Our mission is to offer:
Meet our instructors
Denise Theobald
Founder, Lead Instructor, LMT, CVMRT, NCCMT
Denise has been a licensed human massage therapist for over 30 years, and her experience working with animals stretches over 25 of those years. She is nationally certified in human massage through NCBTMB, she holds national certification as a canine massage therapist through NBCAAM, is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR, and is certified in Veterinary Massage and Rehabilitation Therapy through The Healing Oasis.
A graduate of Animal Sense Academy, now known as FetchFind Academy, and various programs in canine medical massage, Denise became a pioneer in the field of canine massage when she founded her canine massage business, Pet-ri-ssage Ltd., in 1998, providing therapeutic massage and teaching workshops. After 12 years of operating, she opened her dual practice Deeply Kneaded Therapeutic Massage, which cared for both 2-legged and 4-legged clients. She then established the Chicago School of Canine Massage (CSCM) in 2008. CSCM, now Canis Bodyworks LLC, has been an industry leader offering the most comprehensive hands-on program in the world.
Denise’s background and experience as a human and canine massage therapist and educator, dog trainer, athletic trainer, and certified personal trainer (NASM) add a unique level of insight and precision to her work with the canine athlete and those with behavioral challenges. As canine bodywork and massage continue to evolve, Denise continues to learn about canine behavior and new techniques applying multiple disciplines to bring the most cutting edge bodywork education to the animal world.
Along with being lead instructor for Canis Bodyworks, Denise currently works in private practice as a canine massage therapist and as a veterinary rehabilitation therapist. Denise shares her home life with her wife Julie and 4-legged companions Lucy and Eos, along with the many foster animals who come into their care.
A graduate of Animal Sense Academy, now known as FetchFind Academy, and various programs in canine medical massage, Denise became a pioneer in the field of canine massage when she founded her canine massage business, Pet-ri-ssage Ltd., in 1998, providing therapeutic massage and teaching workshops. After 12 years of operating, she opened her dual practice Deeply Kneaded Therapeutic Massage, which cared for both 2-legged and 4-legged clients. She then established the Chicago School of Canine Massage (CSCM) in 2008. CSCM, now Canis Bodyworks LLC, has been an industry leader offering the most comprehensive hands-on program in the world.
Denise’s background and experience as a human and canine massage therapist and educator, dog trainer, athletic trainer, and certified personal trainer (NASM) add a unique level of insight and precision to her work with the canine athlete and those with behavioral challenges. As canine bodywork and massage continue to evolve, Denise continues to learn about canine behavior and new techniques applying multiple disciplines to bring the most cutting edge bodywork education to the animal world.
Along with being lead instructor for Canis Bodyworks, Denise currently works in private practice as a canine massage therapist and as a veterinary rehabilitation therapist. Denise shares her home life with her wife Julie and 4-legged companions Lucy and Eos, along with the many foster animals who come into their care.
Kasey Braun
Instructor, LVT, CCRP, NCCMT
Kasey has over 20 years of experience in the field of veterinary care, rehabilitation, and animal bodywork. She's been a licensed Certified Veterinary Technician since 2002, a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner since 2006, and Board-Certified Canine Massage Therapist since 2012. She also has extended study of osteopathic techniques and tuning fork therapy. Kasey has dedicated her career to helping animals move, heal, and thrive. Her expertise in myofascial therapy, lymphatic work, rehabilitation techniques, or other specialties has allowed her to support countless animals in achieving better mobility, comfort, and overall well-being.
Passionate about the science and art of healing, Kasey has spent decades refining her skills through hands-on practice, advanced education, and collaboration with veterinarians and other professionals. Her approach combines a deep understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and therapeutic touch, ensuring individualized care for every pet she works with.
Beyond hands-on work, Kasey is committed to education and mentorship, teaching pet parents and professionals the benefits of canine bodywork, and massage therapy techniques. Through workshops, training programs, and one-on-one coaching, she empowers others with the knowledge to support their animals’ long-term health.
Kasey is a lead instructor for Canis Bodyworks in Virginia, and she is the founder of Still Point Animal Wellness. Kasey continues to innovate and advocate for a whole-body approach to healing, ensuring that every pet receives the care, movement, and balance they deserve.
Passionate about the science and art of healing, Kasey has spent decades refining her skills through hands-on practice, advanced education, and collaboration with veterinarians and other professionals. Her approach combines a deep understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and therapeutic touch, ensuring individualized care for every pet she works with.
