Ever since I was a child I loved animals, and being outdoors. I was never happier than when I was swimming, running, or rolling in the grass. As I grew older I took great pleasure wandering and exploring nature; I learned to appreciate it in all of its beauty. The tom-boy has left me, but the spiritual connection I felt to mother nature never has...

As I was studying psychology in college, a few of my best friends went vegetarian for health reasons. After watching one PETA video about the meat industry my heart sank and that was all it took for me to join my vegetarian friends. I didn't admit right away that I stopped eating meat because of the inhumane way in which our meat was prepared. I felt silly basing my decision off one video, and I knew I had a lot of research to do. It's now been over a year since I've eaten meat and since then, all my research has only strengthened my choice. My friends and family have accepted my advocacy for animal rights.

Although my two main passions are the environment and animals, my education is in psychology because I also love people. I'm currently a year away from my masters in counseling psychology and am also working towards an Animal-Assisted Therapy certificate. Research shows animals are healing...and I 100% believe that such companions contribute to our overall well-being. My adopted dog, Mowgli, has reminded me to delight in the simple joy of a long walk, to love unconditionally, and to find moments to relax in this fast paced American society.

I have never been one to pay much attention to politics, or to voice my opinions. It's not easy to make me upset or angry...but animal cruelty and pollution will do it.. In recent years I've started to feel more and more strongly, and I have recognized that instead of being heart-broken about oil spills or upset about other environmental issues, I need to DO something... I want to be a part of the solution; I cannot sit any longer and yell at the television or just sulk when I hear of unfathomable acts of cruelty to animals. It is time to get active, to raise awareness, to educate myself and others.