Lola Michelin is a pioneering figure in animal massage therapy and one of the profession’s most respected educators, with over four decades of experience in equine and animal bodywork. She began her career as a Veterinary Research Assistant at Michigan State University’s Large Animal Clinic, building a strong scientific foundation in anatomy and physiology. From 1985 to 2007, she worked extensively in the racehorse industry as a massage therapist and veterinary technician at major tracks across the U.S. and Canada, developing deep expertise in injury prevention, rehabilitation support, and performance optimization. Her background also includes elite sport horse management roles, including working with Olympic show jumper Chris Kappler and serving as Team Therapist for Legacy Hunters and Jumpers for more than two decades. A lifelong equestrian and active competitor, Lola remains deeply engaged in the horse community.

In 2001, Lola founded the Northwest School of Animal Massage (NWSAM), where she serves as Director of Education and primary instructor. Under her leadership, the school has trained thousands of students and helped establish professional standards in animal bodywork. She played a key role in developing the legal framework for animal massage practice in Washington State and co-founded the National Board of Certification for Animal Acupressure & Massage to advance national standards. An international clinician and presenter, Lola has taught worldwide and worked with a wide range of species, from horses and companion animals to giraffes and marine mammals. Honored with the 2006 AMTA Lifetime Achievement Award, she continues to shape the field through education, mentorship, and a commitment to compassionate, science-based care.

Original co-founder of the Northwest School of Animal Massage and founder of Therapy Corner Store; Joan Sorita is a licensed massage practitioner for both humans and animals, with more than 30 years of experience in aromatics, bodywork, and zoopharmacognosy. A Certified Aromatherapist and Level 2 practitioner with the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, she is also a Certified NES Practitioner in Bioenergetics. Joan has completed extensive advanced training with respected educators including Caroline Ingraham, Jade Shutes, Catherine Bird, and others, accumulating hundreds of hours in clinical-level aromatic study and self-selection work with animals. Her hands-on fieldwork includes over a thousand hours of sessions and case studies, as well as international experience in Costa Rica, England, and the United States, where she has consulted, taught, and worked with a wide range of species in both private and rehabilitation settings.

An educator since 2001 with the Northwest School of Animal Massage, Joan teaches animal massage and aromatic science with a strong emphasis on safety, ethics, and sustainability. She has also taught at Bellevue Massage School, Bastyr University, Best Friends Animal Society, and through ASPCA programs, in addition to offering workshops, webinars, certification courses, and media appearances internationally. A frequent podcast and radio guest, she actively shares her knowledge on the responsible use of aromatics with animals. Joan also runs a Retirement and Rescue Farm in Montesano, Washington, where she continues to teach small-group classes in aromatics and bodywork, remaining deeply committed to mentoring students in compassionate, respectful animal care.

A graduate of the Northwest School of Animal Massage (Class of 2019), Ross has a long-standing association with Therapy Corner Store (TCS) and is also an FEI Permitted Equine Therapist (PET), bringing extensive field knowledge from years of hands-on work in demanding professional barn and horse show environments. He has worked closely with top-tier equine athletes at competitions and in training barns, gaining firsthand experience in the unique physical and performance needs of horses competing at the highest levels.

In addition to his therapeutic expertise, Ross is an accomplished rider across multiple disciplines, offering students a valuable perspective that bridges horsemanship, biomechanics, movement, and applied bodywork. His ability to integrate riding experience with therapeutic practice allows him to teach with both technical depth and practical relevance.

With his broad background in elite equine care and competition settings, we know Ross will bring a tremendous wealth of knowledge, real-world insight, and hands-on expertise to our in-barn workshop, making this an exceptional learning opportunity for all participants.