Just a little bit about me
I come from a nursing background, having qualified as a Registered General nurse in 1987; I worked in many different nursing environments throughout my career and remain fascinated by how the body functions and its structure. I am also a qualified human massage therapist, which I thoroughly enjoy and keeps me in touch with the human side of my work.
I have always had a great love of animals, particularly dogs and horses, having taken time out from nursing in the past to work with horses and now have made the permanent career change to pursue my work as a Canine Massage Therapist – the best decision I’ve ever made!
I have worked with Natalie Lenton, founder of the Canine Massage Therapy Centre, as her Senior Tutor on the 2 years Practitioner Level Canine Massage Therapy course for the last 9 years. This is a role I really enjoyed, coaching future therapists in the skills of Canine Massage. I also taught on the Continuous Professional Development Programme for qualified therapists, which was fantastic for ensuring my knowledge and skills are kept fresh and accurate.
My time outside of work is spent with dogs and horses, and I’m usually either walking dogs, or riding on the Malvern Hills in my spare time. At present, I have 2 ex racing greyhounds, Stella and Woody, and Gwinnie, my fabulous Fell pony.
I hold regular workshops, teaching the general public some massage skills to use with their own dogs at home. Please visit the Events and Workshops page for further details.
My Qualifications
- Registered General Nurse (RGN)
- British Horse Society Stage 3 Groom’s Certificate
- HND Saddlery and Technology
- Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Foundation Course
- Therapeutic Canine Massage Diploma
- VCTC Level 3 Sports Massage (human)
- Advanced Deep Tissue Massage (human)
- Advanced Myofascial Release (human)
- Lymphatic Drainage Massage (human)
- Foundation in Advanced Clinical Massage
My Training
I trained for my Canine Massage Diploma with Natalie Lenton at the Canine Massage Therapy Centre, after being so impressed with how my elderly arthritic dog, Sonny, responded to massage treatment.
The 2 years diploma course covers:
- In depth Canine Anatomy and Physiology
- Common Orthopaedic and Neurological Conditions
- Postural and Gait Analysis
- Advanced Palpatory Skills
- Injury Identification
- Advanced Canine Massage Techniques – Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and Myofascial Release
I have furthered my massage expertise with Continuous Professional Development Study days in:
- Advanced Deep Tissue Massage
- Advanced Stretching Techniques
- Advanced Trigger Point Release
- Advanced Neuromuscular Facilitation
- Lymphatic Drainage
- Massage for the Ventral Aspect
- Mad About Muscles
- Massage for the Nervous Dog
- Skills Review days
- Workshop Instructor Programme
Talks to Groups
I give talks to groups such as agility clubs and rescue organisations, to raise the awareness of the benefits of massage and attend regular shows, doing muscular health checks and pre and post event warm ups/cool downs.
Professional Service
I am fully insured and a Member of the Guild of Canine Massage Therapists which promotes high standards, safe practice and Continuous Professional Development.
I respect the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and Exemption Order 2015 by never working upon an animal without gaining prior Veterinary approval.
