Aidan Charron
Associate Director of Global Earth Day 

Aidan joined EDO in 2022 as the End of Plastics and Canopy Project Coordinator. Growing up on the coast of North Carolina, Aidan has always had a passion for a clean environment and engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, surfing, and SCUBA diving. With his passion for nature, Aidan earned a degree in Biology and minored in Geographic Information Systems from University of North Carolina Wilmington. Before joining the Earthday team, he worked in wetland reclamation then taught middle and high school science. In his free time Aidan enjoys biking and hiking around DC with his wife and their two dogs, Buzz and Sally.

Alisa Sieber-Johnson, President and Co-Founder of Dogs on Deployment, has been pivotal in addressing the challenge of pet care for military members. Her journey started in 2011, motivated by her personal need to find a caregiver for her dog, JD, amidst her and her husband's military commitments. This led to the creation of Dogs on Deployment, which has grown into a vital national non-profit. It provides a network for pet fostering and financial assistance for pet-related expenses to military families. A graduate of the University of San Diego with degrees in Industrial Systems Engineering, Alisa’s military service as a C-130J Super Hercules pilot and Sexual Assault Response Coordinator deeply influenced her dedication to helping service members and their pets. Her leadership has expanded Dogs on Deployment into a national movement advocating for military pet owner rights and promoting responsible pet ownership. 

Dog Parenting Coach, Author of the pioneering book “Don’t Train Your Dog” A Pet Parenting Guide to Teaching Good Behavior, Calming Fear and Raising Happy Dog

What does it really mean to parent a dog? Typical training doesn’t work for teaching dogs the needed skills for modern family life. Parenting does. 28+ years fixing “unfixable” dogs and helping their parents . Available at Amazon https://a.co/d/asqHp90

Arden Moore — Pet Health & Safety Coach, Author, Podcaster
Arden Moore is the award-winning host of the long-running podcast Oh Behave! on Pet Life Radio — widely recognized as one of the top pet podcasts globally.

She’s also the founder of Pet First Aid 4 U, a veterinarian-approved pet first aid & CPR certification program offering online, live and in-person training for pet owners and professionals worldwide.

On top of that, Arden is a bestselling author of more than two dozen dog and cat books, a nationally recognized pet behavior consultant and Fear-Free® certified professional, and a frequent media guest sharing practical advice on pet health, behavior, and safety.

Bev Brooks is a retired Clarkstown, NY police dispatcher now living the good life in Eastham, MA. When she's not reigning as the devoted (and occasionally exasperated) pet parent to Cuzzy (a cat who is both the most difficult and most perfect creature on earth) she can be found enjoying wine and game nights with the Gingerplum Crew. She also delights in long walks on the beach and trips to the Eastham city dump.

During her 29-year tenure as a dispatcher, Beverly was instrumental in saving the life of a 1-year-old boy who had fallen into a backyard pool and stopped breathing.Her calm demeanor and clear instructions over the phone guided the frantic mother through life-saving measures until emergency responders arrived, leading to the child's full recovery.

Bev is the Yin to host Amy's Yang and brings humor, heart, and a healthy dose of sarcasm to everything she does, making life a little brighter (and a lot funnier) for those lucky enough to know her.

Blanca Rodriguez is a board-certified massage therapist with years of experience helping clients reduce stress, relieve tension, and restore balance in body and mind. She offers personalized sessions tailored to each individual’s needs — whether that’s deep tissue work, relaxation massage, or holistic bodywork.

Blanca believes in healing through connection. Her approach blends skilled techniques with warmth and empathy, creating a safe, calm space where clients feel heard and supported.

Carmen Rustenbeck has been involved in non-profit work for over 20 years and active in the pet care industry since 2004. By creating and implementing a development plan that details how the organization gains members to create a powerful voice for the industry, and identifying areas of service never before provided to our industry, as Founder & Executive Director of IBPSA Carmen is committed to building a member-centered organization that promotes the best practices and strategies for helping our industry reach its full potential.

Cecilia Amo is an estate planning attorney, author, and founder of AMO LAW Legacy Planning. With over 20 years of experience, Cecilia is an unapologetic nerd and Personal Family Lawyer® who makes estate planning relatable—and even fun—for fellow fans. Drawing on her lifelong love of fandom—from Harry Potter to Star Wars to Marvel—she helps Millennials and Gen Xers protect their assets, passions, and loved ones through her heart-centered approach.

