Speakers

Keynote Speakers

Additional Speakers

 Keynote Speakers

Dr. Jean Dodds
Dr. Dodds is President of Hemopet/Pet Life-Line, a non-profit greyhound rescue/blood donor/adoption facility servicing North American veterinary clinics. The Hemolife Division provides a worldwide animal diagnostic service. Dr. Dodds teaches animal health care professionals and pet owners on hematology and blood banking, immunology, endocrinology, nutrition and holistic medicine. www.hemopet.org
 
She will speak about the current issues about Vaccines and your Pets.

Dr. Marty Goldstein
Dr. Goldstein and three other staff veterinarians practice at Smith Ridge Veterinary Center in South Salem, NY, in a state-of-the-art facility. They specialize in the use of integrative medicine and complementary modalities for maintaining animal wellness and treating chronic and degenerative illnesses, especially cancer. Smith Ridge treats patients from all parts of the United States, Canada and even Europe.
 
Dr. Marty, his wife and three daughters share their lives with three dogs and two cats.
 

Dr. Judith Shoemaker
Judith ShoemakerDr. Shoemaker graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in 1980. She is currently licensed in 17 states, and is an internationally known instructor and consultant in complementary veterinary therapies. She is a certified veterinary acupuncturist and has lectured for IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) and AAVA (American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture). She is certified by the AVCA (American Veterinary Chiropractic Association) of which she was a charter/founding member. She has been a senior board member, Diplomat candidate, and senior instructor with AVCA and has taught in programs for several universities including University of Pennsylvania, University of North Carolina, University of Minnesota, and Tufts University. Her active memberships in many organizations, her long term board position with the AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association) and her premier practice, instructional programs and research keep her at the leading edge of integrative medicine.
 
Dr. Shoemaker conducts a complementary medicine mixed practice with a focus on sports medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, farriery, dentistry, and other adjunctive therapies for difficult conditions.
 
Her patients include top-level competitors of many disciplines and wonderful companions as well.

Additional Speakers  

Dr. Bud Allen, DVM
Bud Allen DVMDr. Allen holds a M.S. from Michigan State University and a D.V.M. from Michigan State University.

He specializes in Veterinary Chiropractic and Acupuncture.

He frequently gives lectures and seminars, recently presenting on "Veterinary Chiropractic" and "Integration of Complementary/Alternative Medicine in Your Practice" at the Tufts Animal Expo 2001; and "Sports Related Injuries" at Camp Gone to the Dogs.

Bud is a member of The American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture - "To promote the art and science of Veterinary Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, to further the professional development of our members, to encourage the education of veterinarians in Veterinary Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, and to provide leadership and resources in the United States for the advancement of these disciplines." In addition, Bud is a member of The American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and served as the chairperson of the chiropractic program at Tufts University in 2003.


Mary S. Battistella, DVM 
Mary S. Battistella, DVM is a 1983 graduate from Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine. Shortly after graduation, she opened her own veterinary practice.  Dr. Battistella is active in several state associations including the Alabama Academy of Veterinary Practice, president 1986, East Alabama Veterinary Medical Association and Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, Past Grievance Committee member, current Complimentary Veterinary Medicine Committee chair; and is a member of the AVMA and associate member of the AAHA.
 
In 1994, she was certified through the IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) Acupuncture certification course, and have been studying and using Chinese Herbal medicine since 1998. Dr. Battistella has been involved with the IVAS Course as a teaching assistant at several of the courses and was on the education committee. She has been a member of the AAVA (American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture) since its beginning and been a delegate to the IVAS Congress, and a past AAVA board member, having the responsibility of chairing the CE committee, and scheduling speakers for the AAVA portion of the North American Veterinary Conference. She is also a member of the AHVMA (American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association) and a recently elected Board Member. Dr. Battistella has lectured on acupuncture and TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine) for the state association, at the North American Veterinary Conference, IVAS Congress 2004, China Veterinary Acupuncture Congress in Beijing 2006, and the AAVA annual meeting 2007, and the AHVMA meeting 2008.       
   
