Location? Alberta, Canada. I service around the Edmonton area
Certifications through Angel's Animals? Holistic Equine Nutrition, Equine Kinesiology, Small Animal & Equine Acupressure, Animal Raindrop Therapy, and Cold Laser. Still enrolled in Massage and Craniosacral, but just working my way through case studies and log hours and have taken lots of CE along the way so I can be the best that I can! When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? From a young age for sure! I aspired to be a veterinarian, but once I hit my teens and got to ride and compete with horses my mind changed. I wanted to really support equine athletes and pursue a holistic career What animal influenced you the most growing up? All the horses I rode growing up truly. I grew up riding in a barn where we got to ride and train a lot of different horses and care for them, and because these animals were my entire world - I wanted to ensure they were comfortable and healthy when they worked so hard for me. Especially when I was older and I had a competition mare with such bad scar tissue on her hind end that caused so much tension in her entire body, to mention she was club footed after her previous owners let her feet just grow for years. Ellie was a handful of a mare, but I knew it wasn't just because she was mad - I knew it was more than that. What animals do you currently own? I have 1 horse, a Thoroughbred named Barron and 6 cats! What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I focus a lot on the whys and how's and create a program with my clients to get their animal back to whole health. I really enjoy teaching my clients techniques to do at home with their own horses to keep them balanced inside and out. Since introducing Acupressure to my practice, it has drastically changed the healing process I see, and has created this amazing touch with the horses I treat. What message would you like to share with potential clients? I aim to be your one stop shop, and share my knowledge with you so that you can support your equine partner. I enjoy every modality and it's unique abilities to layer back tension and create a longer lasting affect. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? Pursuing a career in animal health means you don't take just one course and your done - Continued education is truly key in my opinion to become a great practitioner because there is so much value in knowledge. It is a very rewarding feeling when you break through with your patients and their tension and you watch them become a whole new animal beneath your hands.
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Location: Tulsa, OK
Certifications through Angel's Animals LLC: Certified Canine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist (Canine Massage Certification) When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I’ve always had animals in my life, but I had never considered careers directly involving them. I became a Doctor of Physical Therapy, which I’ve enjoyed, but about 6 years ago, I learned about canine rehabilitation and I couldn’t get it out of my head. I loved the idea of combining my love of PT (and massage/manual therapy skills) with my passion for animals but wasn’t ready to make that transition yet. Fast forward to 2022, and I took the leap to add animals to my clientele by earning my canine rehabilitation therapist certification (CCRT). In 2023, I decided to get a massage certification to further enhance my hands-on skills to best serve my canine clients. What animal influenced you the most growing up? I can’t say any one animal influenced me more than another; each one played a major role in my life. I will say that I was particularly impacted by two of our golden retrievers that dealt with spinal dysfunction and hind end weakness as they aged. In the end, we had to say goodbye due to their physical ailments, but I always felt that if we could have addressed their musculoskeletal impairments, we could have kept them around longer. Who knew that 20+ years later I would have the skills to do just that? What animals do you currently own? I currently have a 13-year-old Sheltie named Solo and a 3-year-old Coltriever named Marvel. Sadly, I lost my horse, Slick, last year at the age of 26. (We did get to enjoy a wonderful 20 years together, though!) What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I think my background in human physical therapy helps me stand out, as I have years of experience—albeit on humans—in gait and movement analysis, and over a decade of hands-on experience palpating, assessing, and addressing hang-ups in soft tissues and joints. Adding this massage certification to my canine rehabilitation practice adds depth to my global treatment approach. Every treatment plan is tailored to the individual dog’s needs, working toward the goal the owner has set for them, whether getting back to high-level sporting activities or a family walk around the block. Beyond just the physical skills, I want my passion for dogs to shine through. This isn’t just a job for me, and I hope that is reflected in every interaction I have. What message would you like to share with potential clients? Seeking massage/rehab early is one of the best things you can do to prevent a big, glaring problem from developing or a further decline in function. Not to mention, keeping pain as minimal as possible, as early as possible. My other big message to owners is “be prepared to put in the work!” Improving the health and wellness of your dog is not a passive act on the owner’s part—they need to be actively involved. A large part of my practice is client education: teaching owners how to feel general tissue restrictions and perform simple strokes and techniques that they can do between massage sessions. I also expect them to work daily with their dog on simple stretches and exercises that will reinforce the tissue improvements achieved during the massage. I want all pet parents to have a hands-on role in helping restore their pet’s function. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? Don’t wait—just do it! I regret waiting so long to finally pursue what I was passionate about. It can add an element of joy in your life that you never knew you were missing. Name: Hillary Little
