About Laura

Laura Thomas is a life-long animal lover and equestrian. She received a BS in Agricultural Economics & Rural Sociology with a minor in Animal Science from Clemson University. Laura had a successful 25-year career as a professional development trainer and management consultant in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. In 2013, she left the business world and partnered with a friend to start a successful pet and farm sitting business.  Soon after, Reiki found her and changed her life forever.

Laura began her Reiki journey in 2014 and trained to the Reiki Master Teacher level with Odilia Forlenza, RMT, at the North Carolina Reiki Training Institute. From the onset, Laura’s passion was sharing Reiki with animals. She soon found Reiki techniques used with humans did not always work well with animals.

Research led her to the Animal Reiki Source and Kathleen Prasad, pioneer and global leader in Animal Reiki. Laura completed Reiki/Animal Reiki Teacher training with Kathleen and practices and teaches the Let Animals Lead™ method of Animal Reiki. Laura continues to study with Kathleen and other teachers in traditional Japanese Reiki.

Through Three Cedars Reiki LLC, Laura enjoys sharing Reiki treatments with animals and their human companions. She also teaches Animal Reiki classes, combining her background in designing and delivering curriculum, her love for and experience with animals, and her passion for Reiki to create successful learning experiences for her students. She believes in ongoing mentoring for her students, as Reiki is a journey, not a one time and done training.

Laura is a member of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA) and volunteers at shelters, rescues and sanctuaries to share Reiki with the animals and staff. She also teaches Reiki to staff and volunteers of these organizations. Currently, Laura serves on the SARA Ethics Committee.

Laura shares a little farm in Winnsboro, South Carolina, with four horses, a donkey, a llama, two sheep, three dogs, thirteen cats, some chickens and various wildlife.

"Reiki class was amazing with Laura...she is an excellent teacher and so calm and loving towards the animals! Thank you, Laura!" - Cotton Branch Farm Animal Sanctuary