Dr. Battistella recently opened a full service veterinary practice, Holistic Veterinary Medical Center of Alabama (locally known as Kowaliga Whole Health Pet Care & Resort) in Eclectic, AL.
 
Nancy Brandt, DVM
Nancy Brandt dvmDr. Nancy is the Founder and Medical director of The Natural Care Instititute LLC, which opened in 1999 in Las Vegas Nevada. She is a 1990 Graduate from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Her Practice includes acupuncture, chiropractic, homotoxicology and human behavior sciences of Belief Intention Medicine. She offers alternative complimentary medicine for the community, pets and the guardians who love them.

Dr. Nancy is recognized as the Pioneering Veterinarian in Veterinary Aromatherapy and the Medical use of Pure Essential Oils. She has lectures world wide on the topic for over 10 years now. She has developed a certification course in Veterinary Aromatherapy, which is the first of its kind.

She teaches, via webinar, bimonthly and enjoys daily phone consultations to both guardians and veterinarians on integrating essential oils into their pets programs of health. She has also developed a method of impacting the health of a pet by utilizing the Human Animal bond via intention and essential oils
www.nancybrandtdvm.com
Nancy is a single Mother of three amazing children who never cease to entertain and educate her daily.
 
Christina Chambreau, DVM
 Christina Chambreau, DVM, is an internationally known homeopathic veterinarian, author and speaker. Her book, Healthy Animal’s Journal was published in 2003. She graduated from the University of Georgia Veterinary College in 1980, began using homeopathy in her veterinary practice in 1983, and has used primarily homeopathy since 1988. She is also the Director of the Veterinary Advice Line. A dynamic teacher, Dr. Chambreau is a founder of the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy and lectures at conventions, schools, clubs and to anyone who is concerned about improving the health of animals. She has spoken for the World Small Animal Congress in Prague, Czech Republic, and many US veterinary conferences, holistic and conventional. She also teaches her own 1 and 2 day courses, and teaches part of a 2 week long Summer School Classes for Animal Health, introducing veterinarians and lay people to the homeopathic principles, books and remedies. She is co-author of A Repertory Tutorial and How to Have a Stress Free Wedding. She has written and is quoted in many magazines and appears on many radio shows

Christina B. Chambreau, Veterinary Homeopathy
908 Cold Bottom Road
Sparks, MD 21152
410‑771‑4968
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
www.ChristinaChambreau.com

Geoff D’Arcy, Lic. Ac., D.O.M.,
Geoff D’Arcy, Lic. Ac., D.O.M., brings the wealth of Eastern philosophy and training to the healing arts of acupuncture and herbal medicine. His goal of integrating herbal medicine from East and West.

Geoff has authored and co-authored several books on using a holistic approach to healthcare including, ‘Herbs for Hepatitis’, ‘The Veterinary World Herb Handbook’, ‘The World Herb Handbook’ and ‘Herbal Adventures’ and has written many articles on using herbal medicine for healing. Geoff has co-founded two large integrative medical centers in Massachusetts and is now Director of the D’Arcy Wellness Clinic. He is president of D’Arcy Naturals, Inc., a company that produces all natural herbal formulas for humans and pets. Geoff worked with Veterinarians all over the country, helping to craft a line of effective and relevant herbal formulas for Veterinarian practices.
 
