“True teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross; then, having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create their own.” ― Nikos Kazantzakis
From the World of Wildlife to Worlds Within!
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Animals have always been my soulmates and closest confidants. As I became a woman in the world, I began to explore the science of species. After studying animal welfare, applied behavior analysis, animal training, animal husbandry, ethology, and animal enrichment for nearly 20 years, I experienced the “A to Z of stress” that comes with living and working with exotic and domestic animals. This is why I Am empathetic to families who experience behavioral or medical challenges with their animal companions.
The "conditions of captivity" are another reason I created Conscious Companion.
There are 3 main types of behavioral issues that both exotic and many companion animals experience: Instinctual or natural behaviors that become problems for the people who care for them, Unintentionally trained behaviors, and Problems caused by the ‘Conditions of Captivity’. -Which is why compassion and kindness for all creatures is at the heart of all of my services.
Animals have always been my soulmates and closest confidants. As I became a woman in the world, I began to explore the science of species. After studying animal welfare, applied behavior analysis, animal training, animal husbandry, ethology, and animal enrichment for nearly 20 years, I experienced the “A to Z of stress” that comes with living and working with exotic and domestic animals. This is why I Am empathetic to families who experience behavioral or medical challenges with their animal companions.
The "conditions of captivity" are another reason I created Conscious Companion.
There are 3 main types of behavioral issues that both exotic and many companion animals experience: Instinctual or natural behaviors that become problems for the people who care for them, Unintentionally trained behaviors, and Problems caused by the ‘Conditions of Captivity’. -Which is why compassion and kindness for all creatures is at the heart of all of my services.
Gallery of Some of My Best Friends and Greatest Teachers!
"Every being has either something to learn or something to teach. May we have the wisdom and courage to be both teacher and student, and to know when to be each.”
Amy has been a lifelong admirer of all species - scaly, slimy, feathered, or furred. Each is unique and beautiful to her. After decades of working with exotic and domesticated species, they have all taught her invaluable lessons. She now teaches others what she has learned, while still remaining a humble student.
Amy graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management in 1999. Throughout her extensive professional career, she has worked and taught at a variety of facilities, including LSU’s Veterinary School, George Mason University, The Humane Society of the United States, veterinary clinics, pet resorts, nature centers, and a highly accredited zoo and aquarium. Amy has mentored people of all ages and backgrounds, many with a variety of physical, mental, and societal challenges. Her work has always been focused on teaching others how to implement force-free (choice-based) training, while enhancing the human-animal bond.
Amy graduated from Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Management in 1999. Throughout her extensive professional career, she has worked and taught at a variety of facilities, including LSU’s Veterinary School, George Mason University, The Humane Society of the United States, veterinary clinics, pet resorts, nature centers, and a highly accredited zoo and aquarium. Amy has mentored people of all ages and backgrounds, many with a variety of physical, mental, and societal challenges. Her work has always been focused on teaching others how to implement force-free (choice-based) training, while enhancing the human-animal bond.
Chopin, the Moluccan cockatoo teaching children about the complexities of cockatoos
Amy has studied wildlife management, conservation, animal welfare, applied behavior analysis, animal husbandry, animal enrichment, animal communication, and ethology for over 20 years. Amy worked at one of the Association of Zoo’s and Aquarium’s (AZA) top ranking facilities - The Audubon Nature Institute. She had the privilege of learning from some of the world's leading animal trainers, such as Ken Ramirez, and Steve Martin of Natural Encounters, both of whom are pioneers in the fields of 100% force-free animal training, humane husbandry, and species-specific enrichment.
Just a few hats that Amy wore at Audubon Nature Institute included Visitor Programming Coordinator, Children’s Zoo’s Discovery Walk Supervisor, Volunteer Coordinator, ZOOmobile Coordinator, Education Outreach Manager, Animal Enrichment Coordinator, Lead Animal Trainer for the Education Department, and Institutional Representative for various critically endangered Species Survival Plans (SSP). Amy also held offices as the secretary, vice president, and president of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (AAZK).
Visiting with my dear friend, Magma, the 90 year young Aldabra Tortoise
Amy’s expertise stems from her extensive working knowledge of animal husbandry, animal enrichment, safe animal handling techniques, behavior modification, species-specific ethology, professional ethics, public education, public outreach, and public programming. She has extensive experience with energy healing, animal communication, and animal holistic healing arts. Amy is also an expert in the area of hurricane and emergency planning and preparation for humans and animals. Amy has received multiple certifications from AZA's Professional Development Certificate Program.
Through public outreach, zoo education programs, and captive animal management and endangered species breeding programs, Amy was fortunate to work closely with a wide variety of species, to include Felis and Panthera (exotic cats), corvids (crows), psittacines (parrots), birds of prey (raptors), reptiles, marsupials, bears, giraffes, venomous species, insects, small mammals, primates, hoof stock, elephants, crocodilians, Komodo dragons, Giant tortoises, African wildcat clones, and dozens of other SSP animals - just to name a few!
