Hello, I’m Alaina
What is an Animal Chaplain?
As an Animal Chaplain, I honor animal lives and heal human hearts. Additionally, I help humans and animals thrive and aid people with difficult decisions. I can guide you in discerning joys as well as challenges. I am here to journey with you.
From a young age, I was delighted and inspired by other beings, from the tiny squiggling worms to the furry, finned, and shelled family members I shared a home with or were in the presence of while outdoors. Growing older, I found joy volunteering with my sister at SPCA Cincinnati, our local animal shelter. I became more attentive to the plight of animals when I moved to Colorado and became involved in animal advocacy. During this phase in my life, I also found joy at local farmed animal sanctuaries by engaging in animal care. I came to realize through my time at the sanctuaries that honoring our relationships with animals is important, including the support that may be required for their emotions and needs as well as our own.
Over the years, I have come across so many losses. Most recently, with a beloved dog named Meeka. She really was a rock in my life and had been there with me for 13 years. In the mountains, at social gatherings, on a quick trip to the store, or on an adventure to the dog park, Meeka was happily by my side, and then all of a sudden she wasn’t. I found solace in the lessons she taught me such as knowing that I can always find peace within myself, and when I slow down, I can find that light within me. Her gentleness was found when she lay in the snow, found the ever-so-many places to sniff on walks, and came nose-to-nose with Jasmine the cat. Walks are a gift from Meeka that I approach with grace. Now they look similar (I always bring a walking stick), but I hold Meeka in my heart as I go.
A culmination of life events brought me to where I am today, even after experiencing such a profound loss. Directly supporting individuals of various species in animal shelters, animal sanctuaries, and those living freely outdoors, my experiences and ability to companion others lend to deep understanding. This continues to strengthen as I engage in Level Two Animal Reiki training. My interest in the human-animal bond is foundational in my offerings as an animal chaplain. With over a decade of experience working with children and teenagers of all abilities, I can offer a unique skill set to empathize and understand our profound connection to those who have passed on. My passion for advocacy blends interests in freedoms for animals, humans, and our beautiful planet.
Hobbies and Other Bits: I joyfully participate in gardening, cooking, meditating, reading, taking online courses, going on walks, kickboxing, and experiencing moments of peace while outdoors. I currently live in the Denver area with my partner Dylan and two rescued cat family members named Eclipse and Jasmine.
To become an Ordained Interspecies Animal Chaplain, I completed a rigorous 9-month training program with the Compassion Consortium. The Animal Chaplaincy training “combines chaplaincy fundamentals and bereavement basics with best practices from the innovative fields of interspecies spirituality, humane education, animal theology, nature spirituality, and human-animal studies.” (Bowen)
When I offer Animal Reiki, an individual’s agency is centered on the Let Animals Lead Method. Given the choice to join a healing space, the animal individual might choose to come out of the loving energy. During this time, the animal may wish to be touched, placing a part of their body in our hands. To allow this loving space of deep relaxation and ongoing agency in the healing space, I do not approach him/her and place my hands on their body. The Let Animals Lead Method can be offered to any individual. This is when we see their perfection in the present moment and can tune into the wise and compassionate teachings of any being.
Member and Practitioner of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association.
The Night Sky Garden is a member organization of the Interfaith Vegan Coalition.
How Did I Get Here?
- Ordained Interspecies Animal Chaplain from The Compassion Consortium
- Animals and Human Health Certificate from The University of Denver’s Institute for Human-Animal Connection
- Level 2 Certified Practitioner in the Let Animals Lead method of Animal Reiki
- Shelter Animal Reiki Association Practitioner and Member
- Certificate in Vegan Permaculture Design with The Permaculture Association
- Master of Education in Literacy Instruction K-12; Eleven years of working with families from diverse backgrounds and a specialty of working with children and teenagers of all abilities
- Member of Spiritual Directors International, Interfaith Vegan Coalition, and the Compassion Consortium
- Passionately participating in a variety of animal, earth, and human advocacy efforts for a decade
You write about veganism and animal advocacy. What if neither of those things are part of my life?
I’m here to journey with you and come with the understanding that we are all on our own paths. While my personal journey centers on advocacy for other beings and eliminating animal products (as well as other habits that oppress animals) to the greatest extent possible, I honor those seeking care by holding space, understanding, and working with you and your needs while being free from judgment or shame.
Those who express interest in learning more about how to help animals in any capacity will enjoy time discussing how you can join advocacy spaces while maintaining boundaries and self-care.