Regina M. Downey, DVM
Regina M. Downey, DVM is a small animal practitioner of more than 25 years and presently owns/operates Holistic Animal Healing Clinic in Exeter, NH. Dr. Downey treats her patients through a holistic and traditional approach with a strong emphasis on holistic. She incorporates BICOM 2000 Therapy, a cutting-edge and non-invasive therapy which uses electro-magnetic resonance as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool. Dr. Downey currently serves as a teacher of BICOM 2000 technology. Dr. Downey formerly owned/operated Coastal Animal Clinic in Salisbury, MA for 16 years, a multi-doctor practice which she sold in 2005. At Coastal she treated dogs, cats, bird, exotics and was a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. She is a founding member of the Merrimac River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS) and its first staff veterinarian to care for the feral cat population along the waterfront of the North Shore of MA. Dr. Downey maintains a connection with this no-kill shelter to care for and treat the feline feral population in Danville, NH.
 
Robert S. Goldstein, VMD
Dr. Goldstein is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He is the Medical Director of Animal Nutrition Technologies (ANT) and Healing Center for Animals (HCFA) in Westport, CT. ANT offers Nutritional Blood Testing to veterinarians. HCFA a telephone consultation service offering Nutritional Blood testing (NBT) and the Nutritional Pet Profile (NPP)™. Dr. Goldstein is co-author of The Goldstein’s Wellness & Longevity Program Natural Care for Dogs and Cats (Winner of the Maxwell Award, Best Health Care Book awarded by Dog Writers of America). He is the editor and co-author of the veterinary textbook, “Integrating Complementary Medicine Into Veterinary Practice, published by Wiley Blackwell.
 
Susan J. Goldstein
Susan J. Goldstein is President and Founder of the Healing Center for Animals, an international nutritional telephone consultation and also directs Healing Centers Emotional Healing and Death and Dying services as a certified Grief Counselor. Susan is Director and Founder of the Earth Animal Retail, Internet and Mail Order Company located in Westport, CT. offering organic, compassionate, cruelty free, non-toxic and environmentally friendly products and services for all animals. Susan is a frequent public speaker, is co-author with veterinarian and life partner Bob Goldstein in The Goldstein Wellness and Longevity Program for Animals published by TFH Publishers focusing on their longevity programs for dogs and cats. The Goldstein’s Wellness and Longevity book has won the prestigious Maxwell Award, Best Health Care Book awarded by Dog Writers of America. Susan is largely responsible for the health transformation in the pet food industry representing a kinder, gentler, safer way for animal health care, wellness and longevity. 
 
Dr. Alexandra Kilgore
Doctor Alexandra Kilgore graduated from Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1983. After a short externship at the National Zoo in Washington, DC, she began her career at Littleton Animal Hospital in Littleton, Massachusetts. She was one of the first veterinarians in New England to offer laparoscopic procedures and in-house diagnostic testing for birds. She has been a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians since 1988 and has regularly attended the AAV annual continuing education conference and hands on laboratories. 
 
In recent years she has promoted the integration of alternative medicine modalities into her practice. In 2008 she joined the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy. Her presentation will be an introduction to herbal therapies utilized in avian medicine.

Dr. Doug Knueven
Dr. Doug Knueven received his veterinary degree from Ohio State University in 1987 and has been practicing veterinary medicine in Beaver County, Pennsylvania ever since. 
Dr. Knueven has earned certification in veterinary acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and chiropractic. He also has advanced training in natural nutrition, massage therapy and homeopathy. Dr Knueven has been practicing alternative veterinary medicine since 1993. He lectures on the subject at veterinary conferences and pet owner events around the country. He has written two books on the subject; Stand by Me: A Holistic Handbook for Animals, Their People and the Lives They Share Together, and The Holistic Health Guide: Natural Care for the Whole Dog.
         
