Name: Sarabeth Sulio

Location: San Diego, California, USA

Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy

When did you decide that you wanted to work on animals? Believe it or not, I started playing a therapy harp for farm animals last Jan 2020. I am a Reiki Master, Certified Therapy Harp Healer, and Certfied Massage Therapist. When COVID hit, I could no longer perform human massage and I somehow came across Dr. Angel's courses. I said, WHY NOT?! I took the opportunity to combine all my healer skills for humans and applied them to animals :)

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Dogs

What animals do you currently own? Sadly, I live in an apartment complex and don't own any.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I use energy work, healing sounds, and intuition to guide my work. I tune in to the animal and listen to what it is they may need. I work according to that. FEELING is my super power here.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? JUST DO IT! Your animal will love and appreciate you for making them feel better in their bodies. It's a gift of relaxation that your animal deserves!

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursing a career in animal bodywork? Intention is everything. Aim to do well for your animal friends and they will respond accordingly. I've received many horse hugs for my work and it always LIGHTS me up! Stay positive...learning takes time...DON'T GIVE UP!

Name: Liz Cornell

Location: Astor, Florida, USA, which is between Ocala and Daytona Beach

Certifications through Angel's Animals? Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy, Equine Craniosacral Therapy, Equine Kinesiology Taping and Animal Neuro-myofascial Release Technique

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? When I was young my family assumed I would become a veterinarian, but I could not stomach animals suffering, so I went the business/computer route. Meanwhile I’ve owned horses forever, and I delved seriously into dressage riding in my late 20s. I started teaching riding part time 20 years ago because I wanted horses to be happy under saddle – watching bad riding, especially bad dressage riding, inspired me to help others for the sake of the horse.  About 7 years ago I got into the Masterson Method to help my horses and they responded immediately to my light touch. When the door opened two years ago to find another career, I researched the AA courses and it was a natural fit, as I really wanted to learn all the therapies offered.

What animal influenced  you the most growing up? Probably the 16.2-hand Quarterhorse mare that dumped me weekly when I was 14. By 16 we had it all worked out and we were buddies.

What animals do you currently own? Currently I own 2 dogs, a mini Aussie and Chihuahua, both adoptions. I own 2 Warmbloods, one is a 5 yo mare whom I bred, and I own her daddy who’s 13 and schooling Prix St. Georges dressage. I also have a few boarders on my farm.

What makes  your animal bodywork practice stand out? One thing is my knowledge of training and gait biomechanics. I always ask a lot of questions about what’s happening under saddle with a horse. To jumpstart my career I offered “Soft & Supple” clinics in the area where I would give a massage to a horse, identify any stiffnesses, then the rider would tack up and mount and I would coach her with stretching exercises, any discipline.
People often use me to help solve their horse’s problems – I’m good at reading the horse to diagnose and pinpoint the issues, especially bizarre problems that vets haven’t solved. My husband says my hands “have the gift” which is why I tend to use my hands more than physical tools to give comfort to the horses which, frankly, has brought some amazing results. I think growing up playing the piano has helped me develop the feel one needs for this line of work, which I can thank my musical parents for.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? Good equine bodywork is something your horse will benefit from, even when it seems like the horse is “fine.” I never thought my own horses needed it until I became a practitioner, and they responded so positively to the therapies I am sorry I didn’t get them help sooner.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? Being a bodyworker has so many obvious rewards, yet it has its ups and downs as you build your business. Yep, it’s a business, which means you wear a lot of hats whether it’s marketing, sales, customer service, accounting, continuing education, etc. Generally it takes about three years to build any business from the ground up, so be patient, continue to learn, have realistic goals and plan accordingly as you pursue your dream of a full schedule of horses to help with your magical touch.  If you want it bad enough, you’ll get there.

Name: Roslyn Reynolds

Location: Hexham, Victoria, Australia

​Certifications Through Angel's Animals LLC: Canine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy, Canine Kinesiology Taping

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? Growing up on a farm I’ve always been very passionate about animals and have worked with animals all my life.

​What animal influenced you the most growing up? Dogs influenced me the most - especially work dogs - always have one with me - they are my best friend , My work mates have gotten me out of trouble many times.

What animals do you currently own? Own many !!! Dogs -(won’t count !) Horses, Cat, Ducks, Chooks, Sheep, Cattle

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I am very passionate about helping any sore animal- particularly working dogs - I get pure satisfaction as they walk out wagging their tail, relaxed, happy and relieved - results have been amazing

​What message would you like to share with potential clients? If you love your best mate and want to get the best out of them - Do them a huge favour and get those muscles massaged - they will Thank You

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? Just the pure satisfaction of helping animals. 

Name: Bailey Moss

Location: Syracuse, Utah, USA

Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine Massage, Equine Craniosacral Therapy, Equine Kinesiology Tape, Animal Neuro-myofascial Release Technique

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I decided that I wanted to work with animals after taking riding lessons for five years! I started taking lessons in the year 2011 and I made my final decision in the year 2017 after owning my own horse!

What animal influenced you the most growing up? My horse, Bodie.

What animals do you currently own? 4 horses, a Thoroughbred, a Paint, an Arabian and a Warmblood

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I make it a point to connect with both the horse and owner. As I learn their stories I am better able to focus the techniques I have learned where they will be most effective.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? Your horses are an extension of you! Providing pain relief and overall comfort for your horses extends their ability to live and work to the best of their ability.

What message would you to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? Kinesiology offers a unique opportunity to provide the equine community with essential services for the overall health and wellbeing of horses of all ages and abilities.

Name: Helen Perriam

Location: Bridgend, England

Certifications Through Angel's Animals: Canine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy, Canine Craniosacral Therapy, Canine Kinesiology Taping and Animal Neuro-myofascial Release Technique

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? When I was a child.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? The early years of my childhood featured family dogs, who I adored, plus my own "imaginary" dogs (many child have imaginary friends, but I had imaginary dogs!). Once of my earliest memories is of sitting on the floor crying, with my tiny (and real!) Yorkshire terrier licking my tears, comforting me no end. Later on, following a donkey ride at a local beach, I decided I wanted horse riding lessons. Dogs and horses have been a huge part of my life since! In fact, it was one of my beloved dogs passing away young and rather suddenly that led me to the desire to do something more worthwhile and enjoyable in my work life. If felt like I was wasting time and energy in my unfulfilling day job and desired more satisfaction and, specifically, to be of value to animals. That's what led me to training in canine bodywork.

What animals do  you currently own? My own boys benefit greatly from their sessions. I have 2 Dalmatians and a Beagle who enjoy regular sessions and although not practicing with equines professionally, I use massage with my own 2 horses - a 14.2 hh Highland-type and 11.2 hh Welsh Mountain Pony. As a Reiki Master, we all enjoy energy sessions too.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out and what message would you like to send to potential clients? In my work, I particularly love to see the benefits experienced by older dogs who become more fluid and mobile, more playful and energized, and able to enjoy everyday life with their families far more. One of my priorities is teaching clients, the pet parent, simple strategies to use between sessions to keep their dogs as comfortable as possible - the difference we can make seems almost magical.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? I'm so glad I took the courses with Angel's Animals to become a qualified practitioner and would encourage anyone thinking of doing the same to absolutely go ahead, take the plunge and enjoy the outcomes!

Name: Jane Schirrmeister

Location: WHOLE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MOSTLY CABARETE, SOSUA AND PUERTO PLATA AREA

Certifications through Angel's Animals: CERTIFIED CANINE KINEOSIOLOGY TAPE PRACTIONER, CERTIFIED CANINE CRANIOSACRAL TECHNIQUE THERAPIST, CERTIFIED CANINE MYO-MANIPULATIVE FUNCTIONAL THERAPIST

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? IN THE BELLY OF MY MOM, MY GRANDFATHER WAS A K9 DOG TRAINER AT THE POLICE IN GERMANY

