MSEMT Instructor Team
Tracey Mitchell, BA, REMT - Founder, Lead Instructor
Horses run deep on both sides of Tracey’s family, so there was no doubt that a passion for them has directed most of her life. A competitor in the discipline of dressage, Tracey enjoyed many years competing and really enjoyed the relationship that developed between her and her horses.
Tracey graduated from D’AL program in 1999. Upon earning the Award of Excellence based on her time as a student, Tracey was hired back as an instructor, and taught in the program for 14 years.
Tracey has been very active in educating people about the benefits of having a properly trained equine massage therapist to work on their horses. She has spoken at various events and conferences over years, sharing her passion of the importance of massage therapy and how the modality can and should be implemented in horse care. She has taken her dedication for the profession and built herself a successful and thriving business, that has spanned over 25 years.
Her journey as a Registered Equine Massage Therapist has taken her across North America massaging horses for some of Canada’s top show jumpers. She has massaged horses that have represented Canada in Olympics, Pan Am Games and World Equestrian Games. Tracey’s business covers South/Southwest Ontario, and she has been massaging fulltime since June of 2013. Tracey’s love of teaching and the sharing of her skills and experiences, is what has come full circle here into what has become the Mitchell School of Equine Massage Therapy. She is excited to develop this program into the must-have educational experience for those who want to make a difference and impact in the field of equine massage therapy.
Lisa Ross - REMT
Growing up on her family farm, Cyan Star Morgans, Lisa’s passion for horses & riding began very early, she lived & breathed horses! She has been involved in many aspects of the equine industry including owning, training, showing and breeding horses, mostly Morgan Horses.
After completing her BA Honours Specialization in Kinesiology & Health Sciences at the University of Western Ontario, she became interested in equine massage therapy after seeing what it did for her mare who was dealing with an old injury flare up at the time. She enrolled in the Equine Massage Therapy program at the Darcy Lane Institute, a 2-year program, in 2009. She graduated with top honours and passed the International Federation of Registered Equine Massage Therapists (IFREMT) entrance board exams to become registered. Lisa was asked to return as an instructor for the Darcy Lane equine program in 2011.
In 2014, Lisa took on the role of Director of Education for the Equine Massage Therapy program. She held this title until the acquisition of Darcy Lane Inc. by triOS college in 2017. She was appointed the Faculty Head of the EMT program as well as continuing to teach a variety of the equine courses including equine anatomy, physiology, massage theory & techniques and conformation & kinesiology. She has been active in organizing guest speakers & outreach events where the students attend public equine events to promote and practice equine massage therapy.
Lisa resides outside of London, Ont with her husband and 2 young daughters, running a 300-acre cattle farm, which includes her 2 Morgan horses, Markie & Britta, and a pony, Princess! She is active with both the Ontario & Canadian Morgan Horse associations as well as the IFREMT and Equestrian Canada. She is also dedicated to continually building her practice, Equi-Lete Massage Therapy, based out of London & surrounding areas.
Kate Fowler - REMT
Hello! My name is Kate Fowler and I have been a member in good standing of the IFREMT since 2002. My enthusiasm for horses was ignited at an early age, and I have been fortunate to be involved in the equine industry for many years as an owner, competitor, official and Show Manager.
After graduating from college, I have equipped myself with the skills necessary to create pathways for improved performance, injury rehabilitation and preventative health for horses. I returned to my alma mater to assist in teaching the Theory and Technique course as well as the Hydrotherapy course, where I was able to work with Tracey Mitchell. In 2015 I joined forces with Tracey’s Mitchell Equine Massage to service horses in Southwestern Ontario.
I have a very strong interest in biomechanics and the impact of proper work on the horse’s body overtime. I enjoy educating owners and riders alike on the short and long term benefits as well as how massage can help achieve those goals. I am happy to work in conjunction with veterinarians, chiropractors, acupuncturists, saddle fitters, farriers, etc. as part of their horse’s whole health team.
Mary Hayes - REMT/RMT
Hi! I’m Mary and I’m a Registered Equine Massage Therapist, a Registered Massage Therapist and a Cranial Sacral Therapist.
I was born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia but have been living in southwestern Ontario since 2009 where I attended D’arcy Lane. I’ve been practising as an REMT and RMT since 2011/2012. I also taught the Theory and Technique course at D’arcy Lane from 2012 to 2017.
I have been involved with horses my entire life and started competing at 11 years old in the hunter/jumper world. Some of my most successful years have been with my long time heart horse, Kasey, including competing at the Royal in the 4 ft hunters in 2018. Most recently, I bought a young mare and bred my first foal last year which resulted in a filly in June! I have a strong passion working with young horses and can’t wait to watch my filly grow over the next few years!
My husband and I have a small farm located outside of St Thomas, which include my horses, our 9 cows, 2 cattle dogs and 9 cats. Some of my other hobbies include soccer, skiing, camping, baking and I have recently started growing fresh cut flowers on our farm. I also have gotten back into creating art and photography, which I had previously gone to university for fine arts before becoming a massage therapist.
Janet Storey - REMT
I graduated from TriOs College (D'Arcy Lane) with an advanced diploma in Equine Massage Therapy in 2019 and became registered with the International Federation of Registered Equine Massage Therapists (IFREMT). I have been involved in the equine industry for over 12 years in various roles including working, riding, teaching, and volunteering. I spent my formative years as a member of the Canadian Pony Club and continued riding through college with the Ontario Collegiate Equestrian Association. Recently I have enjoyed learning and experiencing in depth the Standardbred racing industry. Most recently I was an instructor at TriOs College as an instructor for the Equine Massage Therapy program.
I own Thrive Equine Massage Therapy, based out of Guelph and I serve clients in Central and Southwestern Ontario. I specialize in treating performance and sport horses, mostly hunter-jumpers and Standardbred racehorses. My practice also handles the maintenance and rehabilitation of a wide variety of horses ranging from foals to minis to draft horses and any size in between. I also provide equine kinesiology taping and equithalasso mud to my clients. I particularly enjoy getting to know each horse and understanding their individual personalities.
When I'm not around horses, I enjoy spending time reading and playing soccer or figure skating.