Degrees
– AS in Veterinary Tech
– BA in Psychology
– MA in Communication Disorders
Certifications
– RMT: Reiki Master/Teacher
– CVT: Certified Veterinary Technician
– CCRP: Certified Canine Rehab Practitioner
– CCMT: Certified Canine Massage Therapist
– CCTPM: Certified Canine TriggerPoint Myotherapist
Additional Coursework
– Pet First Aid and CPR
– Animal Reiki
– Animal Communication
– Animal Acupressure
– Tellington Touch for Animals
– Essential Oils for Animals
– Shamanic Practice
– Kundalini Yoga
Publications
– NAVTA Journal (National Veterinary Technician Association)
“Veterinary Technicians: Unsung Heroes of Our Dogs’ Lives”
Lectures
– Veterinary Tech Department (Holyoke Community College)
“Holistic Pet Care – Balancing Your Pet’s Body, Mind, and Soul”
My Story:
Welcome to “Hand To Paw”!
My name is Karen and I live in Agawam, Massachusetts with my 2
cocker spaniels, Jaisy and Meg (and husband Ryan). It was caring for
my dog Jenna that guided me onto this path of animal healing.
Since the day we met, my brightest joy came from my best friend
Jenna – and as she aged it became my personal mission to maximize her
quality of life. It was then I began taking classes, reading books, and
meeting mentors of holistic animal healing. The similarities in
wanting to maximize quality of life for those we love, whether they be
human or animal, became apparent.
Thus began my journey toward finding ways to offer the animals
we love those same healing options that we have for the humans in our
lives. I began Hand To Paw in 2005 to achieve that goal through Animal
Reiki, Canine Massage, and Canine Trigger-Point Myo-therapy.
I worked 20 years in human rehabilitation, helping patients
dealing with head injuries, stroke, dementia, and other challenges of
aging. My Reiki Master level training was a wonderful adjunct to my
human therapy sessions. Much of my journey with animal healing I did
while also doing this work as a human therapist.
Then I found myself at a fork in the road…… to stay on the path
of human healing, or to alter that path to allow full focus on animal
healing so that I could share it with others who wanted this for their
beloved animals too. It was then that I went back to school to become a
Certified Veterinary Technician as well as achieve certification as a
Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner through the University of Tennessee.
Having added these credentials I could now branch out and offer
additional modalities of holistic animal wellness and healing here
through Hand To Paw.
In addition to serving the animals of my own area, I began
wondering about all the people who love their animals but either don’t
live near facilities that offer these types of services, don’t have the
money or time to continue going to them, or whose animals aren’t up for
the travel. I meditated on this to find the clarity and courage to
act on what I discovered my truth to be – to help animals live the
longest and happiest lives they possibly can with the people who love
them – wherever they may live. Through the continued growth of this
site, I could reach anyone who wanted to be reached with education and
distance sessions/programs, in adddition to the hands-on work I have
shared for so long with pets in my own area.
So here I am…… I will never stop learning all that I can, and sharing my knowledge with anyone who is interested. I hope that I can provide you and the pets you love with help toward your own goal of maximizing their quality of life – as well as the strength of the bond between you.
Best Wishes &
Blessed Be our Animal Best Friends,
~ Karen