Meet Our Animal Ambassadors...

Why alpacas? Why not?

The therapeutic benefits of mindfulness and awe are serious, but our approach doesn’t have to be. Alpacas bring an element of interconnectedness, joy and humor. Working with animals is unpredictable, just like life. It allows us to practice flexibility of thought, and nonjudgmental acceptance.

While we can experience grounding and connection with any aspect of the natural world, alpacas’ demeanor make them uniquely suited to cultivating mindfulness. Working with alpacas requires patience, attentiveness, empathy and humility. In order to gain the trust of these gentle, intuitive animals we must develop our own mindful presence.

We hope you will come visit and find out for yourself just what our alpaca animal ambassadors have to offer!

Gemstone

A close image of the front view of the face of a white and gray alpaca.

Gemstone- He's the leader of the pack. Observant and steadfast, he keeps the others in line. Most likely to follow you into the pasture if you have grain in your pocket. . .

A photograph of the head and neck of a single brown and white alpaca.

Finn

A photograph of a close up of the front of the face of a single white and brown alpaca.

Finn- Gemstone's wingman and Harley's dad. Finn is the first to say hi and the most likely to accept a neck rub.

A photograph of the shoulders neck and head of a single brown alpaca.

Harley

A photograph of a close up of the face of a single brown alpaca with hay in its mouth.

Harley- Finn's son, Harley is the biggest of the three alpacas. . . and also the biggest baby. A goofball at heart, he's the most likely to demonstrate a full body roll. . .

Meet Amanda . . .

Amanda Westlake- Founder, Owner

Amanda is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, certified mindfulness educator, and is currently enrolled through Duke University to become a certified integrative health and well-being coach. In over 10 years of practice as a nurse and mental health professional, Amanda developed a deep appreciation for the mind-body connection, the importance of holistic wellness and the universal need for healthy coping. As a life-long animal lover, runner, nature enthusiast and student of yoga; Amanda finds healing and meaning in the profound awe of nature, movement and connection. It is this understanding, and a deep desire to serve, that led Amanda to found Partners in Pause to share the benefits of connection, nature, mindfulness and movement. As a coach, Amanda enjoys supporting her clients in exploring and utilizing evidence-based psychological, nutritional, and behavioral tools to promote positive coping and mental health. Amanda's style is honest, collaborative, and puts an emphasis on education and empowerment.