Essential Oils & Animals
Conference 2025

Brett Packer - Executive Director Global Farms | Young Living

Brett Packer serves as the Director of Young Living Farms, where he brings the company’s Seed to Seal® standards to life through a forward-thinking approach to agriculture. While deeply rooted in regenerative practices, Brett’s vision goes beyond restoration—he is passionate about creating farming systems that actively enrich the earth, sustain communities, and inspire future generations.

One of his current passions is Young Living’s work with hemp plants, where he explores their potential to strengthen soils, restore balance, and expand the possibilities of natural wellness. Brett’s dedication to the land can be seen across projects ranging from forest stewardship to innovative crop development, always with a focus on long-term vitality.

Presenting:
- Beyond Regenerative Agriculture: Revealing In-Depth Behind-The-Scenes Details of Why Young Living is Superior To All Others and are the Safest & Most Effective for Our Animals

Andrea Higbee Craig - Mt. Nebo Farm Manager

Andrea’s life has always been guided by her love for the earth and her deep sense of stewardship. A mother of four and lifelong advocate for plant-based living, she has been passionate about gardening, organic growing, and building healthy communities long before joining Young Living at the Mt. Nebo Botanical Farm in 2020.

Since then, Andrea has become a key leader in developing sustainable practices at Mt. Nebo—overseeing agriculture, forestry, and distillation across 1,800 acres. She has advanced organic soil systems, integrated regenerative farming methods, and even introduced working cats as a natural pest-control solution. Her heart for nature extends beyond the farm, where she cares for a lively family that includes dogs, cats, goats, ducks, chickens, and a rooster named Roger.

Andrea is dedicated to sharing her knowledge of plants, sustainability, and the Young Living lifestyle, inspiring others to embrace wellness, purpose, and abundance in harmony with the earth.

Presenting:

- Beyond Regenerative Agriculture: Revealing In-Depth Behind-The-Scenes Details of Why Young Living is Superior To All Others and are the Safest & Most Effective for Our Animals

Skyler & Tara Olson – Stewards of Skyrider Wilderness Ranch

Skyler and Tara Olson serve as the heart and vision behind Skyrider Wilderness Ranch, carrying forward the legacy of founder D. Gary Young with a deep commitment to stewardship, sustainability, and community. As Managing Director, Skyler oversees projects such as the introduction of desert bighorn sheep, the reestablishment of original bison genetics, and the rescue and rehoming of horses—all vital to restoring balance to the land.

Recently, Skyrider celebrated the rare birth of a white buffalo, honored across many Indigenous traditions as a symbol of hope, renewal, and spiritual blessing. For the Olsons, this event deepened their responsibility to care for the land and affirmed Skyrider’s role as a place of connection between people, nature, and spirit.

Together, Skyler and Tara also cultivate community at the ranch through events like the “Iron Will Men’s Camp,” a tradition started by Gary Young and carried forward today. Grounded in love for the land and a belief in nature’s healing power, they ensure Skyrider remains a sanctuary for people, animals, and the earth itself.

Presenting:
- Skyrider Ranch: Restoring Balance Between People, Animals & Earth, including Authentic North American Bison Population & Horse Rehabilitation, Sacred White Bison Born

Shannon Birkelbach - Young Living Educator & Wellness Advocate

Shannon has been using and sharing Young Living products for over 20 years. What started as a love for aromatherapy deepened when she began supporting her immune-compromised foal with holistic tools—partnering with her veterinarian, Dr. Lori Miller, to integrate essential oils and natural solutions.

With up to 14 barn cats at a time, Shannon has had plenty of real-life opportunities to apply essential oils, supplements, and DIY recipes to support animal wellness on a budget. Known as a “DIY queen,” she’s passionate about teaching practical ways to use Young Living products for both pets and people. Shannon and Dr. Miller regularly teach together, bringing education and empowerment to barns, homes, and communities.

Presenting:
- Cats & Essential Oils - Finally The Truth

Nancy Brandt - DVM, OMD, MSOM,dip.OM,CVC,CVA,CVMA

Dr. Nancy is a trailblazing veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Holistic Veterinary Medicine. A graduate of the University of Minnesota and Wongu University, she holds advanced certifications in multiple holistic modalities. Dr. Brandt is the creator of Veterinary Medical Aromatherapy® and the founder of the Veterinary Medical Aromatherapy Association (established in 2015).

An accomplished author and educator, she has written books, produced instructional videos, and developed a comprehensive curriculum on safe aromatherapy for pets. Since 2013, Dr. Brandt has been a dedicated professor, teaching integrative courses to Traditional Chinese Medicine students, while actively practicing as both a holistic veterinarian and Oriental Medical Doctor for humans.

Renowned for her truly integrative approach to health, Dr. Brandt’s expertise spans the globe, where she inspires audiences with her unique focus on balancing wellness through Essential oils, Traditional Chinese Medicine and holistic healing practices for animals and humans. 