What animal influenced you the most growing up? DOGS, HORSES, ALL OF THEM UNTIL REPTILES BUT MOSTLY OUR DOGS AND HORSES. I STARTED AT EARLY AGE TRAINING THEM WITH THE POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT OF THE CLICKER AND STUDIED 4 YEARS VET SCHOOL AFTERWARDS

What animals do you currently own? 5 DOGS, 3 DUCKS, 1 TURTLE AND FREE IGUANAS I JUST FEED BUT THEY LIVE IN THE GARDEN AND 1 CAT

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I AM VERY PATIENT AND I EXPLAIN A LOT TO MY CLIENTS AND TRY TO UNDERSTAND THE COMMUNICATION AND BODY SIGNALS OF THE THE ANIMAL, WHICH COULD BE INDICATIONS OR TRIGGERS FOR SOME BEHAVIOR " PROBLEMS" CAUSED BY THE HANDLER. IN MY PHYSICAL THERAPY I AM VERY GROUNDED NEVER STRESSED AND CONNECT WITH THE DOG. THIS SPEECHLESS CONNECTION I THINK MAKES MY SESSIONS SPECIAL AND MY EXPLANATIONS FOR WHY, HOW ETC TO THE OWNER. ITS A FORCELESS TRAINING AND THERAPY FOR THE DOG, THE GOAL IS TO MAKE HIM THE DOG HAPPY AND LOWER HIS CORTISOL, FOR EXAMPLE IN ANXIETY OR AGGRSSION.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? THERE IS NO UNTRAINABLE DOG, JUST UNTRAINABLE PEOPLE, THERE IS NO DOG CALLED " PROBLEM". THE DOG DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE DOES RIGHT OR WRONG, WE HAVE TO KEEP IN MIND THAT MANY DOGS ARE TRAUMATIZED OR GOT TRAINED A WRONG WAY. AS HOLISTIC AS A HUMAN HAS TO BE A DOG HAS TO BE TOO. BODY, MIND AND SOUL NEED TO BE ONE. JUST WALKING YOUR DOG IS NOT ENOUGH, HIS MIND WITH MENTAL GAMES FOR EXAMPLE NEEDS TO BE WORK TO. THEY NEED SOCIAL CONTACTS AND PLAYTIME AND BREAKS WITHIN TRAINING. THEY NEED A QUIET ATMOSPHERE FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY TO HEAL COMPLETELY NOT JUST THE MAYBE BROKEN HIP BUT ALSO HIS MIND HIS BODY AND SPIRIT.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? IT IS A GREAT CAREER. ANGELS ANIMALS MADE MY DREAM COME TRUE. MY FURY CLIENTS ARE THE MOST LOYAL AND GRATEFUL ONCE. ANGELIQUE IS ALWAYS REACHABLE WHEN YOU NEED AN ADVISE, THIS IS NOT USUAL. THE PROGRESS TO SEE IN THE ANIMALS IS MORE VALUABLE THAN ANY MONEY

Name: Liza Dietzen

Practice Location: Wallace, MI USA

Certifications through Angel's Animals: Canine Massage and Canine Kinesiology Taping

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I’ve been an animal lover since I was a small kid. My parents joke that I could bark before I could talk. It was always a dream to work with animals. At first I always talked about being a farmer, then a vet, etc. In 2009 I became involved with sled dogs and bought my own kennel in 2012. Sled dogs, like all athletes, are prone to muscle soreness and injury. Mushers constantly have their hands on their animals. After wanting to improve the quality of care I give to my own dogs during training and racing, I decided to look into animal massage in 2019. The other courses I’ve taken and gotten certified in have only added to the general improvement of sled dog care and maintenance.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? I’ve had many animals over the years. Growing up I had hamsters and guinea pigs and later in adolescence had cats. I’ve always called myself a dog person but didn’t own my first dog until 2009. I would have to say that growing up my cat named Pickle was the most influential and unforgettable. She came into our lives at a time where I really needed a friend and since she was feral and needed a lot of patience and time, she gave me something to work towards every day.