Location: Plymouth, California Certificationsthrough Angel's Animals? Equine massage, and kinesiology. In progress with completing ANMR and craniosacral therapy. When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always had animals in my life and I started noticing areas of discomfort on them. I wanted to help them in between vet visits. So I looked into equine massage therapy last year and have really enjoyed learning how to help them. What animal influenced you the most growing up? My first cat Hazel. She was a black feral kitten under my grandparents house. I was probably six years old and crawled under that house and got the kitten. She was covered in fleas but I held her until my dad picked me up. With that determination he couldn’t say no to the kitten. I had her for twenty four years before she passed away. She was an incredible cat. What animals do you currently own? I currently have two horses, three dogs, three cats and a bunch of chickens. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? My equine bodywork stands out because I listen to the horse and adapt my treatment to their needs at that appointment. Their owners appreciate my explanations and work with them to help them horse. What message would you like to share with potential clients? We are all striving to do the best we can for our animals. Bodywork can help make that achievable. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? Pursuing a career in animal health is rewarding and educational. I highly recommend Holistic Animal Studies. The corses are great and help is readily available. I really like the feedback on the assignments. Name: Elizabeth (Betsy) Daniels
Location: CT, USA Certifications through Angel's Animals: Canine Myo-Manipulative Functional Therapist Canine Craniosacral Techniques Therapist Animal Cold Laser Therapist When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always loved animals of all kinds. I grew up in a large family and we all loved animals, so we had a lot of pets, from dogs, cats, horses, crows, and a few wild animals we rehabilitated. What animal influenced you the most growing up? When I was 12, my dad got our first Irish Wolfhound, Tara. She was 6 months old when we got her and had not had any formal training. I decided to take her for a walk, but instead she took me! That’s when I first became interested in training. With my Dad’s support, I trained Tara in obedience and completed successfully in obedience events. I even trained her to be in a play using hand signals to guide her in her role from the orchestra pit! My high school offered Agri-Science courses, so I was able to learn a lot about animals and agriculture, as well as complete 2 years in veterinary science. I went on to own and train multiple Irish Wolfhounds and other dogs and successfully competed in Breed, Obedience, and Field competitions, as well having multiple dogs as Canine Good Citizens and Therapy dogs. I later enjoyed dog shows and field events with both of my daughters and their dogs. I also owned horses and competed in events with them. In the past I had introduced an animal assisted therapy program within a preschool where I worked. We had resident guinea pigs and a rabbit and the kids loved learning how to care for the animals, as well as having the animals included in classroom activities. We had several children with disabilities and the animals became part of their therapeutic program as well. Because of this experience, I wanted to find a way to work with children utilizing animals in a therapeutic way. I went on to become a Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practitioner, later earning a certificate in Professional Animal Assisted Therapy. I have been blessed in being able to do what I LOVE with all the canine partners and families that I have had the honor of working with and continue to work with. One of the best results in working with children and their families with my canine partners is that often times the families would see the therapeutic value of including a dog in their family and I was often asked to be a resource for them! I decided to go on and become certified in Canine Myo-Manipulitive Functional Therapy and Canine Craniosacral Therapy, because I have seen how much it helps my human patients, as well as my own dogs. What animals do you currently own? Currently I have (in chronological order;) Chrissy, my 41 year old Golfin’s Cockatoo, Doogie, our 34 year old Cockatiel, Pearl, my 13.5 year old Standard Poodle and retired Canine OT partner, Otis Henry, our 11 year old senior rescue Puggle and Barry, my 2 year old dachshund/Shih Tzu rescue and current OT canine partner. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I think I have always believed in the body’s ability to heal it’s self, which is what lead me to incorporate craniosacral within my OT practice. I like the connection I have learned to have with each person and now in my practice with dogs. I believe in co-operative care and in meeting the dog where they are in order to create a therapeutic relationship. I like having the owner/caregiver be part of their dog’s session, so I can work with them to help foster that understanding and in order for them to create a therapeutic relationship with their dog. What message would you like to share with potential clients? There are so many ways to deepen the bond with their dog and to ensure a mutually beneficial partnership for both owner and dog! Just as self care is important for us as people, canine massage is a great resource for preventive care and in enhancing their dog’s health. Canine massage can also help owners be aware of how their dog is responding to activities or aging. I feel it gives owners better insight to how their dog is doing that may not be as evident in routine care. I also believe it’s a way to return their unconditional love for us! What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? I love that Angel’s Animals Holistic Care & Seminars offers courses for owners. I would encourage owners who would like to learn ways to enhance their dog’s health and their relationship with their dog, to take a owners course. For those already thinking about a career in animal health, I would highly recommend Angel’s Animals Holistic courses. I think the courses are a great way to get started in finding what area of animal health might be the right fit! Name: Sara Aventino
