Educational Background

Certified Pet Nutrition Counselor- College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies: Natural Animal Therapies Consultant- (2 year program)

>>>>I balance all diets using AAFCO and NRC standards<<<<
Portland Community College: Nutritional Therapy - Human Nutrition (2 year program)
Pet Partners: Pet Therapy Team-Certified: 4 years

California State University, Sacramento: Communications: Interpersonal & Small Group

Work Experience

Pet Nutrition Counselor- Independent Contractor -10 years

Pet Nutrition Counselor, Mountain View Animal Hospital and Holistic Pet Care -3 years
Reno, Nevada

TrailBlazer Pet Supply -7.5 years
Manager
Chico, CA

Butte Humane Society -3 years
Outreach and Rescue/Adoptions

Pet Therapy- 4 years- Pet Partners International

Services I Provide


Biography

What can I say, I have a huge heart for animals!  After graduating with a degree in Communications at Sacramento State University, I discovered that my true passion in life was to support the human-animal bond.  I have followed this passion in a variety of ways,  beginning as a volunteer with my "furkid" Izzy, as a pet therapy team through Pet Partners.  Visiting hospitals, convalescent homes, and assisted living facilities were eye opening and transformative.  Seeing how beautifully an animal can touch a person's life through these visits expanded my heart to help animals in other meaningful ways. It was then that I took a job at a Humane Society for many years, where my heart for adoption really took root. It was at the Humane Society that I learned how uniquely different animals are.  I found that each animal was unique in personality, behavioral tendencies, and physical issues even within the same breed. 

Working at the Humane Society changed my life and my view of the human-animal bond.  Knowing that I wanted to support pet-parents further, I took a job managing an independent pet store who's mission aligned with mine. It was through this experience that I became passionate about helping pet owners like myself, improve the health, wellness and longevity of their pets.  My experience in the store fueled the discovery I had with my my own dog Izzy, than an animal is only as healthy as the food they are given, since food is what fuels the body. Once the diet is clean burning fuel then an animal can heal from so many of the most common complaints pet owners have. This include: chronic ear infection, bacterial and yeast infection, digestive upset, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, constant itching and licking, skin infections, flea and tick infestations, abnormal changes in skin and coat color, gas and bad breath. Knowing that food is the building blocks of life, I have learned that finding the right nutrition can be the key to overall healing success.   

Wanting to expand my education about nutritional healing I decided on a Nutritional Therapy program through Portland Community College, where I graduated with a certification that focused on anatomy, physiology, biology, Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal medicine and of course nutrition for humans.  After interning with a local doctor I decided that I wanted to further invest my time into a pet nutrition program.  After much research, I decided on the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies.  It was important to me to receive both veterinarian technician credits as well as participate in a science based programs facilitated by a nationally accredited training program recommended by veterinarians I have great appreciation and esteem for. http://www.civtedu.org/post-graduate-qualifications/

Empathizing with pet parents

I had one amazing "furkid" named Izzy Santosha (Santosha means contentment).  Izzy has been my greatest teacher! Izzy was rescued from maltreatment and abuse when I lived in Florida as an AmeriCorp Vista volunteer.   Izzy was suffering from mange, yeast infections, food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic ear infections, as well as extreme fear and anxiety.  Izzy was treated 3 times for mange, she had to be bathed in medicated washes 3 times per week. She was also on a variety of ear ointments and washes, and she took a variety of prescription drugs including a prescription diet, all before her 1st birthday!

After moving to California, I discovered a holistic veterinarian who talked to me about the importance of a raw diet and boosting overall health and vitality through nutrition.  Izzy was definitely not thriving on her current diet, that much we could see.  After switching Izzy to a raw food diet most all her symptoms began to disappear.  She no longer had constant bouts of diarrhea, ear infections or multiple skin issues.  

Sticking to a wholistic model of health for Izzy, whenever “dis-ease” would manifest, instead of suppressing her symptoms, I always worked to create healing plans for Izzy in order to support her own body’s natural healing capabilities.  Along with nutritional therapy, I have used biofeedback using Glacier Peak’s Sensitivity test, chiropractic care, acupuncture treatments, laser therapy, ozone therapy and Traditional Chinese Therapy to help Izzy through the healing processes.

Healing is a process that changes over-time.  Looking back to when I adopted Izzy and how frustrated and helpless I felt, I can really empathize with my current clients.  Just as I have found help along Izzy's healing journey it is my mission and passion to  help other's in need. Together we can fuel your pet's health and vitality!