Presenting:
- Your Integrative Tool Box: The Synergy Between Essential Oils w/ Homeopathy, Crystals & Traditional Chinese Medicine.
- The Science Of Enhancing Wholeness: Using Young Living In Harmonizing Frequencies In Our Human/Animal Connection For Spiritual, Emotional & Physical
- Novel techniques for choosing essential oils and using essential oils in safe and effective ways. 

Cristi Eckert – Natural Pet Wellness

Cristi Eckert has been connected to animals for as long as she can remember—starting as a child helping neighbors with dog walking and pet sitting, later volunteering at shelters, and even working in a veterinary clinic during high school and college. She earned her degree in Animal Science from Texas A&M and went on to complete a master’s in Management and Human Resources, all while staying active in animal organizations.

In 2013, Cristi discovered Young Living essential oils and began exploring how they could support her own aging dogs. That search led her to Healing Touch for Animals®, where she trained extensively in using essential oils and energy work to support both the emotional and physical wellness of animals. Since then, she has completed seven levels of HTA coursework, become a certified Crystal Healer, Reiki Master, and trained in animal communication along with other holistic healing modalities.

In 2019, Cristi founded Natural Pet Wellness, a business dedicated to empowering pet owners with safe, natural, and effective tools for their animals’ well-being. She continues to expand her knowledge by attending Young Living conventions, animal conferences, and collaborating with other professionals—all with the goal of helping animals live healthier, happier lives.

Presenting:
- Healing Touch For Animals
- Animals, Oils & Crystals
- Canine Raindrop

Kari Friedman - Young Living Crown Diamond 

Kari is a Crown Diamond with Young Living, a mom of five, and a passionate advocate for natural wellness—for both people and animals. A lifelong animal lover and seasoned dog foster (having cared for over 25 rescues), Kari brings a grounded, relatable approach to holistic living.

With more than a decade of experience building a thriving Young Living business, Kari first focused on helping families create toxin-free, wellness-centered homes. But everything changed when she discovered the incredible impact essential oils could have on her animals—especially her horses and dogs. That discovery opened a new chapter in her journey, and today, Kari is a trusted voice in the animal wellness space. She teaches pet owners how to use Young Living products safely and confidently—without overwhelm or complexity.

Kari is known for her practical, down-to-earth teaching style, heart-led leadership, and her unwavering belief that wellness should be simple, accessible, and aligned with your values. Whether she’s mentoring fellow brand partners or empowering pet parents, Kari’s mission remains the same: to help others confidently embrace essential oils and start right where they are—with love, intention, and trust.

Presenting:
- Where Do I Start? Using Young Living With Animals

Lucretia Guillory - Founder of Tzus and Mews Rescue | Wholistic Healer | Truth Doula

Lucretia Guillory is the visionary founder of Tzus and Mews Rescue—a sanctuary-turned-spiritual movement that has helped hundreds of animals and their humans heal through intentional, heart-centered care. Her journey was profoundly shaped by surviving a thalamic stroke, which left her unable to walk for seven years. Through that life-altering experience, Lucretia underwent a spiritual awakening that transformed not only her health, but her entire mission and approach to rescue.

Her healing wasn’t limited to the physical. It became an emotional, energetic, and spiritual reclamation—rooted in the power of self-love, frequency, and divine alignment. Today, she leads a fully holistic rescue that integrates chiropractic care, massage therapy, energy medicine, raw feeding, essential oils, sound therapy, and intuitive communication into every animal’s recovery plan.

Lucretia’s deeply intuitive approach—anchored in both spiritual insight and practical tools—has positioned her as a pioneering voice in the evolution of animal care. She now mentors other rescuers and pet parents who are ready to move beyond conventional methods and embrace a more conscious, integrated path to healing.

Presenting:
- How To Convert Your Traditional Rescue Into Wholistic
- Trauma Recovery: Return To Wholeness

Sherry LaMarche, C.C.A.

Sherry LaMarche has been utilizing essential oils and complementary modalities to help animals and their humans for over 20 years. A Young Living Diamond and Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, Sherry is also a Reiki Master, Canine Myo-therapist, Equine Massage Therapist, and practitioner of Jin Shin Do Acupressure. Together with her husband, she owns Tenaya Farms, a holistic equine rehabilitation farm in Walworth, Wisconsin.

Sherry’s passion for holistic animal care led her to open a boarding barn focused on wellness, and later to co-own a holistic equine rehab facility. When she discovered Young Living, she found a company that aligned with her vision of natural health for animals and people. Through her work with Young Living, she has been able to give back to the animal kingdom in a meaningful way, all while building a successful business that far surpassed her previous corporate income.

