Name: Lisa Damon

Location: Fitzwilliam, NH USA

Certifications Through Angel's Animals: Holistic Equine Nutritionist

What animal influenced you the most growing up? Working with Animals has been a life long passion.

What animals do you currently own? Horses, dogs, cows and cats. Morgans and friesians , Great Pyrs, holstein and jerseys.

What makes your animal practice stand out? I feel my practice stands out because I truly have a passion , I want to make a real difference for the animals. I am honestly
 dedicated to my clients and there pets/partners.

What message would  you like to share with potential clients? My message to clients is, I will do my very best to guide you and help your pet, with years of my own experience and education I feel confident  and able to assist you with many aspects and issues of concern.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career with animals? The message I would like to share is that working with animals is so rewarding. They know when our intentions are pure and gravitate to that. Always go with no agenda; animals appreciate being heard. So always enter with an open heart and spirit so that you can truly feel and hear what you need to be able to help them.

Name: Theresa Wells

Location: I am located in The Villages which is in Central Florida and have been living in
this beautiful state for over two decades.

Certifications Through Angel's Animals? I received two certifications in Canine Myo-manipulative Functional Therapy (CMFT) and Animal Cold Laser Therapy (ACLT) from Angel’s Animals.  I owned a business that makes homemade treats for the dogs and wanted to explore something different that I would enjoy.  This happened at the beginning of the pandemic and I was studying to be Canine Specialist (Breeds, Behavior, Grooming, Nutrigenomics, and Training).  I also have done the massage for my retired guide dog, Kartie for over 6 years.  I thought I need to know the details because I did not know what the strokes and techniques were all about.  I explored online looking for virtual courses in canine massage and found Angel’s Animals. The best part is that it is based in Florida. 

​What animal influenced you the most growing up? Dogs of various breeds and Russian Blue cats influenced me the most, and they were the best thing that ever happened to me while growing up.  The dogs, Odin and Spike, were the wonderful protectors.  They knew I have no hearing and would alert me if they heard anything that I couldn’t hear.  The cats, Rocky and Raspy, loved to sleep with me and often comforted me when I was emotional.   I also grew up having a mouse, birds, fishes (in tank), and a turtle.   I feel like I am still growing up and still have the love for wild animals.   I have a great relationship with wild animals such as getting to feed lemurs and giraffes.  I even held 3-foot-long alligators and a python.  Some animals felt comfortable to greet me in person and let me pet them.  A beautiful camel gave me a big kiss a few years ago. 

What animals do you currently own? Kartie, a Black Goldador (Golden x Labrador Retriever Mix), is the only pet I have at this moment and I am waiting to be matched with Kartie’s successor guide dog that may transpire later this year or next.  It will be my first time to have two large dogs living with me. 

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out?  I have a special close connection with the animals I massage.  Many clients have reported improvement in demeanor, gait, stress levels, and apparent pain levels. 

What message would  you like to share with potential clients? My message is:  Please! Bring your dogs in for a much-needed therapeutic massage to improve their quality of life, promote relaxation, reduce stress, and boost their immunity and energy level. When I observe a medium-sized dog whose gait tells me there is something wrong, I want to help.  Sometimes owners are not aware of subtle changes in gait that could indicate pathology. I emphasize that the importance of the dog’s comfort zone is my highest priority of care.I love doing the palpation and bodywork to find anything that is hard to find, especially in dogs with very thick coats.  On numerous occasions, I have detected pathology that no one was aware of.  Kartie is a Stage 2 Mast Cell cancer survivor – the mass was very small and it’s good thing that it was caught early.  It’s also paramount for me to feel the way around the dog’s body. 

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? I think that anyone who has a passion for taking care of animals of any size is a good candidate for pursuing the animal bodywork career.  I think commitment and body handling experience play a key role for success.  I advise others who are thinking about this profession to research the laws, statutes, and licensure in their states. If you welcome challenges, love animals, and wish to be involved in a satisfying job, animal bodywork is for you. 

Theresa recently had the opportunity to provide healing touch to a wallaby who was in need of some bodywork. The care taker was impressed with her knowledge and grateful for the beneficial session she was able to provide the wallaby.

Name: Bonnie Morrow

Location: Located out of Dixon, California and provide services to: Davis, CA, Suisun City, CA, Rio Linda, CA, Vacaville, CA            Sacramento, CA, Martinez, CA, Woodland, CA, Florin, CA, Napa, CA, Fairfield, CA, Elk Grove, CA, Pittsburg, CA, West Sacramento, CA, Rosemont, CA and Vallejo, CA

Certifications Through Angel's Animals: Equine Myo-manipulativeFunctional Therapy, Equine Craniosacral Therapy, Equine Kinesiology Taping, Animal Cold Laser Therapy – enrolled and Animal Neuro-myofascial Release Technique - enrolled

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? My journey of working with animals began when I retired as a USAF Security Forces member and from the Department of Defense in 2018. As with many occupations across the Services, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder hasn’t necessarily become more prevalent, rather more widely acknowledged. I had purchased a rescue Thoroughbred (Jett Fire) for $500. He was in bad shape both mentally and physically. He didn’t make in in the racing world, so was sold over and over and over again. Sadly, he ended up locked and left in a barn with 30+ other horses starving to death.

Over time, I just could not help Jett relax. He would suddenly bolt, spin or buck, more and more often over the years.  He would freeze, tremble, or sweat for no apparent reason. Call it fate, one day I came across Dr. Angelique Barbara’s Angel’s Animals website. I browsed the many Equine therapy courses being offered. When previewing some of the course content, there is was…Jett was living in a constant state of anxiety. His Sympathetic Nervous System was engaged every day, all day.  This is how my journey started.

What animal influenced you the most growing up? I didn’t realize the influences it at the time. I had been brought up around horses from the age of 14, and the effect has carried through my life to this day. Responsibility, work ethic, learning I can’t always be a winner, learning empathy, creating a special bonds and relationships are critical life skills that have made me successful throughout my life.

What animals do you currently own? Many! A Netherland Dwarf bunny, two parakeets, a Shepard, a husky and Jett. I have a soft spot for “Rescues.”

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I believe in establishing a rapport with both the owners and their horses. I build in “buffer times” for my appointments to engage in conversations. Owners want to talk about their horses. I provide reports in layman’s terms with diagrams and photographs, so the owners understand what is going on with their horses and see the improvements over time. I video tape the entire session for the owners. I aspire my services to be transformational not transactional.

What message would you like to share with potential clients? It is essential I work as a team with the owners and their horses. I insist the owners are available to see the entire session, so I can explain what is happening to their horse and why they are reacting the way they are (both positive and negative responses). Typically by the third session, the horses know when I enter at their barn and often nicker upon my arrival.

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? I will tell you the courses and case studies for completing any of the Angel’s Animals courses are intense. I would ask anyone looking into a career in bodywork, what is the motive? I am able to circle back around with my personal story as I began practicing on my horse, Jett . The techniques and applications of Myo-manipulation Functional Therapy – the effects were PHENOMENOL. He yawned, sighed, dropped his head, licked, chewed, dropped his sheath, it was simply amazing. This was what inspired me to move forward on this new career path. If I could help him, I could help many others. This is one career where you can see and feel the magical transformation of touch.

Name: Tamara Watt

Location: Farmington Utah (Buffalo Ranch) Sunset Equestrian Center (Kaysville, Utah)

Certifications through Angel's Animals? EMFT (Equine Myofascial Functional Therapist)

When did you decide that you wanted to work with animals? I have had a great opportunity and privilege to have been raised around horses & small animals growing up as a little girl. After showing and competing with horses for over 20 years, I went into the field of animal sciences as a licensed Veterinary Technician in 2001, I began at that time to be extremely interested and in “AW” of the anatomy and physiology of the Equine Body.
What animal influenced you the most growing up? Horses, they have been a true passion and influence in my continuing education and research.

What animals do you currently own? I have a Cute Auggie named “Oliver” he is a Corgi/Mini Aussie! And we own and operate a professional horsemanship/clinician practice, JWHA Horsemanship, we currently have 5 horses of our own and over 40 equine companions that we provide a full care service for our clientele here in Farmington Utah.

What makes your animal bodywork practice stand out? I feel what makes my practice stand out, is my experience, education, and time in the industry. Being able to see both sides of the horse (on ground and as a rider) I feel this gives me a bigger and deeper perspective as my role and responsibility as an Equine body worker. My Veterinary Technician background (8 years) allows me to combine my body work and physiology of the horse to get a better perspective on how to truly help, heal and educate the owner and horse!

What message would you like to share with potential clients? I would always encourage owners to continue to listen to the intuition of their horses over all wellbeing, that they may strongly get regarding their equine companions.  When we have aches and pains, we seek help! Horses our no different! We are there advocates and knowing there needs and using tools for preventive maintenance such as equine body work, is crucial to the “overall” well being of your Equine Companion! They will move, sleep, eat, digest, play and love you so much greater when they feel good!

What message would you like to share with others who are thinking about pursuing a career in animal bodywork? First and foremost, it is an honor to be a part of the healing and service industry with our equine companions. You will feel so rewarded in your hard work, hands on experience, building relationships and educating the equine public. When you bond with a horse during each body work session, it is a sacred privilege to know you are offering a healing hand and touch that can forever forge a bond of knowing what each horse truly needs!
This course by Doctor Angelique Barbara has truly been one of the greatest investments that I have made yet in my professional background and educational history! I will forever be grateful Dr. Angel!

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