Lola Michelin
Lola has been practicing animal massage for over 20 years and founded the Northwest School of Animal Massage, where she serves as Director of Education.
She has appeared on radio and television promoting animal massage and speaks on the topic nationally. Lola serves as the Official Guide to Pets for the online professional association SelfGrowth, and twice was a featured clinician and speaker at the IAAMB (International Association of Animal Massage and Bodywork) annual convention. She served as past president of the Washington Animal Massage Association and as the legislative liaison for IAATH (International Association of Animal Therapists and Healers).
Lola Michelin’s writings on animals and animal massage have been seen in ModernDog, Animal Wellness, Practical Horseman, Massage Magazine and in an exclusive chapter of Women & Horses II - More Expressions of the Magical Bond by GaWaNi PonyBoy. She has authored two anatomy guides for animal massage practitioners and is currently working on other book projects. Her DVDs, Large Animal Massage Demonstration, and Small Animal Massage Demonstration, are both available through NWSAM.
Lola grew up with dogs and horses and is a successful equestrian competitor. She studied animal science at Michigan State University and has worked in the animal health care field as a veterinary technician, a pathology technician and a zookeeper.
Her private massage practice serves horses, dogs, and people and has included such exotic species as elephants, giraffe and primates. Lola’s most inspiring work to date is teaching students massage in shelter and rescue environments where she has witnessed monumental transformations in both the animals and students.
When she isn’t teaching or providing massage, Lola can most likely be found playing with her two Jack Russell Terriers “Gorilla” and “Shanny,” riding her horse “Osso” or chasing and being chased by her miniature donkey “Seth”!
Her work and play are dedicated to the memory of Connie Caldwell, who was a source of inspiration and to “Oberon.”