After losing her grandfather, who was also an attorney, and spending years as a trial lawyer witnessing the fallout of poor planning, Cecilia shifted from fighting after tragedy to preventing it. Today she guides fans, collectors, parents, and childfree individuals to create “Life & Legacy Plans” that protect everything that defines a modern legacy: financial wealth, high-value collectibles, crypto, pets, and priceless family stories.

🌐 amo-law.com
📱 @amolaw.legacyplanning

Deborah Niemann is a seasoned homesteader, author, and goat expert with decades of hands-on experience raising goats for milk, meat, and fiber. As the founder of Thrifty Homesteader, Deborah has become a trusted educator in the goat-keeping community, offering practical advice through her books, online courses, and popular podcast, For the Love of Goats. Her best-selling book, Raising Goats Naturally, is a go-to resource for goat owners worldwide, covering everything from breed selection and nutrition to breeding and health care. Deborah’s mission is to help both aspiring and seasoned goat owners raise happy, healthy herds through informed, sustainable practices. 

Dori Durbin is a children’s book author, illustrator, and book coach who helps adult nonfiction authors “kid-size” their message by turning big ideas into engaging, meaningful books for young readers. A former English and science teacher, she blends her classroom experience with her creative work to help families and educators connect through story.

She’s also the creator and host of the That’s Good Parenting podcast, where she shares practical, encouraging conversations designed to help parents reduce stress, strengthen communication, and raise confident, resilient kids. Dori lives in Michigan with her family and a full crew of beloved pets.

Dr. Zoo graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She has a wide variety of experience in emergency medicine, exotics, small animal, and large animal medicine. She has owned Family Animal Hospital of Friendswood since November 2015 and strives to create a balance of the best medicine, compassion, education, and exceptional client communication. Her pets include two German Shepherds and a menagerie of other rescue dogs. She enjoys helping with animal rescues, traveling, and gardening in her free time.

As a child, Dr. Jeff grew up surrounded by pets and horses, sparking a lifelong love for animals. After seven years of university, he achieved his goal of becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 1983.

His first job involved practicing medicine in a companion animal hospital specializing in dogs, cats, and some exotic animals. On the side, he worked with livestock and horses. After 12 years, he and his wife, who was also a veterinarian, fulfilled a dream by opening their own practice in 1995.

While Dr. Jeff specializes in traditional medicine, he also practices acupuncture, chiropractic care, and low-level laser therapy. Over the years, he has taught and contributed to various veterinary magazines, including AKC Family Dog. His 35-year teaching career, inspired his popular online vet assistant courses, which have enrolled over 42,000 students.

Today, Dr. Jeff focuses on holistic, natural, and non-toxic courses for pet owners and industry professionals.

Dr. Linda Atkins has cared for pets as a general practitioner at Valley Cottage Animal Hospital since 1993 and is a co-owner of the hospital. A native of Congers, she attended Cornell University and received her Bachelor’s Degree in Cell Biology in 1987. Dr. Atkins went on to attend the New York State Veterinary College at Cornell University and was awarded her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1991. Dr. Atkins has continuing education certifications in dentistry and ultrasound. Her professional interests include general surgery, feline medicine, dentistry, diagnostic ultrasound and exotic animal medicine. Dr. Atkins is the attending veterinarian for the Trailside Zoo in Bear Mountain New York and volunteers her time to local 4-H programs. She enjoys horseback riding, gardening, boating and spending time with her three children. She shares her home with 2 cats.

Dr. Marlene Siegel is a distinguished veterinarian with nearly four decades of experience, renowned for pioneering integrative veterinary medicine. She earned her DVM degree from the University of Florida in 1985.

In 1987, she founded Pasco Veterinary Medical Center in Lutz, Florida, where she combines advanced Western medical services with alternative therapies to address the root causes of pet health issues.

Her journey into integrative care began in 2004 after a personal experience with her injured horse led her to explore holistic treatment modalities. This exploration resulted in her becoming a Certified Natural Health Professional in 2012.

Dr. Siegel is also an international speaker and educator, offering courses for pet owners and veterinary professionals. Her mission is to empower pet parents and veterinarians by sharing her knowledge in integrative veterinary medicine, aiming to enhance the health and longevity of pets.

There’s nothing Dr. Mary Gardner loves more than a grey-muzzled dog or a wise old cat! As Co-Founder and CEO of Lap of Love, she is committed to making final goodbyes as peaceful as possible, with compassionate support for both pets and their families.

A proud University of Florida graduate, Dr. Gardner is a nationally recognized speaker on geriatric and end-of-life veterinary care. Her work focuses on advancing awareness and medical care for aging pets, while educating both veterinary professionals and pet parents on how to navigate life's final stages.