You can learn more about holistic pet care and Dr. Doug’s speaking schedule at www.BeaverAnimalClinic.com 

Dr. Martha Lindsay, MS, DVM, CVH, certified in Nutrition Response Testing
Dr. Lindsay practiced small animal and exotic medicine and surgery for 20 years, then over the next 6 years, became certified in Veterinary Homeopathy. She found that each pet has unique nutritional needs. She became certified in Nutrition Response Testing in order to be able to find specific nutritional products to supplement the diet for each individual pet and to determine what foods are allergic for the animal. She practices in North Andover, Mass with her husband who is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and uses Traditional Chinese Herbs. The website is: www.altvetservices.com

Dr. Marjorie C. McMillan DVM, DACVR, CCRP
Dr. McMillan is a board certified veterinary radiologist. Because of the animals that came to her for radiographic procedures ranging from hip dysplasia, disc disease to degenerative myelopathy, Dr. McMillan developed an interest in providing better ways of treating and improving the quality of life for these pets. Over the past 6 years she has been involved in rehabilitative medicine, which led to the development of a state-of-the-art physical rehabilitative center. Dr. McMillan is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner.
Special interests include integrative medicine, geriatric care, interventional radiology and non-invasive diagnostic techniques Developed avian radiographic techniques and interpretation.Twenty-five years of experience as an avian veterinarian.

Dr. Christopher B. Meehl
I come from a family of veterinarians and quite literally grew up in an animal hospital environment. I graduated from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, as did both my father and uncle. Caring for animals has always been a part of my life and leads me to understand that it is truly a privilege to be a practicing veterinarian! I take great pleasure in helping to encourage young people to pursue the profession in all of its many facets. In addition I believe that the present day is a time filled with abundant opportunities for dedicated, thoughtful, and conscientious individuals interested in pursuing a career in veterinary medicine.
            Integrative care of pets is not new to me however it is all too often overlooked among the many traditional high tech offerings that are in vogue today. In practice I believe it important to consider the nature and temperament of the animal patient and to keep that consideration as a primary driver of the care that is to be provided. Domestic animals have been a part of human interaction for thousands of years long before recorded history. Their nature and man’s are sometimes overlooked in our care of these animals. In caring for pets I aim to reintroduce my clients to our patients as the, “domestic companions”, that have been a part of our evolution.
           
SOME THOUGHTS FROM DR. MEEHL ON VETTING & VETERINARINANS
 
“Vetting”, I particularly like this word as it speaks to the integrity of our profession. It is an old word of obscure Latin, French, and Anglo-Saxon origin. The meaning is to check up on someone or something and to determine its suitability. In 17th century France the word, “veterinus”, referred to mature cattle and the word, “vetus”, or “vetere”, referred to the old. (As an old veteran) Thus during times when a man was dependent upon the soundness of his herd, he was in need of trusted counsel for his livelihood and well being. Today you will hear the word used in the context of determining the suitability of everything from pets, “vetting”, the horse, to the, “vetting”, of potential candidates for the President’s cabinet.
            In our current day and age this work can give us great pride in the sound foundation of our profession. Often we are called upon to, “vet-check”, horses and livestock prior to sale and provide many instances of trusted council to our clientele daily. It is a privilege to perform such work on so many wonderful animal patients.
 
Melinda Miller
Melinda Miller has been professionally involved with animals for 30 years. Arabian horses she bred or managed collectively hold 43 national titles. In the dog world she is acknowledged as one of the innovators in positive behavior training, and she is also the owner and/or co-breeder of multiple Portuguese Water Dog champions, including a National Specialty winner. She has combined her years of professional management consulting skills with her knowledge of animals to specialize in the animal industries. She manages one of the largest holistic veterinary hospitals in the country, Smith Ridge Veterinary Center in South Salem, NY. She also provides management advice to other veterinarians, training and daycare facilities, and a veterinary biomedical company. She is the co-founder of the #2 raw diet company in the country, and is co-founder and president of the industry organization, the North American Raw Petfood Association (NARPA). She has also served as the behavior management and dietary consultant for the Wolf Conservation Center in South Salem, NY. Her experience and knowledge allow her to provide us with a very unique understanding of natural health for our companion carnivores – our dogs and cats.

