Visits to Healing Grounds is by appointment only
Meet The Team
Co-Owner & Therapist
Melisha Franks
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.
Melisha has provided Animal Assisted Therapy since 2016 and has dreamed about building a safe space where people can connect with animals in nature and heal, grow, and thrive. She hopes you will visit Healing Grounds and see how time with horses, prairie walks and talks, goat yoga, and creative arts in nature and so much more can heal your soul and build a strength and resiliency in you!
Co-Owner & Therapist
Deena West
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.
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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.
Facilitator and Equine Coach
Nicole Dodd
Nicole is a counsellor with a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology and a passion for Equine Assisted Therapy who loves working with clients of all ages. She is a registered horse-riding coach with 20 years of coaching experience. In all her work, she empowers individuals using the transformative power of horses. Through interactive sessions, Nicole helps clients gain insights, improve communication, and boost confidence. She is dedicated to helping others through therapy, coaching and riding lessons. Using her expertise, compassion, and the wisdom of horses, Nicole guides individuals on a path of personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. Get ready to unleash your potential by booking a session with Nicole!
Registered Social Worker, MA, BSW, CCC
Angela Batista
Angela 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!