Meet Me & Phoenix
"My coaching is based on a holistic approach to problem solving, looking at the entire history and environment of the animal instead of just the presenting issue. My background in psychology also allows me an empathetic and broader approach to our relationships with our pets. I promise that working with me will be unlike anything you have ever experienced before."
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I graduated Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the Chicago School and a Master of Arts in Anthrozoology from the University of Exeter, a U.K. Russell Group School, known for its prestigious public research.
A lifelong animal lover, I've worked closely with horses, dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, and more, demystifying controversies and cutting through the unfortunate politics of animal nutrition.
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I am an NAVC (North American Veterinary Community) pet nutrition coach and a certified raw pet food, commercial pet food, and canine herbalism specialist. I earned these distinguished credentials through the medical team at "Dogs Naturally" Magazine. I has also studied under Dr. Ian Billinghurst and Dr. Nick Thompson of the Billinghurst Institute.
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My passions include schooling Level 2 Dressage horses with a firm emphasis on proper bodywork and humane self carriage.
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"There is no psychiatrist in the world
like a puppy
licking your face."
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Bernard Williams
My in-depth work with animals includes livestock with an emphasis on horses, both pet and working dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, and more. I live in Connecticut and share my home with Phoenix, my rescue German Shepherd service dog, and a Crested Gecko named Ollivander.
When not helping you with your animal problems, lately I can be found schooling horses or chasing after chickens. Every single one of these creatures I treat like they are my own.
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In short, yes, I'm a serious animal lover.
My Mission
I am committed to help overwhelmed pet parents make the best choices for their animal’s lifestyle, whether it be through training or diet adjustments, with a holistic approach which is compassionate and supportive.
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And this is Buddy.
Buddy was my very special childhood Golden Retriever--and the impetus for Wild Roots Animal Wellness.
My passion for all of God’s creatures, great and small, began with one very special dog. I had my "heart dog" at a young age, a beautiful soul of a red golden retriever aptly named Buddy. I know everyone says this, but he was the best dog. He was friendly to all, listened well, was low maintenance, and would taken a bullet for you without question.
He was ready to play when you needed him, ready to sit quietly when you needed that, and always provided fantastic comic relief. He wasn’t the most eye-catching of dogs and was nowhere near winning a show ribbon, but he was my heart and soul his entire life. I couldn’t take a vacation as a child without missing him terribly, and he was the first thing I looked for when I got home from school each day.
When Buddy was 13, and I was 19 years old, Buddy succumbed to what we were told was most likely Lymphoma. He had been in my life for 11 years. On his last day, he couldn’t breathe. My family wanted to wait until the weekend had passed to have him put to sleep at our family vet instead of an emergency clinic.
I would have given anything to buy more time with my best friend, but it wasn’t what was right for him. Upon my insistence, we let him go to heaven that very day. He was ready. I don’t think I ever would have been ready for him to leave me.
What is convenient for us and easier on our hearts isn’t always what is right for our animals. As a teenager faced with an important choice, I didn’t realize that letting my dog go would be the catalyst so many years later for my professional career in animal wellness. He is tucked inside my heart for safekeeping until we are together again.
Every animal I help today to live a healthier life on Earth is a reminder that my compassion, and determination started as a child with the desire to do what was best for my best Buddy.