In addition to a lifetime of experience working with animals of all different shapes, sizes, and species, I have also had formal training.  I am a member of the International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork (IAAMB) and am certified in Canine and Equine Massage, Large and Small Animal Acupressure, and trained in using Essential Oils and TTouch methods.  To many it seems like an odd choice for a profession...to those who know me it is a perfect fit. 

As far back as I can remember I have had a special connection with animals.  I grew up surrounded by them, horses, dogs, cats, and whatever else would wander in and enrich my life.  I gravitated toward those animals who were deemed "challenging" by others, many of whom had been written off.  In my eyes they just needed a little guidance and understanding so I knew from an early age that I wanted to find a way to help them help themselves.

Clyde

In 2001, I worked as an animal care technician at an animal shelter in San Diego and had the opportunity to work with animals from all walks of life.  During my time there I met Clyde.  He was a Belgian Malinois mix who had seen a lot of abuse in his 1 ½ years.  Immediately, I knew he would change my life forever.  He had huge trust issues with strangers, thus the kennel environment was his worst nightmare, but had an absolute heart of gold.  I spent the next nine months working with him on an almost daily basis, trying to find ways to help him to heal from the inside out.  I used massage and TTouch to gain his trust and eventually that trust was given to others as well.  It was gradual progress but it showed me the magic that can happen when animals are given the tools and understanding that they need to heal themselves.  Clyde found a wonderful and loving adoptive home nine months later.  That experience has stuck with me all these years and I still have a picture of Clyde sitting in my living room.

Formal Training

Working with Clyde, and others like him, is what led me to pursue the formal training in acupressure, massage, TTouch, and essential oils usage.  I received my certifications in Acupressure and Massage and training in Essential Oils from the Rocky Mountain School of Animal Acupressure Massage in 2007.  I am also working on completing my TTouch Practitioner certification.  I have found that through combining these modalities on a case by case basis, it really is possible to help our animal friends achieve miracles. 

Prior to embarking on the animal acupressure massage journey, I received a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies and Anthropology from St. Lawrence University (where I was a proud member of the equestrian team for all four years), a Master's degree in Environmental Education from California State University, San Bernardino, and taught science to both children and adults for five years. 

I currently live in Los Angeles with my wonderful fiancé, Jörg, and our three beautiful furry babies (aka cats), Bubba, Desi, and Sally.