Margo Roman, D.V.M.
Margo Roman, D.V.M. Owner of MASH Main Street Animal Services of Hopkinton est 1983. www.mashvet.com It is New England's first Integrative Veterinary Clinic offering functional conventional medicine, nutrition, acupuncture, homeopathy, herbology, ozone therapy, surgery, chiropractic  reiki, and other modalities, She graduated from Tuskegee Institute of Alabama in 1978. She was a student of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Course in 1976. Her internship from 1978 to 1981 was at Angell Memorial in Boston, MA and  served on the faculty of Tufts University teaching Anatomy and Physiology as well as some acupuncture from 1979-1986. With filmmaker Simone Hnilicka, she produced the Dr.DoMore for Animal Healing www.drdomore.org ,a documentary on Integrative Veterinary Medicine becoming Mainstream Veterinary Care which has been viewed by millions. She has lectured internationally. Co-author Small Animal Ear Diseases Lou Gotthelf, Integrating Complementary Medicine into Veterinary Practice by Bob Goldstein.
 
Allen M. Schoen, D.V.M., M.S. PhD. (hon)
Allen M. Schoen DVM
Dr. Schoen received his D.V.M. from Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, in 1978. He also holds a Master's Degree in neurophysiology and behavior from the University of Illinois. Dr. Schoen received an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Becker College in 1998 for his contributions to Veterinary Medicine. 
Dr. Schoen established the Department of Acupuncture, the first in the world outside of China, at the Animal Medical Center in New York City in 1982. Dr. Schoen has held faculty positions at Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Tufts University College of Veterinary Medicine in addition to being a faculty member of the Chi Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr. Schoen is certified in both veterinary acupuncture (1982) and veterinary chiropractic (1990). He is a former President of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVA)
 
Dr. Schoen is a pioneer who has dedicated his professional career to the advancement of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine. Dr. Schoen is the founder and director of the Center for Integrative Animal Health, a division of Global Communications for Conservation, Inc. (GCC). Dr. Schoen is the co-editor of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine, Principles and Practice, (Mosby, 1998) and the editor of both Veterinary Acupuncture: Ancient Art to Modern Medicine, (Mosby, 1994, 2nd edition 2001), and Problems in Veterinary Medicine: Veterinary Acupuncture, (Lippencott, 1992). Dr. Schoen is the author of “Kindred Spirits, How the Remarkable Relationship between Humans and Animals Can Transform our Lives” (Broadway,RandomHouse, 2001) and author of Love, Miracles & Animal Healing, (Simon & Schuster, 1995). He has published numerous research articles on complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM). He has lectured on CAVM throughout the world including Europe, Scandinavia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, Africa, the U.S. and Canada.
 
In addition, Dr. Schoen maintains a referral practice in large and small animal integrative veterinary medicine. Through this practice he has developed new approaches to such degenerative conditions as cancer, arthritis, liver disease and others.   Dr. Schoen's continues to create innovative natural nontoxic approaches to animal health, environmental health and human health care and integrate them into a new interdisciplinary program with a commitment to compassionate care for all beings.

Dr. Stephen Tobin
Dr. Tobin is a holistic veterinarian located in Meriden , CT. In addition to his clinic location, he also does house calls and telephone consultations. His primary modalities are homeopathy, nutrition and herbs, in conjunction, where needed, with Western medicine. Dr. Tobin graduated from Vet School in Munich, Germany. He has been in practice since 1987. He is a past president of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, and is a member of the Veterinary Botanical Medical Association, the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy and the AHVMA.
 

  Marcia Zais
Marcia ZaisMarcia Zais is an animal communicator and healer, who works extensively with animals who are critically ill, approaching death, passing through the death experience and beyond, and guiding people through their grief. She has been teaching animal communication for fifteen years.
Marcia brings over 25 years of experience in meditation and spiritual development to her work. She is trained and certified in Tong Ren Therapy, an energetic system based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Collective Unconscious. She has studied Reiki, Magnified Healing, T-Touch, EMDR/EFT, and other healing modalities.