Meet The Team
Please do not be afraid to request a particular member of staff, we will not be offended. Dogs like their routine, and they have a preference for some people so we understand that one of us may be more suited to swimming your dog.
Susie Jump
Susie has been swimming her dogs for many years, in both a working capacity (water-rescue) and for therapeutic reasons. She managed Beachin dog therapy for 5 years before taking over the lease in 2018. When Beachin closed in Nov 2023 she pursued a dream to open the first indoor year-round dock-diving venue. Cue 'Jump In'.
She has been involved in several disciplines over the years including protection work and working trails in her early years with GSDs, and more recently with draught-work, water-rescue, and agility with her Leonbergers She is heavily involved with the breed and sat on the Leonberger Club of GB committee for a number of years, was a temperament assessor for the club, regularly holds fundraising events, and produces the annual calendar for welfare. 15 years ago she set up 'NorthWest Giants', a training group dedicated to giant breed dogs, she also teaches KC Good Citizens. Susie is trained in canine first aid, and has completed courses in TTouch massage and clicker training. She’s also a bereavement counsellor for the Blue Cross. All of her Leonbergers have been blood donors and therapy dogs (currently visiting a children's mental health unit and a local prison).
Susie's experience lies largely in training and behaviour, and loves the challenge of working with our police dogs, protection dogs, or just those with a little quirk!
Susie has previously had a GSD with HD, and a Leonberger with bilateral HD, spondylosis and double cruciate, so has first-hand experience of living with dogs suffering from these conditions, and seeing the miraculous effects hydrotherapy has. Promoting the use of water therapy in rehabilitation has become a real passion.
Lindsay Brattan-Klein
Lindsay (Lindz) is our Animal Behaviourist, made the journey from "Beachin'" to "Jump In," and you can find her at the pool every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Beyond the water Lindz, runs a dog training, walking, and sitting service, drawing on her vast experience with dogs of all breeds and backgrounds. She finds joy in witnessing anxious dogs gain confidence at the pool, and her own mischievous Egyptian rescue boy, "Nelson," holds a special place in her heart.
Before diving into pet care, Lindz worked as a nurse in A&E, relishing the action but ultimately realising her true calling lay with animals. Since making that shift, she's not only initiated her own business but also completed her MSc in Animal Behaviour, earned certification in dog training, acquired a VTQ in pet first aid plus much more. Lindz's dedication to animal well-being knows no bounds and she is always trying to learn more!
Away from the world of fur and mud, Lindz immerses herself in various martial arts, surfing, and any extreme sports that come her way. Her love for rock music, tattoos, and piercings is unmistakable, and you'll surely spot her around the pool, adding a vibrant touch to the surroundings. Lindz is not just a professional; she's a dynamic force passionate about animals, sports, and living life to the fullest.
Lisa Hannaby-Aird
Lisa is a registered associate nutritionist and psychologist, who transferred her skills to dogs!
Lisa's expertise lies in nutrition for recovery & rehabilitation and behaviour. Lisa is owned by a GSD, Akita and 2 whippets. When her Akita, Henry was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 9 months old, Lisa fell down the rabbit hole of alternative therapies to support him, and so her experience of water therapy (along with acupuncture) began. Henry is now 10 years young having had no surgery and still not on any medication. Just supplements, therapies and a good diet! George the GSD is now 12 and has always loved "fun swims;" his arthritic joints are thankful for them too.
Lisa has provided CPD for the International Association Of Animal Therapists and Online Pet Health team who offer education for vet-rehabbers.
Lisa is also a member of the Public Advisory Group (PAG) of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. The PAG exists to support RCVS activities by helping it to better understand issues affecting the public, to act as a sounding board on its draft policies, to assist in the development and improvement of its public services, and to help pilot and test its communications.
Lisa not only has first hand experience of living with dogs who have chronic conditions, but many years experience supporting pets and their owners on that journey too.
Sam Sefton
From a young age Sam knew she wanted to work with animals - her specific love of all things canine began in her teens with her first dog - a huge, gentle German Shepherd called Yogi. Sam's interest in the veterinary world & rehabilitation was ignited by a desire to 'fix' him after he suffered a severe spinal trauma - which even after surgery, left him unable to stand unaided. So at the age of 16, Sam was managing indwelling urinary catheters, administering multiple medications & performing physiotherapy techniques (advised by the veterinary team) around the clock, all fuelled by her determination to see Yogi walk again & regain his independence - which he did.
From this point, Sam's career path was decided.
After obtaining a degree in Animal Science, Sam pursued a veterinary career (RVN). For a decade she was a veterinary nurse working in both first opinion & referral practice. She gained experience nursing complex medical & surgical cases. In addition, she was also a clinical trainer to student nurses, in her role as Clinical Coach.
Sam's specific area of interest has always been in physical rehabilitation & her nursing care consistently centred around a therapeutic approach. Therefore it was an inevitable, natural progression for her to diversify into a physical therapy role. After moving to Cheshire, Sam finally pursued this path & qualified as a Canine Hydrotherapist in 2018.
Sam holds the highest recognised academic level of qualification in canine hydrotherapy - the Level 5 Advanced Diploma. She also has a separate qualification in Underwater Treadmill Therapy. As a hydrotherapist Sam strives to make a positive impact on her patients clinical state. She strongly believes that this is achieved by working together with her patients by building a bond & gaining their trust to optimise their rehab journey..
Sam has a very lazy Leonberger & a hyper Springer Spaniel - complete opposites - but like her, they both love being in the water!
Kevin McGee
Kevin has been involved with various activities with dogs throughout his life. Firstly showing, then other canine sports including Agility & Hoopers.
It was around 2013 when Kev first came to Beachin Dog Therapy Pool with his elderly dog Gem. Gem was suffering from arthritis & nerve damage in her rear legs & he was pleasantly surprised after only a handful of sessions in the pool how much her mobility improved.
Since then Kevin has always considered hydrotherapy to be a vital part of his dogs fitness & wellbeing, not just in old age but throughout their lives.
He currently enjoy taking part in a variety of different canine sports including; Agility, Obedience, Canine Athletics & Hoopers. He is also a qualified canine Hoopers instructor.
He is a proud member of the East Anglian Staffordshire Bull Terrier Display Team & can be seen taking part in displays up & down the Country, even the main arena at Crufts.
Kevin is passionate about ensuring dogs live the best life they can. This is what drives his keen interest in canine fitness & nutrition which he's continually developing.