Summary
I hold an MA (Distinction) in Anthroölogy from the University of Exeter, England. My dissertation explored the the impact of humane education on children’s attitudes regarding witnessing animal abuse. Additionally, as a Certified Pet Loss Grief Recovery Specialist (American Institute of Health Care Professionals, 2017)[1], I founded and facilitate a monthly Companion Animal Loss Meeting (CALM), with the Sacramento SPCA, which incorporates Animal Assisted Therapy as a treatment model. Finally, I am a certified Human-Animal Intervention Specialist (Oakland University, 2016). My mission is to change the way we think and talk about animals. I believe in the power of animals to make us better people.
Experience
SSPCA (Sacramento, CA) Love on Loan: offering Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) to a variety of vulnerable populations, reintroducing to program to Norwood Pines Alzheimer’s Facility; Kamp Kindness: promoting animal welfare to children, creating a dialogue about Anthrozoology, and respecting all animal life.
Best Friends Animal Society (Kanaab, UT), Canines with Careers: Research/qualify potential trainers nationwide, further the mission of adoption of suitable homeless dogs and training them into appropriate roles for specific populations, community outreach; basic care/cleaning of dogs and their quarters in Dogtown.
SFSPCA (San Francisco, CA): Provide AAT to vulnerable populations; participation in the Puppy Dog Tales literacy program assisting disadvantaged elementary school age children improve reading skills; introduce humane education and generate an age-appropriate dialogue about animal welfare, both domestic and wildlife.
Junior Achievement USA (Las Vegas, NV): 5th grade classroom presenter on the importance of education -- particularly STEM -- for later entering the workforce, through storytelling, game playing, and interactive dialogue.
The Animal Foundation (Las Vegas, NV): Volunteer Coordinator, Best In Show fundraiser / adoption event.
Rocket Dog Rescue (San Francisco, CA): Social Media Strategist, Adoption Event doer of all things necessary, Fundraising Manager.
Glide Memorial (San Francisco, CA): preparing and serving meals for disadvantaged and vulnerable populations.
Work History
2014–Present: Caesars Entertainment and Total Rewards; Northern CA: Marketing Manager, NorCal VIP Bus Program
2004-2014 Freelance Project Planner / Video Producer; San Francisco, CA: Clients include National Geographic Television, McKesson, Cisco Systems, Rocket Dog Rescue, The Conference Bureau, Life Like Films, Mangy Dog Productions, The People Institute, Empress Events, Conceptua Group, Penn, Schoen, & Berland.
2001-2005 Film Arts Foundation; San Francisco, CA: Festival Volunteer Coordinator
2002-2003 Jianna Restaurant; San Francisco, CA: Office & Events Manager
2000-2002 Kelleher & Associates; Mill Valley, CA: Account Representative
1999-2000 US Embassy; London, UK: Medical Unit Office Manager
Associations/Conferences
Member, ISAZ (international Society of Anthrozoology): a supportive organization for the scientific and scholarly study of human animal interactions. 2014-Present.
Attendee, Animal Assisted Interventions Conference: Best practices for the practitioner, client and animal. 2016
Attendee, The Humane Society Animal Care Expo: Animal Sheltering: rescue. reunite. rehome. rethink. 2016
Attendee, Best Friends National Conference: Champions of the No Kill movement, the mission of Best Friends is to bring about a time when there are No More Homeless Pets. 2014
Education
University of Exeter, UK: MA Anthrozoology (distance learning, graduation 2019)
University of Nevada, Las Vegas: BS Marketing; concentration in Advertising
American Institute of Health Care Professionals: Pet Loss Grief Recovery Specialist (Certificate)
Oakland University: Human-Animal Intervention Specialist (Certificate)
NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Response Team, Fire Department, San Francisco, CA (Certificate)
Women’s Initiative for Self Employment, San Francisco, CA (Certificate)
[1] I am a Certified Pet-Loss Grief Recovery Specialist. I am not a licensed therapist, nor do I hold any medical credentials.