Beyond hands-on work, Kasey is committed to education and mentorship, teaching pet parents and professionals the benefits of canine bodywork, and massage therapy techniques. Through workshops, training programs, and one-on-one coaching, she empowers others with the knowledge to support their animals’ long-term health.
Kasey is a lead instructor for Canis Bodyworks in Virginia, and she is the founder of Still Point Animal Wellness. Kasey continues to innovate and advocate for a whole-body approach to healing, ensuring that every pet receives the care, movement, and balance they deserve.
Sara May
Co-Founder, Lead Instructor, NCCMT, NCCAP
Sara May is a graduate of the Chicago School of Canine Massage and has been certified in Canine Massage Therapy since 2011. In 2012, she achieved national certification in canine massage through the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure and Massage (NBCAAM). At the same time, she became an instructor at the Chicago School of Canine Massage. She continues to learn and seek educational opportunities to expand her knowledge and experience. In 2016, she earned her national certification in Canine Acupressure, also through NBCAAM. Sara is certified in Pet First Aid and CPR.
As a former college English instructor, Sara is a strong advocate for education. One of the favorite aspects of her work is teaching massage classes to pet parents, shelter staff and volunteers, and prospective therapists. Through education, she believes that the value and importance of canine massage and bodywork can be understood, shared, and appreciated by an ever-increasing audience.
Sara has a private practice in northern Virginia and works part-time as a canine massage therapist and acupressure practitioner at Wholistic Paws Veterinary Services in Ashburn, VA. She lives in Berryville, VA with her husband Terry.
Sue Bohr
Instructor, NCCMT, RP
Sue has always had a love for dogs, but it was one in particular that pushed her towards learning about the health benefits of canine massage. Spencer was her 13 year old Lab/Shepherd mix that passed away from osteo-sarcoma. She felt there was more she could have done for him, so her quest began. Sue signed up for, and completed, the Level 1 and Level 2 classes while working a 50+ hour a week corporate insurance job. Needless to say, she has left the "Corporate World" and is enjoying her Quest.
Sue is a 2015 graduate of the Chicago School of Canine Massage. Sue also became certified in Pet CPR and First Aid in 2015. She is a Nationally Certified Canine Massage Therapist since January 2016. Sue has also completed the Instructor in Training program with the Chicago School for Canine Massage in 2016, and is a Level 2 Reiki Practitioner.
As her quest continues, Sue has started her own business, About a Dog - Pawsitive Canine Massage in the North Aurora area. She also continues her education in the canine massage world in hopes of spreading calming, comfort and healing to dogs through massage. When not working Sue spends her time with her wife and their dog Maggie.
Instructor, LVT, NCCMT
Robin is a Licensed Veterinary Technician who has been in veterinary medicine for the past 15 years. She has worked in emergency, general, exotic, mixed animal, and specialty practices that include surgery, internal medicine, and oncology.
Wanting to continue exploring the human-animal bond and believing that animals are some of our best teachers, Robin began taking classes with Canis Bodyworks, earning her NCCMT in 2021. She recently opened her own canine massage therapy business, Kindred Animal Massage, in the Richmond, Virginia area where she lives. Robin is also Fear Free Elite Certified.
Through education, she wants to share what she has learned about understanding and communicating with animals. Robin loves seeing the light go on in animal and human eyes when “they get it.”
Robin volunteers with several animal rescue groups and shelters. She is a Virginia Officer of Elections and a member of the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps. She and her husband have five children between them and currently share their home with three cats.
Robin is a Licensed Veterinary Technician who has been in veterinary medicine for the past 15 years. She has worked in emergency, general, exotic, mixed animal, and specialty practices that include surgery, internal medicine, and oncology.
Wanting to continue exploring the human-animal bond and believing that animals are some of our best teachers, Robin began taking classes with Canis Bodyworks, earning her NCCMT in 2021. She recently opened her own canine massage therapy business, Kindred Animal Massage, in the Richmond, Virginia area where she lives. Robin is also Fear Free Elite Certified.
Through education, she wants to share what she has learned about understanding and communicating with animals. Robin loves seeing the light go on in animal and human eyes when “they get it.”
Robin volunteers with several animal rescue groups and shelters. She is a Virginia Officer of Elections and a member of the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps. She and her husband have five children between them and currently share their home with three cats.
