My Story: A Journey of Hands-On Healing

The Foundation: Human Physical Therapy

From a young age, I've been driven by a deep-seated need to understand how the body works—its incredible resilience, its intricate mechanics, and its profound capacity for healing. This drive led me first to the world of human health, where I pursued a comprehensive education to become a Physical Therapist.

My studies at the University of Kentucky were rigorous, grounding me in the science of anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. Graduating in 1972, I embarked on a career dedicated to helping people reclaim their mobility and live pain-free lives. For over 35 years, I honed my skills in a variety of clinical settings, from hospitals to private practices, becoming a licensed PT in multiple states and a Board Certified specialist in Orthopedic Physical Therapy.

The Turning Point: Discovering the Horse-Human Connection

My path took an unexpected and wonderful turn when I began to see the incredible connection between humans and their animals, particularly horses. As an equestrian myself, I understood the unique physical demands placed on these magnificent athletes. I saw riders struggling with imbalances and knew their horses were mirroring and compensating for those same issues. This realisation sparked a new passion: to apply my therapeutic knowledge to the animal world.

The Key: Myofascial Release

The true key that unlocked this new chapter was my immersion into Myofascial Release (MFR). I trained extensively with John F. Barnes, a pioneer in the field, and discovered the power of this gentle, yet profound, technique. MFR focuses on the fascia—the web of connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, and organ. By releasing restrictions in the fascia, you can unlock patterns of pain and tension that traditional methods often miss.

Bridging Worlds: From Human to Equine Therapy

I started translating these skills to my equine partners. The results were nothing short of miraculous. Horses that had been written off with chronic lameness or behavioural issues began to move with a freedom and comfort their owners hadn't seen in years. This wasn't just about "fixing" a problem; it was about listening to the body with my hands and helping it find its own way back to balance.

My practice naturally expanded to include dogs and cats, each presenting unique puzzles and rewarding outcomes. I found that the principles of MFR were universal, a common language spoken by the bodies of all creatures.

Sharing the Knowledge: Teaching Worldwide

As my reputation grew, so did the demand from others wanting to learn. Vets, trainers, and bodyworkers saw the changes I was facilitating and asked, "Can you teach me?" This was the genesis of my journey as an educator.

I developed a curriculum designed to translate complex anatomical concepts into practical, hands-on skills. This led to my long-standing and cherished collaboration with Equinology®. As a primary instructor, I've had the privilege of travelling the globe—from the United States and Canada to Europe, South Africa, and Australia—sharing my passion and empowering students to become skilled and intuitive therapists.

The Holistic Approach: Integrating Essential Oils

But my learning journey didn't stop there. I've always believed in an integrated approach to wellness. Just as I saw the connection between rider and horse, I saw how a body's healing could be supported by more than just manual therapy. This led me to explore the world of therapeutic-grade essential oils.

I discovered that essential oils were a perfect complement to my hands-on work. They could help manage inflammation, calm the nervous system before a session, support tissue recovery afterward, and provide owners with a safe, natural tool to continue the healing process at home. It was another layer of support, another way to honour the body's natural intelligence.

By integrating essential oils into my toolkit, I could address the physical, emotional, and even energetic aspects of wellbeing for my animal and human clients alike.

A Multi-Faceted Approach to Healing

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on myofascial release and bodywork
• Scientific Foundation: Evidence-based physical therapy principles
• Natural Support: Therapeutic-grade essential oils for inflammation and recovery
• Holistic Perspective: Addressing physical, emotional, and energetic wellbeing
• Client Empowerment: Education and tools for continued healing at home

Today: A Tapestry of Healing Modalities

Today, my story is a tapestry woven from these diverse threads: the scientific foundation of physical therapy, the intuitive art of myofascial release, the joy of teaching worldwide, and the supportive power of nature's own essential oils.

It's a journey that has taught me that the most profound healing happens when we listen with our hands, our minds, and our hearts. Whether working with a horse struggling with chronic lameness, a dog recovering from injury, or teaching the next generation of bodyworkers, my mission remains the same: to facilitate the body's natural capacity for healing and to empower others to do the same.