Meet the team
Alicia Strauss – Canine Hydrotherapist
From a young age, I have had a deep passion for working with animals, particularly dogs. My career began at just 14 years old when I started volunteering at Ash Farm Kennels. Over the past decade, I have worked full-time at the kennels, gaining extensive hands-on experience with dogs of all breeds, sizes, and temperaments.
In 2010, I completed a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Animal Management at Reaseheath College, which strengthened my knowledge and skills in animal care. In 2020, I achieved my Level 3 Certificate in Hydrotherapy for Small Animals at Hawksmoor Hydrotherapy Training Centre and became a proud member of the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (NARCH).
Canine hydrotherapy is an incredibly rewarding field. I take great pride in supporting my clients and their dogs throughout their recovery journey, knowing I play a role in improving mobility, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Outside of work, I share my home with two much-loved dogs—Ozzy, a 14-year-old Shar Pei x Jack Russell, and Rudi, a lively Whippet—as well as my two children, Theo and Grace, who share my love of the water.
As my mentor once told me, “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” I am fortunate to live that truth every day.
Rachel Parkes – Canine Hydrotherapist
Rachel joined Ash Farm in 2014, beginning her career in animal care before focusing on canine rehabilitation. In 2017, she earned her Canine Hydrotherapy qualification at Hawksmoor Hydrotherapy Training Centre and was invited to continue her work at Hawksmoor Hydrotherapy’s Referral Centre, where she gained extensive experience in rehabilitation and fitness programmes for dogs. She is a registered member of the National Association of Registered Canine Hydrotherapists (NARCH).
In 2023, Rachel returned to Ash Farm in a dedicated hydrotherapy role. She enjoys working with nervous or reactive dogs, taking the time to try different routines until she finds the one that helps each dog feel confident and secure. Rachel particularly enjoys working with complex cases that require thinking outside the box, as well as geriatric Labradors, where hydrotherapy can significantly improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life in a short space of time.
Rachel’s own dog, Pip—a 10-year-old Collie cross—shares her love of both walking and swimming, making her the perfect hydrotherapy companion.