About Animals as Natural Therapy

Animals as Natural Therapy (ANT) offers healing programs based on the knowledge that animals can teach humans important life skills: respect for self and others, trust-building, and clear communication. A 501(c)3 non-profit, ANT operates out of Windy Acres, a hundred year old 5-acre farm situated at the edge of Bellingham in Northwest Washington. Windy Acres provides a peaceful, secluded spot for our animal and human partners to do their healing work. Over the past decade, ANT has touched the lives of thousands of children and adults. For stories about ANT's work, please see our Stories page, read our Newsletters, or watch the ANT video.
721 Van Wyck Road, Bellingham, WA  98226 Ph/Fax: 360-671-3509
In 1999, Sonja Wingard, Abby Soley, and Gwen Hunter started ANT with support from Catholic Community Services. Sonja, BSN, is ANT's Executive Director, and brings more than 30 years of experience in working with people and animals as a registered nurse, 4-H leader, equine specialist, and riding instructor.

Lorna Shepardson, MA, is ANT's resident Equine-Facilitated mental health therapist. An avid rider, Lorna has worked for more than 12 years in social services with children, at-risk youth, individuals and families.
At ANT, we believe that horses and other animals lead us to continued growth, creativity, and love in our lives, and help us
ANT's staff includes

  • Part-time office manager JoAnn Howe and part-time fundraising consultant Jen VanderWeyden
  • Certified riding instructors Roz Anderson, Amanda Howe, Bryn Palmgren, Terri Plake, and Amy Schilder
  • Horses, llamas, dogs, goats, rabbits, chickens, and a cat
  • More than 40 fabulous volunteers who mentor program participants and care for the animals each week!
Sonja Wingard & Lorna Shepardson
Jen VanderWeyden & JoAnn Howe
understand what may stand in the way of our success. Participants in our programs come away with a new perspective on their lives, and often become long-term volunteers at the farm. Come visit us in person and see what makes our people and animals so special! Or e-mail us at animalsasnaturaltherapy@comcast.net for information.