What animals do you currently own? Currently I own 15 dogs and 4 cats.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I think my background in working dogs sets my practice apart.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I’m a visual and hands on learner. I love talking about what I do and what I am doing. So if you want to know what I’m doing and why with your pet, just ask!

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? I’ve found it very rewarding. There is nothing much more awesome than being able to identify a problem, implement a plan, and see the result. The littlest things can have the biggest impact.

Name: Destiny Goble

Practice Location: I currently practice in Waverly and surrounding areas including Auburn in Alabama. I’ve recently joined with Dr. Debra Taylor’s veterinary practice there to be more involved in specialized Hoof Care Rehabilitation. 

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? I earned my Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy certification first and am currently working to finish my Equine Kinesiology Taping and Craniosacral Therapy courses. My future and ultimate goal is to add ANMR to my practice. 

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I've always wanted to, as a kid it was often how I earned money for the things I needed. I was working my first real W2 job for a corporate sales store when I realized not having horses in my day to day life as a career was something I couldn't live with. It was then that I attended Lookout Mountain School of Horseshoeing in 2007 which led me to Auburn Veterinary College where I feel in love with Hoof Rehab and the barefoot hoof philosophies. I can remember all of the chronic and acute laminitis horses that came into my life for hoof help and spending time just rubbing their tired muscles that were hard as rocks. I always wished I could do more for the whole horse in my whole horse business approach. I had played around with massage for several years just to make the  horses more comfortable to stand for longer hoof care procedures and began to see the value and proof of what I was doing. This led me to Angel's Animals LLC. the course was laid out in a manner of kinetic learning that I could take to work and learn. It was exactly what I needed to learn to put the puzzle together on horses I couldn't go any farther with on the Hoof Rehab side. Without correct and balanced movement, your hoof care is only as balanced as the body.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Horses. My best friend was always a horse from a young age. I would disappear all day with just my horse and snacks. 

What animals do you currently own? Two horses, a dog and a cat.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? ​All professionals have the things that make them feel good about the work they do and mine is having two different professions that work seamlessly together. Being a CEMFT and a Hoof Rehab Specialist, I feel like I make more of an impact on horses in need. Horses with chronic hoof issues over long periods end up with so many secondary ailments. Just knowing that I can bring them overdue reflex from that stand point of hoof AND body, I feel like I've made a difference. I no longer feel helpless for them.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? My focus is on the horse, and I want to advocate what's best for them. It's not just the body, just the feet, just the diet, it's the WHOLE horse. Generally when horses get to me, owners have been in a battle for sometime and feel like they're loosing. I'm no miracle worker by any means, but when you approach a cases that's slipping down hill with a collaborative, open minded team approach that attacks the war tactfully from every corner success happens. Much of this success, I feel like comes down to owner's willingness to follow the new plan and stay the course with an open mind. Another part that goes along with tough cases is to have an immense support group of colleagues in your corner with a shared mindset to help horses overcome the obstacles in their path. I'm thankful everyday for the outstanding group of colleagues that I've found myself surrounded by in my career.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? Just go for it. You aren't going to understand every bit of course material in your studies right away, some things will go over your head at first, but just keep going. Those teachings that confuse you in the beginning with ring true on certain animals in need at the right time. Position yourself into local rescues whether it be shelters with canines and felines or equine based organizations before you even begin a course. Those animals will be forever grateful for your time spent learning on them. They can even be your certification cases allowing you to have full histories without scrambling for case histories at the end of your courses.

Off topic, but be sure to set your business up as a full fledge business. Meet with a CPA to discuss proper filing and reporting. They have valuable advice on how to run a successful business without it running you. Familiarize yourself with your state laws. Not every state will allow you to legally practice. FORMS,  having your own forms for each client and each horse puts  you so far ahead in many ways.

Lastly, and most importantly, get ride alongs with any professional that will take you, massage therapist and chiropractor. Local AND distant to you. Let them know your aspirations. There is ALWAYS something you can learn from another professional. This was one of the most important things I did for myself to further my education.

