I am a certified veterinary technician, nationally certified canine massage therapist, and reiki pracitioner.  I currently live in Ooltewah, Tennessee.

As far back as I can remember I have loved animals. Over the years I have had many different kinds of pets and have loved them all.  I have always known that one day I would help and work with animals in some capacity. 

 

After high school I attended St. Xavier University in Chicago where I graduated with a bachelors degree in biology.  I then went to Joliet Junior College where I completed the veterinary technology program.  I passed my certification exam in the summer of 2003 and have been a certified veterinary technician ever since.  I have worked at a few animal clinics over the years and was at one place for just over twelve years.  There I was head technician for 6 of those years.  In 2014 I had my second little boy and took a step back from my career to raise my children.  During that time I learned about canine massage and its  amazing benefits and I knew it was something I had to do. 

 

In February of 2016 I began the 10 month program at the Chicago School of Canine Massage (currently called Canis Bodyworks).  This school not only offered great lectures but countless hands on practice and experience. Each class we had the opportunity to work on several dogs.  We also worked with shelter dogs at Animal Care League and Anti-Cruelty Society.  We did post event massages at Bark in the Park at Soldier Field in Chicago and Puppy Up in Wheaton.  As part of our curriculum we also became animal CPR certified through Pet Tech.  During one of our weeks off in August I took an extra 3 day trigger point workshop taught by Ken Bain. One of the other valuable things that I was introduced to at school was energy work and all of its benefits for not only people, but animals as well.  In early November of 2016 I took level 1 reiki and became certified. I graduated from the Chicago School of Canine Massage November 19, 2016 and passed the NBCAAM (National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage) exam on December 20, 2016.  In November of 2017 I completed reiki level 2.

 

In life we never stop learning and I am always looking to expand my knowledge and continue finding ways to improve the lives of animals.