Rescued Hearts Community Screening

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of storytelling, connection, and community as TEAD Therapeutic Riding Centre proudly presents a community screening of the acclaimed Rescued Hearts documentary at The Westdale Theatre.

Rescued Hearts is a powerful and emotional documentary that explores the extraordinary healing connection between humans and horses. Through deeply moving stories, the film shines a light on the transformative impact horses can have on mental health, trauma recovery, emotional healing, disability support, and human connection. This inspiring film reminds us that healing often happens in relationship – and sometimes, the most profound teachers walk on four legs.

This special event will bring together community members, disability advocates, autism leaders, equine supporters, and changemakers for an afternoon centered on compassion, inclusion, healing, and hope.

✨ Event Experience Includes: An afternoon in support of TEAD Therapeutic Riding Centre at the Westdale Theatre to witness Hamilton's premiere of the Rescued Hearts documentary followed by a dynamic post-film panel conversation featuring leaders and advocates from across the disability and community sector.

? Meet Your Panelists

Carolyn Boutin: Executive Director, Centre for Diverse Learners
Carolyn is a former business owner, certified teacher, and Special Education leader who combines lived experience as a neurodiverse individual with deep professional expertise. She is a powerful advocate for inclusive systems, helping organizations build environments where diverse learners can truly thrive.

Dan Haney: Board Member, The Hamilton District Society for Disabled Children
With over three decades of dedicated service, Dan brings a legacy of leadership grounded in collaboration, listening, and community impact. His lifelong commitment to supporting children with physical and developmental disabilities reflects a deep belief in giving back and strengthening the Hamilton community.

Melissa Horvath, Executive Director, TEAD Therapeutic Riding Centre
Melissa is a passionate and dedicated leader committed to serving TEAD’s community of participants, families, staff, volunteers, and horses. With a multidisciplinary background in social work, accounting, business, and leadership – and a lifelong connection to horses – she brings both heart and strategy to advancing TEAD’s impact.

Mercedes Palermo, Registered Nurse, Founder of Autism Out Loud, Board Member of All Abilities Allstars & 2026 Force For Good Award Recipient
Mercedes is a fierce advocate for the autism community, using both her professional expertise and lived experience as a mother to drive awareness, education, and meaningful change. Her voice is shaping conversations across Canada – creating space for understanding, inclusion, and empowered families.

? Panel Moderator
Sarah Ernest, Founder, Ernest For Good Inc. & Board Member, TEAD Therapeutic Riding Centre
Sarah is a nationally recognized philanthropy leader, speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience in fundraising, communications, and community building. As the Founder of Ernest For Good, she is known for her bold, unapologetic approach to driving impact – raising millions of dollars and helping organizations step into their power to energize their fundraising and brighten their brand, unapologetically.

? Event Schedule
12:00 PM — Doors Open & Concessions
1:00 PM — Welcome Remarks & Film Screening Begins
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM — Panel Discussion
4:00 PM — Event Concludes

? Ticket Information
Tickets: $40.00 per person

Your ticket supports the ongoing work of TEAD Therapeutic Riding Centre in creating life-changing experiences through the connection between people and horses while fostering inclusion, confidence, strength, and belonging for individuals of all abilities.

Space is limited. Advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged.

For more information about TEAD Therapeutic Riding Centre, visit: https://www.tead.on.ca

To learn more about the Rescued Hearts documentary, visit: https://www.rescuedheartsfilm.com/