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)

Work Experience

  • Pet Nutrition Counselor- Independent Contractor -15 + years

  • Pet Nutrition Counselor, Mountain View Animal Hospital and Holistic Pet Care -3 years (employed)

  • Presenter- Wild Blue Dog-4 years, Truckee Meadows Community College (vet tech program)

  • Petworks, Pet Nutrition Counselor-2 years (verified)

  • TrailBlazer Pet Supply (independent pet store), Manager -7.5 years

  • Butte Humane Society (Outreach and Rescue/Adoptions) -3 years

  • Pet Therapy- 4 years- Pet Partners International

Services I Provide

When pet parents work with me they receive years of training and experience to best help their pet through any life stage or health need. I have an extensive background in disease management and home cooking for any life stage. My goal is to give pet parents all the tools they need to help them meet their pet’s health goals long term!

Biography

I’m a mom of two little kiddos and 1 super cut puppy! When you choose to work with me you are helping a mom and small business thrive. Plus, 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 International.  Visiting hospitals, convalescent homes, and assisted living facilities was an eye opening and transformative experience.  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 that I took a job at a local Humane Society for many years.

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 for over 7 years, 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, that an animal is only as healthy as the food they are given. Food is medicine! 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.   

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 suffered from mange, yeast infections, food sensitivities, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic ear infections, as well as extreme fear and anxiety.  

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 prescription 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. She also was a more confident dog and didn’t suffer from anxiety any more. 

Sticking to a holistic model of health for Izzy, whenever “dis-ease” would manifest, instead of suppressing her symptoms (like traditional medicine), 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 (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! 

A New Chapter

Since starting my journey over 15 years ago with Izzy (who has since pasted at the age of 16), I now have the honor of being called mom. I have two wonderful kiddos! It was always my goal to be a stay at home mom, while having the opportunity to still follow my passion. Working as a pet nutrition counselor has met this goal! I get to work with a select few of people each month while also being home with my kiddos. I always trust that the right person and animal will find me when they need me the most!

If you are looking to make your own pet nutrition consultation for your dog or cat reach out! I’m here to help when you need me.

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