Meet Kim & Allison of
The Lightfoot Way

THE LIGHTFOOT WAY MISSION & PHILOSOPHY

Our mission is to enhance the well being of families, animals, professionals and individuals by sharing knowledge and providing support for the body, mind and spirit.

The Lightfoot Way offers services to families, professionals and individuals with the goal to help achieve happier, healthier, and longer lives. Holistic care is a wonderful complement to traditional health care. By taking a natural approach, people and animals are cared for as a whole - on a mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual level. Through our educational workshops, consultations and products, you will gain the knowledge to change your life.

MEET KIM SHOTOLA, FOUNDER OF THE LIGHTFOOT WAY

Working with Animals
In addition to having animals on her farm, Kim has worked with animals at the Houston Zoo since 1991. During her tenure at the zoo, she has helped manage the care of over 1,000 domestic, livestock, wildlife, and exotic animals in the Children's Zoo. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to work with over 100 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and invertebrates and is familiar with their health and behavioral issues. Click here for a full list.

Kim is a holistic animal care instructor and consultant and has a private practice that is not affiliated with the zoo. Kim offers clients a wide range of educational programs as well as holistic services for animals. Along with her own practice, Kim worked with Dr. Marcia DuBois Martin, a holistic veterinarian in Houston, Texas, until she relocated to Florida in 2007.

Education
Kim studied animal communication with professional animal communicators Diane Samsel, Kathleen Berard, and Leta Worthington, as well as with Philip Toledo, a Tibetan shaman.

She is a reiki master/teacher (RMT) and studied with Angeni Brandow.

Kim received her equine massage practitioner certification (CEMP) from the Western Montana School of Equine Massage and her canine massage practitioner training from Companion Animal Massage in Texas.

In pursuit of better care and knowledge of her horses' hooves, Kim studied natural hoof care with Martha Olivo, one of the top barefoot hoof trimmers and educators in the world, and became a certified hoof groom. She trims her own horses' hooves.

She attended the certified herbalist course taught by Donna Fry, ND (naturopathic doctor) which focused on herbs and aromatherapy. She is pursuing additional studies in aromatherapy with Gritman Essential Oils.

Kim studied Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) with Helen Racz, a professional EFT practitioner.

She also attended the certified intuitive angel guide course taught by Kathleen Elmore, CSC, who studied with Doreen Virtue.

Kim is a member of the International Alliance for Animal Therapy and Healing (IAATH), the International Association of Reiki Professionals (IARP), the Animal Wellness Association (AWA), and the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy (ALBC), and is listed in Penelope Smith’s animal communication directory.

Personal Inspiration
Kim was inspired at an early age by her grandmother. Kim says, “My website is dedicated to the memory of my grandmother Carrie. She loved animals and used to bring me to the zoo frequently when I was a child.”

The Lightfoot Way has a special meaning for Kim. She is drawn to the Native American culture and feels everyone should tread lightly on this earth and have respect for all living creatures. When we give to others, we are truly blessed.

Kim derives personal inspiration in her work from her connection with St. Francis. She says, “I feel blessed to have St. Francis as my spirit guide. He came to me in a meditation I was doing about animal communication. He helps me communicate with the animals. Of course, he’s the patron saint of animals and his presence in my work is very special to me.” Angels are also very important to Kim and help her in her practice, caring for animals heart and soul.

Kim believes animals are windows to our souls and doorways to our spiritual destinies. If you will let them into your life and allow them to teach you, you will be better for it.

May we all tread lightly, respect all living beings, and care for animals heart and soul.

Blessings to you and the animals you love.

MEET ALLISON CULVER

Allison has studied with Kim and is now a holistic animal care instructor and consultant. Her charming and enthusiastic personality is obvious in workshops, consultations, and the free healing sessions. It brings Allison great joy to be able to educate and assist people and animals, whether in a workshop or one on one. It is important to her for people to realize that everyone can do everything we teach!

In addition to discovering the holistic side of life, Allison has been doing canine freestyle with her dog Bob (pictured above) since 2007 and has performed many demos at nursing homes, grand openings, parties and events including the Houston Reliant Dog Show, and was featured in the Houston Pet Talk magazine. She studies under Emily Pyle and is a member of the Musical Dog Sport Association. In addition to freestyle, Allison served on the Board of Directors for HOPE (Homeless and Orphaned Pet Endeavor) as the Volunteer Director and helps to socialize and work with the foster dogs. She has been involved in the coalition for the No Kill Houston organization to make animal shelters a safe haven for all animals without the fear of euthanasia.