Beth Yerrick graduated from Western Michigan University with a teaching major in Emotional Impairment and continued to attend WMU to obtain a Masters in Educational Leadership and Teaching Socially and Educationally Disadvantaged children. She taught special education at Comstock Public Schools for 38 years, and has spent the last six as a classroom behavioral consultant.
She has been a local, state, and national advocate for children’s mental health serving as president of the local Kalamazoo chapter and state level board of the Michigan Association of Children with Emotional Disorders, as well as the national board of The Federation of Children’s Mental Health. While teaching, it was common for Beth to use animals as an integral part of the program. This included taking classes for horseback riding therapy at the Cheff Center, having white rats for students to train, and a spunky Jack Russell named Rikki Tikki Tavi.
Beth’s interest in opening a year around warm water facility occurred when the family’s elder dog, Duke could no longer control is bowels and was losing the ability to walk. The veterinarian emphasized he needed to be in water, and there was no year around facility in the area. She researched the need, studied warm water facilities in operation around the nation, and then hunted for training. When she found PetMassage in Toledo, Ohio, and completed specific instruction in Water Work with dogs, she proposed to Mary Lester and husband, Darryl that they open their own facility. Beth is a Certified WaterWork Practitioner and is currently finishing her certification as a canine massage therapist. She also maintains certification in Pet First Aid/CPR. She is a member of IAAMB/AWT.
1613 Riverview Dr
Kalamazoo, MI 49004
PHONE: (269) 459-9393 are
FAX: (269) 459-9394