Location: Italy Certifications Through Angel's Animals: I am a Certified Equine Myo-Manipulative Functional Therapist and I am currently enrolled in the CranioSacral Therapy course as well. When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always wanted to work with animals, I grew up with only one goal in mind: work with horses and try my best to help them in any way I can. I guess I realized that I wanted to become an equine therapist when I was looking for answers that I couldn't find in horsemanship or training and I realized that most of the problems we encounter are actually pain related.Thats when I thought "that's what I want to do. I want to help horses overcome tension in their bodies". What animal influenced you the most growing up? The animal that influenced me the most growing up is probably my mare. She quite literally changed my life, in a way that only one horse in a lifetime can. She helped me realize that the horse must come first - not our goals, not what we want. And not just with horses but in general, when you work with animals, their opinion is the only one that matters. That's what she taught me. What animals do you currently own? I currently own two horses - a mare and a gelding. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? When I started, I felt such a deep connection with the horse's emotions and I realized that I wanted to build my bodywork practice around that: empathy and holding space. I have personally seen that a lot of people lack this kind of empathy and, yes, you can massage your horse and get some results but therapy is actually much more complex than that. I feel like you have to work on yourself first and you have to really get into energy work, if you want to be able to truly re-establish the delicate connection between mind and body. The nervous system should be the main focus. This led me to look for ways to find this balance within myself and my work with horses is now constantly evolving. I have embarked on a long journey to understand the emotions that are intertwined in the relationship with our horse. The horse's opinion is the only one that matters to me and I want to hold space for them. That's the most important thing and the one thing that clients tell me that they love about my practice: it feels like meditation for their horses and also for them. What message would you like to share with potential clients? One message I would like to share with potential clients is that bodywork is an investment in your horse's health - not a luxury, not a "spa day", but an important part of the horse's life to mantain the mind-body connection. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? My message is: it's not about you. It's easy to get caught up, to try and force the process, but bodywork has to be on the animal's terms. Always. Name: Émilie Bonnardeaux
Location: Quebec, Canada Certifications through Angel's Animals: Cold Laser Therapy, Equine Kinesiology Taping and Equine Massage Therapy When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? 20 years ago I started working as a rider, trainer, barn owner and equine professional and then finally a bodywork professional. What animal influenced you the most growing up? Cats and Dogs What animals do you currently own? 6 horses and 2 dogs What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I am an equine professor and trainer so my practice is based on education and understanding the horse's biomechanics to help the sport horse. What message would you like to share with potential clients? Equine bodywork professionals are the voice of your horse. We can help with performance but we also help build a strong lasting horse. Every equestrian needs a bodywork profession in their lives. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? You are never too old and it's never too late. You can do this! Name: Nina Cua
Location: Mainly Milton, GA and Ocala, FL in the winter Certifications through Angel's Animals, LLC: Equine massage and almost kinesiology tape certified. I plan to take the craniosacral course as well. When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have run a training and sales barn the last 5 years after riding and owning horses, my whole life. One day I was researching some simple things I could do to help my horses feel better and help their flexibility and that is when I came across angels animals and decided that I definitely wanted to get certified, even if I just used it for the benefit of my own horses are, but I will be using it for the benefit of other peoples horses as well, because I am loving the results. What animal influenced you the most growing up? The animal that influence me, the most growing up is probably my sweet horse Moon. He taught me so much, and we grew and worked through so much together. He is an absolute saint and I do not know what I would ever do without him What animals do you currently own? I currently own 4 horses, one dog, and 2 barn cats What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I think what makes my animal bodywork stand out, is that my top priority is hearing the owner out and working with the owner and any other people (vets, chiro etc) how to get the horse feeling as best as possible. Also, sometimes I can give some feedback as a trainer and possible exercises/strengthening exercises that can help the horse as well, I am grateful to also have that knowledge. What message would you like to share with potential clients? The message I would like to share with potential clients is that my goal is to work together to get your horse feeling as best as possible it is never about the money or personal benefit for me my top priority is that the horses are taken care of just as well as they take care of us. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? The message I would like to share with other people thinking about pursuing a career an animal body work is make sure you have thorough experience with whatever animal you are thinking about pursuing a career in. Especially horses, they are big and can be dangerous. So make sure you have solid understanding and knowledge of them, I would say, it’s also important to understand how a horse moves and how they use their muscles. So having some riding experience wouldn’t hurt. If you are very passionate about animals, but do not have the opportunity to become experienced with horses, there is plenty of need for dog and cat body workers as well. I find the dogs really really love it!! Name: Hannah Speller