Name: Rhonda Tennant

Practice Location: New Bern, North Carolina and the surrounding area of eastern North Carolina 

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? Canine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals?  In 2019, I decided to work with dogs because of a past vocal cord injury that could not be fixed after 5 surgeries. I always had a love for animals all through life, but not until my 1st rescue in 2018 of a senior blind poodle, did I realize I wanted to help canines in a therapeutic way.

What animals do you currently own?  I have a standard Dachshund, Tucker, a Malteagle, Rudolph, a blind Poodle, Marlee, and a Collie/Siberian Husky rescue named Sophie. 

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? Healing Paws Canine Massage Therapy is unique to Eastern NC because I am the only one and I am a mobile company so I make house calls.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? Massage works!!! Not only on a physical level, but also mental. Animal bodywork has its place in the realm of holistic approach to physical and mental ailments. 

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? I believe that if you want to be relevant in the animal world and have the intent to help animals in a very important and life changing way for them..... animal bodywork could be your answer. I do not at anytime regret my career choice at all.

Name:  Jeanette Bingley

Practice Location: I am based in Sutton NSW, Australia and practise in the Sutton and Canberra regions. I only have a small clientele base and therefore can get to them within a few days of them requesting an appointment (my preference).

What certification did you earn through Angel's Animals? Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist (EMFT), Certified Equine Craniosacral Practitioner, Certified Equine Kinesiology Tape Practitioner, Certified Animal Neuro-myofascial release Practitioner (ANMR)
Would definitely recommend ALL these to prospective students!... I cannot remember any client that I have not been able to help using at least one of the modalities have learnt through Dr Barbara's courses. Probably the most surprising to me at first was the positive reactions and releases shown by using Craniosacral Therapy.

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? As far back as I can remember I have always wanted to be working with animals, and lets just say that that means quite a number of years!. Initially I wanted to be a vet but life got in the road and then as the years went on I realised that there is just soooo much more to a healthy body that is free of restrictions then just Vet Science--- dont get me wrong though, vets are important and are irreplaceable in many situations.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? As a youngster I grew up with the usual dogs, cats, chooks, budgies, guinea pigs and rabbits, but all I ever wanted was a horse. so from 14yrs old I have always had at least 1 horse and have NEVER looked back. Coming from a definitely 'non-horsey ' family there was a lot of learning to do.

What animals do you currently own? I currently own 10 horse/ponies, a very enthusiastic 3yr old Labradore, 2 stable cats, a very talkative Cockatoo and the enevitiable chooks. We do live on a property so luckily room for all!

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? Thats a hard one. I would like to think that I take a particular interest in each and every client, their horse/ponies issues and treatment for their chosen disipline and most importantly I like to give (and follow through with ), a management plan for each of them that should change and develop over time as they improve. I am more than happy to put time into researching further any issues that are being tricky to fully to resolve. I am confident to use a diverse range of modalities and find the one that suits that client for that issue best. I always carry with me Redlights, PBM light, Level 3B Laser, rocktape and massage equipment so can cover most issues at all visits.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? During my career as a trainer, coach , breeder and competitor I identified the need for Bodywork intervention to assist my team of equine athletes to be able to train and compete at their best. I am now delighted to be able to provide this service to others. I am passionate about being able to put any horse in any discipline in as best position possible to be able to train and perform at their best without any pain or physical restrictions. From ‘paddock pony’ to Grand Prix dressage horse, they all deserve to be pain-free and as comfortable as possible. My other great aim is to educate owners/riders how to best manage their equine partner on a daily basis and how to tell when they are in need of practitioner intervention.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? DO IT--- you will never look back!. You soon realise just how much your animals are actually trying to tell you and just how much they appreciate your new found knowledge. NEVER give up on an issue whether it be with your own animals or your clients, just think a little as to what else they could be hiding that is actually the primary cause.... it may take you working through a number of layers first though. Each and every horse/pony is an individual with their own set of issues, treat each one as a challenge and opportunity to learn more! It is an AWESOME feeling to go back to a client and see improvements, and to note just how much the animal thanks you! Know that if you are doing the best you can on that day, with that horse/pony, then it is always going to be better then it would have been without you.