Through public outreach, zoo education programs, and captive animal management and endangered species breeding programs, Amy was fortunate to work closely with a wide variety of species, to include Felis and Panthera (exotic cats), corvids (crows), psittacines (parrots), birds of prey (raptors), reptiles, marsupials, bears, giraffes, venomous species, insects, small mammals, primates, hoof stock, elephants, crocodilians, Komodo dragons, Giant tortoises, African wildcat clones, and dozens of other SSP animals - just to name a few!
Amy's professional research has been published in a variety of professional fora. Some of her published works include Target Training and Voluntary Blood Drawing of the Aldabra Tortoise, What's in a Purr?, Whisker Stress, An Analysis of the Post-release Success of Captive-bred Louisiana Pine Snakes, and Stimulate Your Psittacine! -Transforming a Parrot’s Life in Captivity through Enrichment.
Amy received the AAZK’s National Certificate of Excellence for two of these papers. She is a contributing author for various pet education publications including, BARKS, Petcha, 4Knines, and Love to Know.
Amy received the AAZK’s National Certificate of Excellence for two of these papers. She is a contributing author for various pet education publications including, BARKS, Petcha, 4Knines, and Love to Know.
Amy’s career has always focused on demonstrating respect for all species. Whether it was a caterpillar or Komodo Dragon, Amy’s passion was teaching compassion. Through educating people about the positive impacts of force-free -training, the power of species-specific enrichment, and the importance of bridging the gap between species, Amy saw first-hand, the far-reaching effects of compassionate education.
After a decade of animal adventures at The Audubon Nature Institute, Amy was inspired to share her exotic animal expertise and unique insights with others who were outside of the animal conservation community. Amy created Conscious Companion™ to provide pets and their people with conditions that captive endangered species benefited from every day: Holistic Care, Choice-Based Training, and Compassion.
After a decade of animal adventures at The Audubon Nature Institute, Amy was inspired to share her exotic animal expertise and unique insights with others who were outside of the animal conservation community. Amy created Conscious Companion™ to provide pets and their people with conditions that captive endangered species benefited from every day: Holistic Care, Choice-Based Training, and Compassion.
on the breathtaking Slieve League Cliffs, in Donegal Ireland, home of some of my ancestors
Through her professional education, extensive work and personal experiences, and her abilities as an Intuitive Empath, Amy has learned that all species should be respected by using force-free training techniques. She is passionate about teaching these techniques to youth and adults everywhere. As both an Intuitive and an Empath, and a certified Energy Healing Practitioner, Amy is able to successfully tune into the world of energy. This is an ability she has been able to access for as long as she can remember. Her Cherokee ancestors knew how to beautifully and mindfully work with both the tangible physical world and the world of energy. They knew that these two worlds were not separate from one another; they are One. As both a descendant and teacher of First Nation sacred practices, and a professional practitioner of Energy Medicine, Amy understands the reality of how energy affects everything; it can strengthen (or hinder) healing, growth, and connection.
Amy is the owner, founder, and chief operator of Conscious Companion™. She is on the advisory board for Family Paws Parent Education and she is a licensed presenter of the Dogs & Storks® and the Dogs & Toddlers™ programs. Amy serves as a core member of the Pet Professional Guild's Cat Committee, and is a Doggone Safe presenter. Amy also serves on the board of advisers for the Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary.
She and her family live outside the nation's capitol. While living on the east coast, Amy still maintains a global consulting practice. When she is not consulting with clients, creating art, or providing workshops for kids in her community, she and her husband volunteer for The Make A Wish Foundation as Wish Granters for over a decade. A portion of the proceeds from her public workshops benefit The Make A Wish Foundation. Amy also enjoys teaching wetland/watershed classes in the field with middle school students, helping to restore local beaches and nature preserves.
And of course, none of this could be possible if it weren't for their amazing animal companions! You can see some of their beautiful faces below. These beautiful souls have taught me countless lessons, including Replacing "Pets" with Purpose!
“You can't do passion halfway. Living your passion means you're all in. You trust your heart and trust your gut wherever that takes you.” ― Joe Plumeri
Learn About Conscious Companion's
Behavioral Services.
Conscious Companion is a professional and compassionate supportive resource for your family. We provide fun, force-free animal behavior consulting to families worldwide. We offer in-depth, holistic services for both you and your animal family members.
Amy believes that learning is never finished as long as you are still alive! She continues her animal behavior education and holistic and alternative therapies through professional conferences and ongoing certifications. Amy is known all over the world for her empathy, generosity, and life-changing experiences that touch and transform countless lives.
Amy is a active member of:
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Conscious Companion ✧ Falls Church, VA ✧ 22044