Alyson Snelling
Lead Instructor, NCCMT, CCFT, CPCFT, RP
With over 20 years of creative leadership as an Art Director, Alyson Snelling transitioned her career to pursue a deep-rooted passion of enhancing the lives of animals through holistic care. A Nationally Certified Canine Massage Therapist (Canis Bodyworks, NBCAAM) and Professional Canine Fitness Trainer (CCFT, CPCFT), she combines advanced bodywork, fitness training, and energy healing to promote wellness in dogs.
As Director of Marketing & Design and Lead Instructor at Canis Bodyworks, Alyson has played a pivotal role in bringing canine massage and bodywork education to the St. Louis area. Her expertise includes Fear-Free handling, Pet CPR/First Aid, and Animal & Human Reiki, ensuring a compassionate, science-backed approach to care.
Committed to lifelong learning, Alyson continually deepens her knowledge of animal behavior, communication, and integrative therapies. Whether providing hands-on healing through massage, designing strength programs for canine athletes, or teaching pet owners proactive wellness, her mission is simple: help dogs thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
As Director of Marketing & Design and Lead Instructor at Canis Bodyworks, Alyson has played a pivotal role in bringing canine massage and bodywork education to the St. Louis area. Her expertise includes Fear-Free handling, Pet CPR/First Aid, and Animal & Human Reiki, ensuring a compassionate, science-backed approach to care.
Committed to lifelong learning, Alyson continually deepens her knowledge of animal behavior, communication, and integrative therapies. Whether providing hands-on healing through massage, designing strength programs for canine athletes, or teaching pet owners proactive wellness, her mission is simple: help dogs thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Bev Spotton
Instructor, NCCMT, CPCFT, TTCP, ACE-P
A graduate of the Chicago School of Canine Massage, the precursor to Canis Bodyworks, Bev has had long experience working with dogs in the Southern Ontario area as an NBCAAM certified Canine Massage Practitioner.
Committed to furthering the support of healthy practices for dogs and their people, she is also a Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer, an ACE Certified Practitioner and a Tellington Ttouch® Guild certified Companion Animal Practitioner.
Bev’s lifelong career as a professional classical musician, with all the massage, chiropractic, physio and other bodywork required to maintain peak performance levels, has provided particular insight into how beneficial these modalities are for supporting optimum health. This unique understanding of how significantly regular massage can impact the body and overall health, coupled with her understanding of how body discomfort in our canine companions can adversely affect canine behaviour, led Bev to her second career in Canine Massage. Her deep commitment to spreading this knowledge through education led her to join the excellent Canis Bodyworks as an instructor.
Bev is the owner of the Animal Massage and Movement Education Centre, located in a converted old stone church near Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and is owner of Canine Massage and Fitness. Bev lives in Frankville, Ontario with her husband and their dog, Pepper, an Australian Shepherd.
Committed to furthering the support of healthy practices for dogs and their people, she is also a Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer, an ACE Certified Practitioner and a Tellington Ttouch® Guild certified Companion Animal Practitioner.
Bev’s lifelong career as a professional classical musician, with all the massage, chiropractic, physio and other bodywork required to maintain peak performance levels, has provided particular insight into how beneficial these modalities are for supporting optimum health. This unique understanding of how significantly regular massage can impact the body and overall health, coupled with her understanding of how body discomfort in our canine companions can adversely affect canine behaviour, led Bev to her second career in Canine Massage. Her deep commitment to spreading this knowledge through education led her to join the excellent Canis Bodyworks as an instructor.
Bev is the owner of the Animal Massage and Movement Education Centre, located in a converted old stone church near Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, and is owner of Canine Massage and Fitness. Bev lives in Frankville, Ontario with her husband and their dog, Pepper, an Australian Shepherd.
Where We Teach
Chicagoland, IL
Our Illinois-based workshops take place at K9 Therapy Massage in Villa Park, IL
St. Louis, MO
Our St. Louis-based workshops are located at The Academy of Pet Careers in St. Charles, MO
Reston, Virginia
Our Virginia workshops take place at Just Cats Clinic in Reston, VA.
Ontario, Canada
Our Canada-based workshops are located at the Animal Massage & Movement Education Centre in Frankville, Ontario
We also teach in beautiful New Zealand!
Find out more on our Mentorship Program page.
Explore our professional courses now!
Founded on compassion for animals, and dedicated to teaching aspiring professionals how to communicate safely and respectfully with dogs through healthy touch.
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