Dr. Rachel Malamed earned a B.S. in Biomedical Science from the University of Guelph in 2001 and a DVM from Ontario Veterinary College in 2005. During her clinical behavior rotation with Dr. Gary Landsberg, she realized the importance of addressing behavioral health alongside physical health.

After veterinary school, she completed an internship at Animal Specialty Group in Los Angeles, followed by a three-year clinical behavioral medicine residency at UC Davis. Her research on cribbing, temperament, and colic in horses was published in Equine Veterinary Journal in 2010. She became board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (ACVB) the same year.

Dr. Rachel works with pet owners, veterinarians, and trainers to manage behavioral issues. She also serves as a forensic expert in legal cases. A Fear Free Level III Certified professional, she lectures nationally and practices in the Los Angeles area.

Elizabeth is a Certified Canine Nutritionist and Integrative Pet Health Coach for pet parents seeking transformative, natural approaches to pet wellness. Through personalized coaching, speaking, and education, Elizabeth empowers clients to unlock vibrant health, happiness, and deeper connections with their pets, aligning with their passion for integrative care.

Elizabeth holds BS in Industrial Engineering and certification from the International Holistic Pet Health Coaching Association led by renowned veterinarian Dr. Ruth Roberts and the Feed Real Institute. With 22+ years of corporate experience and a personal journey of resilience, Elizabeth brings unique expertise to Integrative pet wellness.

Originally from Colombia, Elizabeth now resides in Houston, TX but travels nationally to share Integrative pet health wisdom through workshops, speaking engagements, and coaching services.

Jennifer S. Holland is the author of Unlikely Friendships, which spent more than 46 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Holland’s insatiable curiosity has taken her all over the world: flying in zero gravity over the Gulf of Mexico, scuba diving with tiger sharks in the Bahamas, climbing the tallest tree in Costa Rica, and camping out with bushmen in Papua New Guinea. A long-time writer for National Geographic and National Wildlife, and a contributor to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and NPR, she splits her time between Maryland and Virginia with her husband and two beloved dogs.

Joe Okaly is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, author, and founder of New Horizons Wealth Management. For over a decade, he’s helped middle-class families and young professionals build financial clarity, manage investing and insurance, and navigate long-term planning. 

He’s also the creator and host of the podcast Enjoy More 30s: Family Finance Podcast — a show focused on giving young families practical advice around budgeting, saving, investing, and building sustainable financial health. 

Julie Marty-Pearson, PsyD is a dedicated Fur Mom, lifelong animal lover, pet enthusiast, and all around animal advocate. She volunteers at her local county animal shelter, has been a kitten foster mom, and occasional pet sitter. Julie started this podcast to share the stories of her own pets, past and present, and advocate for animal rescue, fostering and adoption. Contact Julie via email if you are interested in being a guest on the podcast.

Julie is a Podcast Coach who is passionate about helping others share their stories through podcasting. She has her doctorate in Organizational Psychology and worked for 15 years in accreditation, assessment, and institutional research in higher education. Julie started her own business in 2019 to help other women going through career transitions and find professional paths they were passionate about. Now she support others with starting their own podcasts just like she did with The Story of My Pet Podcast. 

Ken Dolan-DelVecchio is a licensed family therapist (LMFT), clinical social worker (LCSW), and certified human-resources professional (SPHR) with decades of experience guiding individuals, couples, families, businesses, and community organizations through emotional healing and wellness.

Nancy Saxton-Lopez is a licensed clinical social worker and veterinary-social-work specialist (VSW) with over 35 years in behavioral health. She’s worked extensively supporting families and veterinary professionals, especially around companion-animal loss, grief, and mental health.

Together, they co-authored the acclaimed book The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice from Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups, blending their collective expertise to offer compassionate guidance, practical coping tools, and emotional support for people grieving the loss of beloved pets. 

People always ask how I became a “pet detective” for lost cats. It started on a horse farm in Texas, when my snuggly cat, Mister Purr, went missing and I went through days of panic, bad advice, and nearly losing him for good. 

After finally finding him alive, I committed my life to lost cat search and rescue, using what I’ve learned over the past nine years to save other cats from dying unseen behind fences, in sheds, and in containers, and to support devastated owners who are overwhelmed and being bombarded with old wives’ tales and misinformation. 

LeeAnna Buis, CFTBS, FFCP — Certified Feline Behavior Specialist & Cat-Behavior Consultant
LeeAnna Buis turned a lifelong love of cats into a professional calling. She earned her Certified Feline Training & Behavior Specialist (CFTBS) credential through the Animal Behavior Institute and is a certified Fear-Free® trainer (FFCP).

