About us

Jumpstart Therapies began as an idea and developed into a reality under my guidance. I graduated in 1996 from the University of Houston, Clear Lake, with a Masters of Arts degree in Psychology and in 2002 from the University of Texas Medical Branch, with a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy. I firmly believe that I have found the perfect career combination--using animals in therapy practice to facilitate human healing.

I grew up in Ottumwa, IA, surrounded by the love of my family and beloved pets. As a young girl, I intuitively understood the value of the human animal bond. Animals have always been an important part of my life. Many important life lessons I have learned with their assistance or as a result of having them in my life. It is a life I would not change for the world. The wealth of knowledge I have learned from animals has made me truly a rich person.

As a girl, I was the child who wanted to rescue each stray and provide it safe haven, much to the dismay of my parents, Lance and Leslie Renaud. One occurrence stands out in my memory as a pivotal event in my relationship with animals. One day, as I returned home from school, I was greeted on the front steps of our house by a small gray cat with white paws. This cat was relentless to get my attention, and as I sat down to stroke her, she crawled into my lap and purred continuously. Several unsolicited nuzzles on the neck, and I had fallen in love.

I remember waiting impatiently for my parents to return home from work. I had carefully prepared a bowl of food on the front stoop for the cat and watched her from the window as she hungrily ate. I was joined by our 2 family cats, Tiger and Pinchy, who were not impressed in the slightest by the additional feline on their property. We watched for a while, and I heard the not so subtle growl emerge from Pinchy. As I hugged her, I told her that all would be well. Still, she was not impressed.

Then, I saw my mother. She worked down the street from our house and walked to work each day. I could see her approaching the house, and then I saw her stop on the front walk. She had seen the cat, and I knew that my negotiation skills had better not fail me. I quickly pulled away from the curtain, took a deep breath, and opened the front door. I saw the look in her eyes, and she was not impressed. But, after careful conversation, and suggesting Mom hold her, the cat was invited into the house and was soon named Muffin. She came to be one of the most loving and devoted cats I have ever shared a home with, sleeping on my pillow each night, wrapped tightly around my head. She became one of my best friends. It was because of these 3 cats that I learned the wonderful unconditional love that animals provide. From that point on, it was my personal mission to save the animal world.

I grew up happily in the comforts of my cats and our family dog, Duchess. Many days were spent in my room, having private conversations with each, stroking them and professing my undivided devotion to them. As events in my life tested my personal strength, it was the love of my pets that sailed me through these problems without fail. Thank you Tiger, Pinchy, Duchess, Lady, Muffin, Kasper, Sheba, Puma, Xena, Jinx, Abbey, Frazier, Gabriel, Shortstop, Schroeder, Babs, Casey, and Sadie.

As an adult, I continue to share my life with pets and other animals. I have be fortunate to have incredible experiences with animals, and from each I have learned. I plan to do my very best to give back to them the wonderful gifts they have afforded me. I also share this experience with others, working closely with wonderful furry therapy partners who know what being a therapist means. It is from these 4 legged partners that I have learned how to be a therapist, how to reach people, and how to love unconditionally. In loving memory of Betha, Cleo, Sheba, Macy, Lele, Buddy, Chester, Rikki, Slater, Dunbar, Leroy, B.B, Ike, Dusty, Flopsy, Yuki, Hugs, Curlie, and Miranda.

From my dolphin friends, I have enjoyed the opportunity to work with a truly spectacular species. There is no more wonderful feeling than knowing you have the complete trust of a wild animal who realizes you are there to help. I will never forget holding you in my arms and wishing nothing but for you to return to your family. I remember each of you daily: Gilly, Cole, Nemo, Mattie, Hope, Stormy, Luis, Connor, Big Al, Millie, Miracle, Rocky, Emma, Cupid, Harley, Star, Amos, SP 371, Memory, Max, and the animals who were unnamed.

To all of the animals I have encountered, I dedicate my life's work. For without them, I would be only a fraction of the person I have become.

Sincerely,

Tammy Renaud, MA, OTR