Meet Our Team
Meet the dedicated team of humans and animals at Healing Grounds, a sanctuary where nature and connection come together. Founders Deena West and Melisha Franks share a deep passion for creating a space where people can unplug, recharge, and find healing in the presence of animals and nature. Our animals each have their own personalities, emotions, and stories, ready to connect with you on your healing journey. While these animals are here to teach and inspire, visits to Healing Grounds are by appointment only.
Come and experience the magic of Healing Grounds—where nature, animals, and wellness unite.
​
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. With a gentle and compassionate approach, she now provides equine-assisted sessions, helping her clients experience something transformational, where they also catch the 'horse bug'!
Deena West
Co-owner and Registered Psychologist.
Deena is fueled by an adventurous spirit and a passion for living life to the fullest! Her deep love for animals is at the core of everything she does, and she brings that warmth and connection into her practice, creating a space where empathy and authenticity thrive. Deena believes in the incredible healing power of nature—helping her clients tackle life’s toughest challenges with bravery and curiosity. Whether she’s working with clients or out with her husky and horses, her vibrant energy and understanding inspire growth and transformation.
From the feel of sunlight on your skin to the grounding sensation of bare feet on the earth, Deena is all about embracing the magic of nature. She invites you to unplug, reset, and experience slowing down in a fast-paced world. Renewal awaits you!
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!
​
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 Gogolinski
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.
​
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!