Presenting:
- Glyphosates & Animals; Effects on Water, Environment, Food & Life Expectancy + What Are Our Options.
- Equine Raindrop

Marta Merrick - HCP, HTA Practitioner

As an holistic care educator, Marta empowers equine caregivers to listen and trust their intuition while teaching them how to provide exceptional preventive care for their horses.
Formerly a barefoot hoof care professional for many years, she has created an online, go at your own pace course to help horse owners learn to trim their own horses. The added support of a private online group makes it easy to provide feedback and encouragement. With a great understanding of how emotions impact the body, she also offers a mini course on understanding and connecting the horse’s emotions with their physical body in an effort to release the unwanted emotions.
Having completed the three courses of clinical aromatherapy through the Institute of Spiritual Healing and Aromatherapy, she leans on the power of Young Living Essential Oils for much of her care and teaching. She is a Level 2 Practitioner with the Healing Touch for Animals program and believes this is one of the most important additions to her animal care work.
As host of the FB group, The Hearts of Horses; Empowering Through Holistic Care, she is passionate about sharing information and giving others the confidence to care for their horses the way that feels right to them.

Presenting:
- Natural Hoof Care with Young Living: The Connection Between Feet & Health

Lori Miller - DVM

Lori is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Animal Science. She continued her education at Louisiana State University with a Master's degree in Animal Science focusing on Equine Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology. She completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University in 2001. Lori then moved to the Houston area to begin her career as an equine practitioner. After three years in practice she opened her own practice, All About Equine Veterinary Services, PC. She has worked both ambulatory and at a clinic in Waller, Texas since then except for two years when she did racetrack work in Louisiana. Lori is passionate about providing her patients with the best veterinary care possible. Knowing this, Candace Hoke introduced Lori to Young Living Essential Oils in 2006. She began to incorporate them into her practice and into her lifestyle. After much success incorporating the oils into her practice, many of her clients have incorporated the Young Living products into their own lifestyles. She is grateful to have partnered with the members of Edens Holistic Veterinary team to promote holistic care for all our animals. In 2021 she joined the Healthy Smiles Pet Dental team and is excited for this new venture. Lori lives in Waller, Texas with her husband Jason and their four legged children.

Presenting: 
- A Day In The Life Of An Oily Vet
- Equine Raindrop

Holly Starr

Holly Starr is an experienced Animal Communicator and Energy Therapist who has been supporting pets and their people since 2014. She helps animals navigate and heal emotional, physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual challenges, always approaching her work from a place of love, light, and deep compassion. Holly recognizes that every animal is a unique individual deserving of respect and personalized care.

In 2017, she began integrating Young Living essential oils into her healing sessions, adding a powerful dimension to her practice. This approach empowers pet parents with tools for daily, at-home support using the oils their animals specifically resonate with—identified during her sessions. Holly’s work bridges intuitive connection and practical care, helping animals and their humans create a deeper bond and a more balanced life together.

Presenting:
- How To Convert Your Traditional Rescue Into Holistic
- Trauma Recovery: Return To Wholeness

Yvonne Litza - Young Living Diamond

Yvonne Litza has been devoted to animals her entire life, beginning with her first job in high school caring for horses on a Standardbred farm. With over 40 years in the horse industry—spanning training, breeding, and teaching natural care—her passion for animal wellness remains as strong as ever.

Her journey into holistic living was sparked by the heartbreaking loss of a beloved dog to liver failure—an eye-opening moment that revealed the hidden dangers lurking in everyday products. From that point on, Yvonne committed herself to learning everything she could about natural health. She has since studied equine wellness, essential oils, holistic nutrition, and toxicology, with a special focus on how environmental toxins affect both animals and their humans.

Today, Yvonne shares her life with a happy mix of horses, dogs, cats, chickens, and a wonderfully supportive husband. She’s known for her down-to-earth teaching style and her ability to make holistic concepts accessible and actionable. Whether she’s speaking, mentoring, or simply sharing from the heart, Yvonne empowers animal owners to make confident, informed decisions in a world full of conflicting information.

Presenting:
- Detoxing & Creating Resilience In Your Home & Barn with Young Living
- Equine Raindrop

Chérie Ross - Young Living Royal Crown Diamond

Cherie Ross has been working with essential oils since 1975 and has taught globally since 1999 on the safe, effective use of oils and natural modalities for both animals and people. Raised around animals and farm life, her passion for natural health was deeply shaped by personal experience—including a life-changing car accident that led her to discover the power of Young Living Essential Oils.

With certifications in Animal Communication, Usui and Karuna Reiki, and decades of experience in hospitals, clinics, and animal care, Cherie is a sought-after educator, speaker, and consultant. She also helped develop some of Young Living’s early products alongside Gary Young and Marco Gentile. Her mission is to empower others with compassionate, natural solutions that support healing from the inside out.

Presenting: 
- Equine Raindrop Technique
- Canine Raindrop
- YL Common Daily Uses for ALL Animals; Pets, Farm, Ranch + more
- Let There Be Light: The Science Of Young Living Oils Lighting Up Cells