She now helps cat parents worldwide through her work with Feline Behavior Solutions and other platforms, offering virtual consultations, behavior guidance, and education aimed at helping cats thrive and stay in homes rather than end up in shelters.

LeeAnna is also an active contributor to pet-behavior education and cat-welfare publications, regularly writing about feline behavior, enrichment, socialization, and stress-reduction techniques. 

As Fluffology's Director of Grooming and Education, Liz Hampton shares her 30+ years of experience daily with Fluffology's stylists, which are known as “Fluffologists.” As a National Certified Master Groomer, Liz loves helping groomers grow their skills.

Pamela O’Brien is an award-winning, luxury interior designer, writer and speaker. O’Brien has been celebrated in the press (House Beautiful, Houston Chronicle, Houston Modern Luxury and Wall Street Journal, to name a few) for mastering the art and the science of designing custom spaces that put the client first. She is also a regular contributor to Living Cozy.

https://pamelahopedesigns.com/

Peter Campione – Dog Trainer, Behaviorist & Founder of Kindred Souls Canine Center
Peter Campione has more than two decades of experience as a professional dog trainer and behaviorist, working with mixed-breed and rescue dogs across the country — from California and Florida to New Jersey. 

He founded Kindred Souls Canine Center in Howell, NJ, and remains committed to helping dogs and their humans through personalized training, behavior work, and gentle rehabilitation.

He’s also a published author, TV personality, and regular lecturer on canine behavior. His DVD “Kids and K-9’s” is carried in hundreds of libraries, and his upcoming book “Conversations with Canines” (and companion podcast) continues his mission of improving communication between pets and people. 

With roots in Egypt, the land of Pharaohs, Ramy has called Houston, Texas home since 2011. He is a Texas A&M Aggie at heart and his soul is UH Coug. When Ramy is not doing robotics missions at NASA, he is with his maltipoo inspiration and best friend, Lateef. Ramy is the Founder of Zoomies Dog Park and the co-founder of KG BBQ, as seen on The Showdown on Netflix.

Ruth Hegarty, M.S.Ed., is a seasoned educator with decades of experience in teaching and dog training. With a Master’s in Education and certifications as a Life Coach and dog trainer, Ruth expertly helps individuals and groups understand and apply effective dog training techniques. She combines her deep knowledge of canine behavior with her coaching skills to help uncover and address any barriers to success. Ruth is also certified in Dog Bite Safety Education, pet first aid/CPR, and canine psychology. A sought-after speaker and writer, she has presented at the Boston Museum of Science, Harvard University, and taught at Suffolk University, among others.

Sheryl Green has taken people-pleasing to Olympic levels. For decades, she put everyone else’s needs first—until she hit a wall and discovered that boundaries were, in fact, a thing. Now she helps individuals and organizations establish healthy boundaries to strengthen relationships, improve communication, and prevent burnout.

With a background in forensic psychology and professional experience spanning mental health, customer service, PR, education, and nonprofits, Sheryl brings a unique blend of insight and humor to her work. She’s the author of six books, including You Had Me at “No”, Surviving to Thriving, and A Pet Parent’s Guide to First Aid and Prevention.

A lifelong animal advocate, Sheryl has dedicated her voice to helping those who can’t speak for themselves. When she’s not writing or speaking, she’s practicing yoga, doting on her pets, and tending to what she calls her “indoor jungle.”

Stacy has dedicated more than 20 years to animal welfare, helping tens of thousands of cats and pets in need. At one point she spent 16 years leading the Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS), during which time her leadership helped the organization assist over 105,000 cats and kittens — operating mobile spay/neuter clinics, free feral-cat clinics, and adoption and mentoring programs that reached dozens of rescue groups across multiple states.

Today, as President of PAWSitive Pantry, Stacy helps provide a critical safety net for families in Vermont and Massachusetts who are struggling to feed their pets in difficult times. Under her leadership, the nonprofit distributes thousands of meals monthly — ensuring pets don’t end up abandoned or surrendered just because their people face hardship.

Tracy Fosterling is a Jacksonville, Florida–based animal rescue advocate, foster mom, and social-media influencer who’s opened her home to dozens of dogs and cats in need. She uses her platform to share real rescue stories, spotlight animal welfare issues, and encourage adoption -- giving voice to animals that might otherwise be overlooked. 

A self-described “dog mom of 5, cat mom of 2,” Tracy combines hands-on foster care with bold advocacy, using photos, videos, and honest storytelling to raise awareness and inspire others to consider rescue and fostering.