Location: Lincolnshire, United Kingdom Certifications through Angel's Animals: Equine Craniosacral Therapy When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I wanted to work with animals for as long as I could remember. My mum and dad still laugh about the time they found me with my arms wrapped around an old sheep at a petting farm when I was just a toddler! What animal influenced you the most growing up? I have loved horses all my life and they have taught me so much - patience, kindness, responsibility, respect, love and compassion to name but a few. Without horses in my life, I definitely wouldn’t be the person I am today. But I just love all animals. What animals do you currently own? I share my home with 2 dogs, 1 cat, 1 parrot, 3 horses, 4 chickens, a cockerel and a racing pigeon! What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? In my practice ‘Suppleness Equine - Integrated Equine Massage Therapy & Bodywork’, I pride myself in working WITH the horse and listening closely to what they have to say. Helping horses to feel comfortable in the human world is my absolute passion. I offer a range of modalities including Equine Sports Massage Therapy, Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial release, Mobilisation, and Heat and Red Light Therapy as well as the Equine Craniosacral Therapy. Having such a wide range of skills in my toolbox means I am able to offer support to a large variety of horses, all with many different needs. Equine Craniosacral Therapy has been particularly useful when working with nervous horses, young horses or horses that have suffered trauma or abuse, as it extremely gentle and deeply healing. What message would you like to share with potential clients? Regular bodywork is hugely beneficial for all horses and ponies, young or old, ridden or unridden. I cover the Lincolnshire and North Lincolnshire area and I’m always happy to talk horses, so do get in touch if you’d like to book your horse in with me, or if you have any questions about what I do and why. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? To anyone who might be considering a career in animal health, in particular as an Equine Bodyworker, I’d say absolutely just do it! It’s hard work but it is without a doubt the most rewarding job in the world. If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life! Name: Madison Fall
Location: Pensacola, Florida Certifications through Angel's Animals: I am a certified Equine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapist, Equine Craniosacral Technique Therapist, Animal Neuro-myofascial Release Technique Practitioner, and Equine Kinesiology Tape Practitioner. I also plan to take other courses in the future! When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I always knew I would work in a profession with animals. Animals have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. My nickname growing up was Maddie Dolittle! What animal influenced you the most growing up? The animal that influenced me the most growing up was my horse, Trinity. I would not be the person I am today without her. What animals do you currently own? The animals I currently own are my two horses, Trinity and Daisy, and my cat, Scarlet. I have owned these pets for many years and have owned many others as well including two dogs, a chameleon, birds, a rabbit, and fish. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? What makes my practice stand out is my passion for continuing to always learn. I have big plans to continue to add different modalities and services to my practice. I’m also always researching and learning more about the modalities I currently practice as well! What message would you like to share with potential clients? A message that I would like to share with potential clients is that that I would love to work with your baby if you’re around the Pensacola area! I promise to treat your baby like my own! What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? A message I would like to share to others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork is to absolutely do it! It’s so rewarding to see all of the positive changes you can make to the partnership between a horse and their owner! A large piece of advice would be to make sure to take care of your own body so you can continue to help others! Name: Aron Nielsen
Location: Clawson, Utah Certifications through Angel's Animals?I have finished both my Equine Massage & Kinesiology certifications. as well as the Hesta band Advanced Kinesiology course. I am just wrapping up my ANMR course for both Equine and Canine. Also working on my Cranial sacral course. When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have always had a love for animals for as long as I can remember. I wanted to be a Vet Tech and received a scholarship in high school to pursue that dream. After a year of being a vet Tech, I decided it was not for me. What animals do you currently own? We currently own 6 Pembroke Welsh corgis, 2 border collies, 8 quarter horses, 1 miniature horse, 3 cats, a flock of show sheep, herd of cattle, chickens, 1 Watusi bottle calf & a fish tank. What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I have really taken to the meridian and acupressure work on horses. They respond so well to these methods when paired with massage. I have had great success with my body work and I feel that it makes my practice unique. What message would you like to share with potential clients? A message I have for potential clients is: You have to find the core root as to why the horse is responding to something the way they are, wither that's physical or emotional. Horses respond to trauma in different ways and not one particular method works for every horse. I try to treat the horse or dog as a whole, not just the symptom. What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal health? If you are pondering a career in animal health care, go for it, inch by inch its never to late to start. By helping the animal heal himself, you are then helping the animal heal his person. It's been proven to me over and over in this practice. |
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