I am an expert on integrating animals into group therapy with children. I see things differently I have been told. However, my perspective is the only one that makes sense to me. I realized at age 23 that animals had truly saved my life. When my father was killed in a plane crash when I was 9 years old I turned to my dog and rabbits when I was sad. Then when my family was torn apart by a verbally abusive alcoholic I jumped on the back of my horse and escaped into a world free of yelling and screaming. When my mother was killed in a car accident when I was 19 I again turned to animals when I secured a job at the local zoo. If you look at my history I had every chance to turn to drugs, alcohol, sex, and suicide. Because of my access to animals I was able to focus on life instead of death.
Now the most important thing in my life is providing this expertise to others. Working side by side my animal ambassadors I am able to connect with children across Los Angeles in ways that no one else can. I am given passage into their lives in a way that enables compassion and process in a safe and empathetic space. I am passionate about providing each child whether dealing with death, divorce, gang violence, peer pressure, whatever. Each child deserves a chance for an alternative and self-expressive way to communicate with others in a way that builds inner strength and resiliency.
Animals saved my life when I was 9, 19, and now they have given me a reason to live at 32. I hope you too find your life saved by who or whatever you need the most. If you have please respond back and share your story with me.
