We have an exceptional, highly motivated team of lecturer/practitioners who treat animals regularly in their careers. Their wealth of knowledge and camaraderie offers our delegates the very best opportunity to learn in a fun and relaxed setting. We also understand that students learn in a variety of ways, which is why we teach with various models of learning and aim to keep the whole experience calm and supportive.
We also believe in the power of community and learning together, not in egos and isolation. So, when you attend an AOI course, you will see that we work together as a team, without hierarchy. Because we all have something to bring to the table and caring for each other is part of who we are.
Dustie Houchin – EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Dustie’s primary role in AOI is as Executive Director and she leads Herdwick & Goose as a standalone brand that supports Professional & Practice Development.
She is still in clinical practice as an osteopath and teaches and examines on occasion for AOI and other international schools.
Dustie graduated from the British School of Osteopathy in 1998, before completing a Diploma in Animal Osteopathy with the European School of Osteopathy, and going on to become a Master Practitioner of Animal Osteopathy.
Dustie then furthered her education at Ashridge Business School graduating in 2006 from their Advanced Management Programme before completing an MBA with Warwick Business School and being awarded a scholarship to attend SDA Bocconi School of Management. She also holds a PG Certificate in Higher Education, awarded by The University of Greenwich and a PG Certificate in Paediatric Osteopathy awarded by the University College of Osteopathy.
Dustie’s wish to support the welfare of animals and improve osteopathic education in the animal field, led to her becoming the Programme Leader of the MSc, PG Dip and PG certificate in Animal Osteopathy, at The European School of Osteopathy. The programme was validated by the University of Greenwich and commended for being at the forefront of education in this field.
Dustie’s fight for the animal osteopathic profession and the welfare of animals also led to her become a founding member of Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP), a voluntary register that is focused on increasing the quality and education of animal practitioners. RAMP has gone from strength to strength, building a secure future for veterinary professionals in musculo-skeletal practice.
Eleanor Andrews – DIRECTOR of EDUCATION
Eleanor Andrews is Director of Education at AOI, a Master Practitioner of Animal Osteopathy and recognised for her exceptional teaching, clinical expertise, and deep commitment to advancing osteopathy within the veterinary field. She leads AOI’s flagship courses and has supported hundreds of students and professionals in reaching excellence in clinical practice.
Eleanor holds a Masters in Osteopathy, a Diploma in Animal Osteopathy, a PG Certificate in Paediatric Osteopathy, and a PG Certificate in Higher Education (University of Greenwich). She has served on the Council of the Register of Animal Musculoskeletal Practitioners (RAMP), including holding the position of President, and brings extensive academic leadership experience from her role as Lead Lecturer on the MSc (Animal Osteopathy) at the European School of Osteopathy. Her academic portfolio also includes postgraduate lecturing, Master’s level examining and moderating, and dissertation supervision across both human and animal osteopathy.
An internationally respected educator, Eleanor has lectured and delivered specialist training to veterinary and osteopathic professionals across the UK, Europe, and beyond. She regularly works with veterinary referral centres, delivering bespoke postgraduate training, small-group workshops, and professional development programmes for vets and paraprofessionals seeking to deepen their clinical skills.
Clinically, Eleanor works in private animal and human practice, with an extensive background in comparative anatomy, biomechanics, neurology, orthopaedics and rehabilitation. She works with a broad spectrum of animals across all life stages and disciplines—supporting performance, post-injury recovery, developmental preparation, career transitions, and healthy ageing.
Eleanor is known for her patient-centred, integrated approach, combining structural understanding with systemic awareness. She focuses on resolving underlying causes, supporting whole-body balance, and empowering owners with practical environmental and lifestyle guidance to optimise long-term wellbeing. Her intuitive clinical insight, rhythmic treatment style, and ability to reduce long-standing compensatory patterns often create meaningful and lasting change.
With a passion for collaboration and professional growth, Eleanor is dedicated to elevating clinical standards, advancing interdisciplinary understanding, and inspiring the next generation of veterinary and osteopathic practitioners to achieve exceptional outcomes for their patients.
Wil Ames – DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Wil’s first career was with the City of London Police, but for the past 20 years, he has worked in accounts and finance, linked closely to practitioners and practice owners. He has worked with the AOI team for more than 15 years and became Director of Finance for Herdwick & Goose limited in 2018.
Wil has two Bracco Italiano and has owned dogs his whole life, so being a part of our culture was a natural fit.
Outside of AOI, Wil works as a Semi-senior Accountant for Dashwoods Accountants in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire.