Meet Our Team
Get to know our team of humans and animals at Healing Grounds.
The founders, Deena West and Melisha Franks are passionate about creating a sanctuary where people can come and unplug in nature and with animals. They are building Healing Grounds to become a destination for travelers around the world with the addition of geodesic glamping domes, cabins, yurts, and more!
Our animals all have their own personalities, emotions, and stories.
While the Animals are here for us to learn, entry to the grounds is by appointment only.
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Melisha Franks
Co-owner and Registered Psychologist.
Melisha grew up on an acreage in southern Alberta and has loved animals her whole life. She has many fond memories on the back of a horse and believes her many adventures fostered a strength and resiliency in her that contributed to the woman she is today. Growing up with horses, dogs, and cats, Melisha has experienced and witnessed the power of healing and emotional health through her connection to her animals. At a young age, Melisha caught the ‘horse bug’ and lived and breathed horses all throughout her adolescent years. She is used in riding equine-assisted learning sessions and is compassionate and patient with people.
Deena West
Co-owner and Registered Psychologist.
Deena has owned dogs her entire life, feeling a deep connection with the husky breed. She currently partners with her 5 year old Siberian Husky, Lola. Deena has also been working with horses doing Animal Assisted Therapy since 2016. She believes the partnership with a horse in therapy is like no other experience in assisting clients heal. Deena first started her equine therapy partnership with Treasure, who is loved by all who meet him!
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Deena is a nature buff and enjoys being outdoors bringing in the natural healing that only nature can do, from sunlight, to bare feet on the ground, to the relaxing properties of water. She truly believes in the experience of nature and how it teaches us to be still in an unnaturally busy world.
Deena invites you to come unplug and reset with her.
Angela Batista
Angela is a Registered Social Worker and Certified Canadian Counsellor who specializes in supporting children and their families with Animal Assisted Therapy, leveraging the unique connections and healing potential facilitated by horses, dogs, gerbils, and other animals. At Healing Grounds, Angela partners with horses to empower clients of all ages to meet their therapy goals and to thrive!
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Angela is very passionate about horses and their healing power. She provides a gentle and compassionate approach in therapy and marvels at the changes clients experience in nature, with these majestic animals!
Kenzie Gogolinsky
Kenzie is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Counselling in Applied Psychology. She is the owner of Speckles who is an Appoloosa mare and is one of our horses at Healing Grounds that provides Animal Assisted Therapy and Trail Rides.
Treasure
Treasure is 22 years old. He is a sorrel with his white star on his forehead. In his younger years he was training to become a competition horse in reining and roping. While training he injured himself and put a permanent halt to that career path.
Now that he is at Healing Grounds he is put to work as a therapy assistant.
Treasure loves his naps, food and visiting with people while on the lookout for a possible treat or even just some extra attention.
Speckles
Speckles is an Appaloosa mare. She is a sweet, affectionate girl who is also calm and generous. Speckles is a very curious, adaptable, friendly horse and has been used in lessons and trail riding before joining her current herd. Speckles has been participating in EAL sessions for a few years now and her favourite part seems to be meeting all the new people! Speckles sometimes struggles with her boundaries because she loves being close to you.
Knox
Knox is a gentle, cautious eight-year-old palomino gelding. He was supposed to be a barrel horse but he wasn't built for speed, he was built for leisurely trail rides and cuddles. Knox is a sweet boy, wants to please, loves people, and does best when he feels someone he trusts is leading him. He loves partnering with humans in Animal Assisted Therapy sessions and especially loves it when he is off his harness and lead where he gets to choose to follow and build connection at his own pace.
Putt
Putt is a 15-year-old quarter horse gelding. He was a ranch horse before he came to Healing Grounds and is used for ridden equine-assisted learning sessions. He is an absolute gentleman who is brave and steady. All the mares follow Putt around and adore him (we do too).
Since Putt has joined us he has been given the nickname "Prince" since he is so charming.
Putt is a great therapy assistant.
Seraphina
Seraphina is our youngest and spiciest mare. She is a Quarter Horse cross Arabian filly who is almost three years old. Seraphina is very inquisitive and wants to be involved in everything, even though she is not old enough to participate yet. She is intelligent and the first to come and investigate anything new. Like many youngsters, Seraphina is usually either running around or fast asleep. Sera is in training to become a therapy assistant.
Lola
Lola is a Siberian Husky that loves people, treats, and naps.
She is very smart, active, outgoing, and a great vocalist.
Lola is a trained therapy assistant. She loves helping people by providing them with socialization, engagement, and comfort.
The Chicks
The Chicks are retired laying hens and some of them are seniors. Don't be fooled though - they are very friendly, energetic and talkative and still lay eggs every day. The eggs are for sale and proceeds go towards their feed.
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Stay tuned!
We will be introducing our Haflingers, Honey and Allen!
Our Goats
Meet Clara's Goat Crew, our goats all named after Star Wars characters. They love to explore, play and cuddle. They are not trained and can be spontaneous at times, but that's what makes them fun!
They are our yoga assistants, and obstacle course champions in training. They also just love to visit, get scratches, and lots of treats!