Our Story
The founders of Healing Hearts Pet Therapy Inc. have always been deeply passionate about both animals and mental health. Witnessing firsthand the profound impact animals have on emotional well-being inspired them to create an organization that ensures mental health services are accessible to all. They envisioned a space in Palm Beach County where the healing power of pets and professional counseling could come together to support individuals in need.
With this mission in mind, Healing Hearts Pet Therapy Inc. was established in 2023 to provide human-animal connection services that promote mental health and overall well-being. These services offer crucial support to individuals navigating trauma, grief, and everyday stressors, reinforcing the undeniable bond between humans and animals in the healing process.
Read below to learn more about the founders’ stories and the inspiration behind HHPTI.
Jennifer's Story:
As a little girl, I suffered from severe school phobia and social anxiety. I still remember the overwhelming fear—so intense that I would sometimes black out upon entering a classroom. My parents sought help from various medical professionals, subjecting me to countless psychological assessments, only to be told that I was intellectually gifted. Yet, no one could explain what was truly wrong.
By the age of ten, I was homeschooled, not because of my intelligence, but because of the trauma and relentless bullying I faced every time I stepped into a classroom. Despite being placed on various anti-anxiety medications by a psychiatrist, I continued to struggle. Nothing seemed to help—except for my German Shepherd, Star.
Star was my refuge. She was always by my side when I felt anxious, alone, or completely overwhelmed. There are few ways for a child to articulate the feeling of helplessness or the weight of a full-body anxiety attack, but Star understood without words. On my worst days, she would lie by my bed, offering silent comfort as I buried my hands in her fur and cried. She was my safe space when the world felt too heavy.
Looking back, I now realize that Star was more than just a pet—she was my lifeline. She was the first to show me the profound healing power of the human-animal bond. As I embarked on my academic and professional journey in mental health, I noticed that I was always surrounded by animals, experiencing the same sense of comfort I once felt as a child. This led me to explore the idea of integrating animal-assisted therapy into mental health counseling.
The connection between humans and animals is unlike any other. They offer a kind of understanding that transcends words, providing comfort in ways traditional therapy sometimes cannot. My own experiences affirmed that mental health services incorporating the human-animal bond can enhance healing and improve outcomes for those in need. Without Star, my life’s journey would have been entirely different. She not only comforted me—she shaped my purpose.
Brianna's Story:
I have always had animals in my life and learned from a young age that I shared a special bond with them. Throughout my life, I have struggled with anxiety, but in my early twenties, a series of significant life events led to a period of deep depression. During that time, my dog, Angel, became my source of comfort and stability. She provided a nonjudgmental presence, always by my side through the darkest moments. When it felt like I had no one to talk to, I could always turn to Angel.
I soon realized that Angel’s support extended beyond me. She also provided comfort to my roommate’s children. Every day, as they left for and returned from school, their first instinct was to hug Angel. When they were sad, they would seek her out, lying beside her as they calmed themselves down. Witnessing this reinforced what I had always felt—animals have an incredible ability to heal, support, and connect with people on a deep emotional level.
Because of my lived experiences, I was drawn to social work, knowing I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. As a case manager, I continuously saw how pets positively impacted individuals, children, and families, further solidifying my passion. Now, as an MSW, I understand the profound benefits of the human-animal bond for those struggling with mental health challenges, whether chronic or situational. My journey has fueled my commitment to integrating animals into social work, creating healing spaces for those in need—just as Angel once did for me.
Meet the Founders
Jennifer Raymond
President
Christopher Raymond
Treasurer
Brianna Beaver
Vice President
Jennifer Raymond, LMHC-QS, ACS, NCC, is a mental health professional, certified trauma and grief counselor, and doctoral candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of the Cumberlands. She earned her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Jennifer’s passion for mental health and animal-assisted interventions is deeply personal. As a child, she struggled with severe school phobia and social anxiety. At times, the fear was so overwhelming that she would black out when entering a classroom. Her parents sought help from multiple professionals, and after extensive psychological testing, she was told she was intellectually gifted. Still, no one could fully explain the emotional distress she was experiencing.
By the age of ten, Jennifer was homeschooled due to the trauma and bullying she faced in school. Although she was placed on anti-anxiety medication, she continued to struggle. During that difficult time, her German Shepherd, Star, became her greatest source of comfort. Star stayed close during moments of fear, loneliness, and emotional overwhelm. On Jennifer’s hardest days, Star would lie beside her as she cried, offering safety and comfort when words were not enough.
Looking back, Jennifer recognizes that Star was more than a pet. She was a lifeline. Star helped Jennifer understand the healing power of the human-animal bond long before she had the professional language to describe it.
Through her academic and professional journey, Jennifer has remained committed to supporting individuals, families experiencing homelessness, families in crisis, and those impacted by trauma and mental health challenges. Her lived experience and clinical background led her to explore how animal-assisted interventions can complement traditional mental health care, reduce anxiety, and support healing.
Today, Jennifer uses her education, clinical expertise, and personal story to advocate for compassionate, trauma-informed, and evidence-informed approaches that honor the human-animal bond.
Healing Hearts Pet Therapy Inc. proudly introduces our Treasurer, Christopher.
Christopher joined Healing Hearts Pet Therapy Inc. as Treasurer in 2023, bringing over 25 years of experience in the accounting field. He currently serves as the Corporate Controller for a large corporation in West Palm Beach.
Beyond his expertise in finance, Christopher is deeply passionate about expanding access to mental health services, particularly for those who have experienced trauma. He has witnessed the profound impact of the human-animal bond in supporting veterans with PTSD and strongly believes that individuals struggling with mental health challenges should have access to alternative and holistic treatment options.
As Treasurer, Christopher is dedicated to ensuring the financial sustainability of Healing Hearts Pet Therapy Inc., helping the organization provide life-changing services to those in need.
Healing Hearts Pet Therapy Inc. proudly introduces the organization's Vice President, Ms. Brianna Beaver.
Ms. Beaver earned her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and her Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of West Florida. She has since applied to become a Registered Social Work Intern and brings years of experience in case management.
Her lifelong passion for both animals and mental health led her to explore ways to integrate the two fields. When presented with the opportunity to join the board of Healing Hearts Pet Therapy Inc., she immediately accepted, knowing firsthand the profound impact of the human-animal bond. Through her lived experiences and professional expertise, Ms. Beaver is committed to advancing the organization’s mission of promoting emotional healing through the power of pets.
