About Us

The simple  answer would be “I love dogs, I love horses, I feel like it’s my  calling” but those words sound so generic. Those words are true, but  it’s not a simple answer for me. It does seem that the events in my life  have always been focused on dogs and horses. I felt I could relate to  them and understand them. At age nine I was not able to go swimming with  my siblings, so my mom pacified me with horseback riding lessons. I could watch my siblings swim every day because I felt I had the better  end of that deal even though I was only riding twice a week. Horses have  such a positive energy that it was exciting for me just being around  them.

I remember as a kid all I wanted was a horse and being  told, “No” so many times. Back then I didn’t quite understand that  living in a city has its own restrictions on owning a horse. As I grew a  bit older I realized we were going to be stuck in the city zoning, so I  started asking for a St. Bernard. I knew I couldn’t ride it, but there  was excitement in knowing it would be mine to own and to take care of.

We  have always had dogs growing up and it seemed I was always the trainer.  I wasn’t assigned to this task, it was something that I loved doing. I  enjoyed relating to the dogs and teaching them manners and different  tricks to do. I remember waiting until one of my dogs was older before I  taught her to rollover. Why did I wait? I wanted to prove that you can  teach an old dog new tricks. That’s a true story.

My love of animals stuck with me as I ventured into decisions about college. I chose the courses that taught about nature and animals.  I graduated from Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. Continuing my education, I attended Virginia Commonwealth University focusing on Forensic Science for a year before deciding to  explore another career working in an analytical lab. I really enjoyed  working in the laboratory setting, but started reaching out for  something more.

While still working in a laboratory, I decided to take classes in Reiki and became a Reiki Master practitioner. Although, the class was initially demonstrated on humans, I crossed over and used  it on dogs as well. My love of dogs and training them gave me the drive to continue my education by becoming a Certified Dog Trainer through Animal Behavior College in Santa Clarita, California. Motivated by my love of horses, I enrolled at Equissage, the oldest and leading trainer of animal massage therapists in the world. There I learned and certified in Equine Sports Massage Therapy and Canine Massage Therapy through Equissage’s training and certification program.

My husband and I were the proud owners of two rescue mixes from different shelters until my oldest, Zion (the company's namesake) passed away in April 2019. Allie Mae, who is the only dog now, has her Canine Good Citizen title. She has also earned her Intermediate Trick Dog title as well as titles in Rally and Rally FrEe. She is used as my demo dog when I teach classes. Zion had trained in obedience and was happy being the big sister. She loved letting her little sister know who was really in charge.  

Back  to the original question, “Why did I start Zion’s Touch?”. I really enjoy working with the owners to train their dogs and seeing them progress to the next level.  I love seeing the positive results that a massage or Reiki session can do for a dog or a horse. Each time I can do this for them, I feel it is a blessing for me. 

 Equinine Sports Massage Therapist (ESMT) certified through Equissage

Canine Massage Therapist  (CMT) certified through Equissage

Reiki Master Practitioner certified through Divine Spark LLC

Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) certified through Animal Behavior College

Canine Conditioning Coach (CCC) certified through Do More With Your Dog!