When I was 13, I read 'Animal Liberation' by Peter Singer. It changed everything.
I've always cared about animals. The "food" my parents gave me with love each day meant someone died?
No thanks. Meat was off my plate for good.
In college at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, I worked with other activists and proud vegans to educate the community about animal rights, organize events, and bring speakers to campus. Feminist writer Carol J. Adams, Captain Paul Watson and Dr. Karen Davis were a few of our guests. I also earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Behavior.
“I came here to do the hard things.”
into the 21st century
After leaving university, I made a few critical errors (who doesn't)?!
For a time, I slipped out of veganism and considered myself an "ethical vegetarian."
I focused on who others thought I should be, what I was expected to do.
““Are you the person that you hoped to be when you were a little girl?””
Bloomington, Indiana became my home and I earned a Master’s degree in Education.
Through the ups and downs of the years—job changes, a move to Oregon and a Bloom-erang back to Bloomington—I’ve always known in my bones that all animals have value separate from, yet connected to, human animals.
The myriad dogs and cats I’ve cared for and who have been my family over the years have been some of my best teachers.
Today I hold a certificate in plant-based nutrition from T. Colin Campbell’s Center for Nutrition Studies and am a certified vegan lifestyle coach and educator (VLCE) through the Main Street Vegan Academy in New York City. I serve on the Advisory Council of Uplands PEAK Sanctuary.
Microsanctuary Hill is home to Luna (canine Bloomington Animal Shelter ‘12 graduate); Bee, Ellie, & Opal (hens rescued from animal agriculture) + a gaggle of felines, and is sanctuary for us all.
“To every creature their own life is very dear.”