justin attends Husson University in pursuit of a MS in Clinical Psychology, with a concentration in Animal Assisted Therapies (AAT). Justin intends to continue on to his PhD where he will further study the bond between animals and human, that he personally found to be so beneficial. He is the Director of Equine Immersion Foundation, and serves on the education committee for Horses and Humans Research Foundation. He is a father of two, and spends his time with his partner and family.