South Natick, Massachusetts
About Us
Our History
While working in the mental health field, founder Anishe Antoniadis recognized a need for supplemental support and a more integrated approach to healing. During her studies and volunteer work in Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT), Anishe witnessed the immediate and significant benefits people enjoyed through interactions with friendly animals.
While obtaining her AAT certification, Anishe and her family adopted a herd of goats. Very soon the news of the goats brought friends, acquaintances and neighbors all wanting to meet them. Consistent positive feedback and her own observations reinforced Anishe’s wish to connect her amusing and affectionate goats to a broader audience. As a result of these experiences and bolstered by research, Anishe founded Positively Goats, a unique animal-assisted therapy program.
In the spring of 2018, after the successful breeding and pregnancy of Anatolia and Chaia, four healthy kids were born. Two years later Anatolia's daughter Delilah joined the family. This brought the total herd count to nine goats spanning three generations. The goats live in harmony with a few barn cats, horses, dogs and a caring, knowledgeable community of human caretakers and admirers.
Our Team
Anishe Antoniadis is the founder of Positively Goats, where animal-assisted experiences support growth, connection, and joy. With over 20 years of experience in mental health counseling and education, Anishe specializes in working with individuals with intellectual differences, as well as children and teens navigating emotional, behavioral, or social challenges. With a Bachelor's in Human Services and certification in Animal-Assisted Therapy, she offers a unique blend of expertise and care.
Anishe brings warmth, creativity, and thoughtful care to each session, whether it’s therapy-based or a recreational visit. She creates opportunities for individuals to build confidence, strengthen emotional awareness, and develop social connections by experiencing the unique, responsive bond between humans and animals. Her work invites expression, shared moments, and a sense of belonging in a space that honors difference and supports genuine connection.
Missy LoPorto brings over 25 years of experience in early childhood education, special education, and social work with children and families of all abilities. She holds Master’s degrees in both education and social work and brings a calm, patient presence to Positively Goats. Missy takes a thoughtful, responsive approach to supporting each child with kindness, flexibility, and care.
She is especially skilled at recognizing strengths and navigating challenges with empathy and creativity, and looks forward to supporting group visits and helping grow new programs.
Our goats are specially bred and raised to participate in recreational, therapeutic, and educational activities, making them an integral part of every experience at Positively Goats.
Our Mission
Positively Goats aims to offer a positive, nurturing and inclusive environment in which anyone may experience the emotional, social and physical benefits of meaningful interactions with our goats.
Support Our Programs
We are grateful for your support in helping us further our mission of promoting wellness through meaningful connections with our goats. 100% of donations go toward goat care, therapeutic programs and special events that bring people and animals together. We are so grateful for your support!
