About
I have always had a passion for helping people and animals alike -- I just needed to unite those aspirations. Following college, I worked in the medical field for fifteen years, helping people who were struggling with both physical and emotional trauma. During those years, in my spare time, I would also rescue and foster a variety of displaced animals. Eventually I came to the realization that helping these creatures was not a one way street. I recognized that they, in turn were very supportive to me, especially in my struggles with a handful of debilitating autoimmune diseases that have challenged me over the years. But their therapeutic value was never more apparent than through my best little buddy Timmy.
I have always felt the unconditional love and loyalty that it seems only animals are capable of … but this was different. Timmy was a dirty, scraggly little thing who had obviously spent a lot of time on the streets – pretty amazing feat for a 5 pound Chihuahua! He didn’t want much to do with me at first, in fact growling and snapping at me while curled up in my husband’s lap. After engaging in some loving and logical techniques, however, we eventually became inseparable. We enjoyed a very special and mutually beneficial bond that words fail to describe. Timmy uniquely contributed to my wellness, helping me through some very tough times that included severe physical and emotional pain and the loss of my career. But Timmy was always there to get me through it, with his quirky little ways that showed me that he loved me and gave me strength to persevere. Although his eventual passing shattered my world, I take solace in the fact that he enjoyed the best of his life with me, and he opened my eyes to the opportunities for animals and humans to help each other. I want others to not only feel the healing that animals can bring, but to understand how to return that love to them. After all, that’s all they want.
I decided at this point, it was time to go back to school, this time incorporating animals into my caregiving. Due to my previous career in Nursing/Surgical Technician and Dental Assisting, a lot of the techniques and methods came pretty easy for me. I am currently certified in the following disciplines:
- IP Touch Animal Massage
- Animal Behavior and Training
- Certified Pet Aid, CPR
- Grief Recovery Counseling
- Life Coaching
Combining my education, background, work and personal experience, I can help both people and animals. Hearts and minds combined. Furthermore, I have additional knowledge and field experience with:
- Animal Welfare
- Animal Visitation
- Animal assistance for those suffering from:
- Autoimmune diseases and other chronic illness
- Autistic children
- Struggling Military Veterans
- Children with self-esteem issues
Whether it’s animal massage, pet-loss counseling or AALC, I want to help you and your pet – heart, mind and soul.