YOUNG LIVING ESSENTIAL OILS & ANIMALS
Kindred
2026 Animal Conference
Wellness for every living being.
October 21-24, 2026
A gathering for those who care deeply—
for their health, and for the
animals who share their lives.
Join us at the beautiful Mt. Nebo Farm for the Young Living Essential Oils & Animals Conference Oct 21-24, 2026
A 3-day experience that blends nature, science, and holistic animal care. Whether you're a seasoned wellness advocate or just beginning your journey with essential oils, you’ll leave empowered, educated, and inspired.
What You'll Experience
WHY THIS MATTERS
Event Schedule
Tues, Oct 20
10am - 4pm YL LEHI Corp Tours
Sky Rider Ranch Tours (Tue & Sun)
Wednesday, Oct 21
10am - 4pm ALL DAY - YL Corp Office Tours, Farm Tours
10am - 5pm Registration
6pm Welcome: Brett Packer or Jacob or Mary Young
6:30 - 8:30pm Soil To Seal: Why Young Living Is Superior: Farm Manager Panel
Thursday-Saturday
8am Registration
9am Welcome: Corp Exec
9:30 General Session
12:30 - 2:00pm Buffet Lunch
2:30 - 5:30 Workshops
5:45 Speaker Panel
Fri, Oct 23 - 6:30 VIP Dinner w/Speaker of choice
Featured Presenters
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
Young Living Farm Management Team
Young Living’s North American essential oil production is led by a dedicated team of experts upholding the company’s strict "Seed to Seal" quality standards:
Cody A. Stromberg (Senior Manager, St. Maries Lavender Farm, ID) oversees the cultivation and distillation of lavender, melissa, and blue spruce on the historic acreage where Young Living's very first crops were planted.
Andrea Higbee Craig (Greenhouse Team Lead, Mona, UT Lavender Farm) directs early-stage botanical propagation and soil safety at the flagship farm, blending advanced horticulture with advocacy for women in commercial agriculture.
Michael Carter (General Manager, Highland Flats Tree Farm, ID) manages one of the world's largest conifer distilleries, producing oils like Idaho Blue Spruce and Grand Fir through a zero-waste, regenerative farming model.
Together, they ensure the company's agricultural operations remain rooted in environmental stewardship, innovation, and uncompromised purity.
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 | Authentic North American Bison Population & Horse Rehabilitation
Nancy Brandt DVM
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: Nutrition Optimization | Techniques of Using Essential Oils with Dogs and Cats | Everything Skin | Healthy Doggie Day Care
Lori Miller MS, 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.
Sherry LaMarche
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: Toxic Tangles Part 1: The Hidden Damage | Toxic Tangles Part 2: Restoring Resilience
Christi Eckhart
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 & Workshop 5 Alive; Tools to support our Animals live their best lives
Rebecca Precious
Rebecca Precious has over 20 years of experience using essential oils and natural wellness solutions to support animals and their people. Through her work in animal rescue and holistic wellness, she educates pet owners on safe, effective ways to support emotional balance, overall wellness, and healthier living naturally.
Presenting: Paws, Hooves & Possibility | Building a Young Living Business with our 4 legged friends
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: Getting Your Horses Hooves on Track | Nutrition and Trim to Build the Hooves | How the Feelings Kit Will Benefit Your Horse
Natasha Lykins - LVT
Natasha is a Licensed Veterinary Technician with a decade of experience in the industry, specializing in Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Surgical Recovery, and General Practice. Her journey in veterinary medicine has fueled her passion for ensuring the health and wellness of animals. She takes pride in providing compassionate care to every pet she encounters.
Presenting: Healthy Doggie Day Care
Yvonne Litza
Yvonne 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: Healthy Barns, Homes & Kennels | Paws, Hooves & Possibility | Building a Young Living Business with our 4 legged friends
Candace Hoke ND
...
Presenting: Everything Is Frequency
Chérie Ross
Host | Wellness Educator | YL Royal Crown Diamond Leader
Chérie has been a passionate advocate for essential oils since 1975, bringing decades of expertise to both human and animal wellness. With experience spanning personal use and professional applications in hospitals, clinics, and global teaching, she is also skilled in Animal Communication, a Usui and Karuna Reiki Master, and an accomplished Author, Teacher, and Consultant.
After a car accident in 1986 changed her life, leading her on a 13-year healing journey that culminated with Young Living Essential Oils. The transformative impact of the oils inspired her to delve deeply into their study, attending every available training. Her work with Gary Young, the founder of Young Living, and in the lab with Marco Gentile (Schreuder), resulted in some of Young Living’s most cherished products. Chérie’s story reflects resilience, innovation, and a profound commitment to the healing power of nature.
Presenting: The Magic & Mystery of Essential Oils | Equine & Canine RDT
Amenities
Buffet Lunches (Included with all tickets)
Organic and whole-food ingredients when possible
Vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options
Hearty soups/stews
Fresh fruit
Salad or wrap bar
Sweet treats and wholesome snacks
VIP Supper (Friday evening)
A relaxing and delicious meal with our speakers, team leaders, and special guests—only for VIP attendees.
Location
Young Living Mt Nebo Lavender Farm
Provo Municipal Airport (PVU) – 39 miles to Mona
Salt Lake International Airport (SLC) – 82 miles to Mona
Nearby hotels we recommend (not a hotel block):
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Nephi, an IHG Hotel
1507 S. Main St., Nephi, UT 84648
435-250-8777
Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Spanish Fork
462 Commerce Way, Spanish Fork, UT 84660
385-248-0550
Best Western Paradise Inn of Nephi
1025 S Main St, Nephi, UT 84648
435-623-0624
Motel 6 Nephi, UT
2195 S Main St, Nephi, UT 84648
435-222-3566
National 9 Nephi 9 Inn
2160 S Main St, Nephi, UT 84648
435-623-2629
Super 8 by Wyndham Nephi
1901 S Main St, Nephi, UT 84648
435-623-0888
KINDRED
Care for what you love—naturally.