Our Team
Board of Directors
Dr. Trina Hazzah
Trina Hazzah was born and raised in Washington DC. She attended Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She completed her small animal internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and a 3-year residency in medical oncology at the Veterinary Oncology and Hematology Center, in Connecticut. She has also completed the requirements to be a Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Hazzah developed an interest in cannabis medicine during her quest for finding effective integrative approaches for veterinary cancer patients. She has spent the last half a decade reading though available literature, attending multiple cannabis conferences and symposiums, while also learning from cannabis physicians. She has since given numerous lectures to veterinarians educating them on the topic of cannabis medicine. Dr. Hazzah is a founder and the co-president of Veterinary Cannabis Society and a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinician, Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine, Veterinary Cancer Society, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and California Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Gary Richter
Dr. Gary Richter is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and is certified in acupuncture, chiropractic, and Western herbology. His book on integrative medicine, “The Ultimate Pet Health Guide” was released in 2017. In addition to full-time practice, Dr. Richter is a vocal advocate for the safe use of medical cannabis for animals including being involved with the passage of AB 2215 in California, which allows veterinarians to discuss cannabis with pet owners. Dr. Richter is also a sponsor of SB 627 in California which will further protect veterinarians and pet owners by allowing veterinary recommendation of cannabis. As a founding member and co-president of the Veterinary Cannabis Society, Dr. Richter is continuing his efforts to educate the veterinary profession, support safe cannabis products for animals, and advocate for regulatory and legislative change to protect animals and the veterinary profession.
Dr. Beth Mironchik-Frankenberg
Dr. Mironchik-Frankenberg is a veterinarian with 15 years combined experience in small animal practice and shelter medicine. She is also a passionate cannabis advocate. She first discovered the world of medical cannabis during a long battle with a career-ending injury. After achieving her own impressive results, she began investigating how to spread the word to others in need. She has since left clinical practice and immersed herself in the study of cannabis science. Since 2016, she has helped educate countless others on the healing benefits of this miraculous plant. In 2018, she founded Veterinary Cannabis Consultants and now focuses on providing educational resources for cannabis use in the veterinary world.
Charles Lozow, Esq.
Charles Lozow is a former farm kid with a love and passion for animals. He is a graduate of Cornell Law School with 30 years’ experience as litigator, transactional lawyer and executive and became involved in medical cannabinoid therapies for companion animals in 2016, following serving as a puppy raiser for Miracle III owned by Canine Companions for Independence. He has appeared before the California Veterinary Medical Board in support of AB 2215 and SB 627 and owns Stack Botanicals, LLC.
“VCS’s mission is critical now because more pet parents and veterinarians are seeking natural, efficacious and safe alternatives to big pharma, and what better plant is there than cannabis to set the standards? Consumers, the veterinary profession and producers of pet products using cannabis need VCS to lead the way.”
Renée Felice Smith
Renée Felice Smith is an actor/writer/director/ animal activist who has appeared in numerous television and Off-Broadway shows, and most notably starred on CBS’s NCIS: Los Angeles for 11 seasons where she played the quirky, quick-witted intelligence analyst Nell Jones.
Most recently, Renée wrote, directed, and produced her first award winning feature film, alongside her creative partner, Chris Gabriel, entitled THE RELATIONTRIP, which went to SXSW and is now available on HULU.
Renée graduated as an Honors Scholar at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she double majored in Drama and Journalism, minored in History. While at NYU, she studied commedia dell’arte in Florence, Italy, and also co-founded Tisch’s first student dance troupe, Pulse Dance Project.
Additionally, Renée and Chris wrote a children’s book, HUGO AND THE IMPOSSIBLE THING, published by Penguin Random House, available wherever books are sold. The tale is inspired by their tenacious first French Bulldog, Hugo, and his remarkable healing journey.
As an animal activist, Renée has partnered with North Shore Animal League America as a past Spokesperson for ‘Tour For Life’. She has lent her time to many adoption events along the tour as well as at NSALA’s largest adoption event of the year, Adoptathon. Additionally, Renée co-directed a PSA for North Shore Animal League’s Mutt-i-grees® Curriculum, an educational program that teaches students emotional and social skills through the use of shelter animals.
Renée enjoys spending her every waking moment with her three rescue pups: Mabel (English Mastiff), Alfie (Terrier/Pittie mix) and Gus (English Bulldog).
Heidi Whitman
Heidi Whitman is a dedicated advocate for animal health, wellness, and welfare, boasting over three decades of experience spanning from the USA to the UK and Europe. Currently serving as a Global Strategist Consultant in the Cannabis Industry since 2017, Heidi focuses on supporting the niche sector of cannabis use in animal health from her base in the UK.
In her role as Commercial Director/Adviser for a research-based organization Pet Pharmaceuticals UK, Heidi is deeply involved in bringing the first pharmaceutical cannabis-based medicine to market. She remains at the forefront of improving options available to pet owners for their pets’ care, providing supportive supplements and essential education to veterinary professionals.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Heidi shares her countryside home in the UK with a menagerie of beloved animals, including two horses, two dogs, and two chickens. Her personal connection to animals underscores her passion for their well-being and underscores her commitment to advancing their health through innovative approaches.
Sheena Davis
Sheena Davis, is a NYC Credentialed Veterinary Nurse, Certified Veterinary Cannabis Counselor and Veterinary Technician Specialist in Dentistry. She currently works for Abingdon Square Veterinary Clinic in the West Village. She started a Feline centered Cannabis Consulting business on December 15th, 2020 (Bigapple LVT Consulting). Her passions are Anesthesia, Pain management, Integrative medicine, Feline medicine and Dentistry. She lives with her husband and two cats Daniel & Dobby.
Dr. Sandra Bruckner
Sandra Bruckner completed her degree in veterinary medicine at the Vetsuisse Faculty in Bern in 2008. With a great passion for medicinal cannabis and animals, she has been combining these two areas of interest in her practice for cannabis and nutritional counselling in Switzerland since 2018. Sandra Bruckner is particularly concerned about the correct handling and use of medicinal cannabis in animals and the availability of reputable and high-quality products. She is strongly committed to making medicinal cannabis accessible to vets and animal owners. In recent years, she has given numerous lectures and training courses to educate people about the use of cannabis in veterinary medicine.
Dr. Elena Battaglia
Dr. Elena Battaglia finished her veterinary medicine degree at the University of Parma in 1996. She lives and practices in Savona, Italy. In 2016 she started using cannabinoids in animals, her first patient was her own 17-year-old dog. Since then she has treated more than 4000 animals with cannabinoids, ranging from cats and dogs to rabbits, chimpanzees, horses, and pigs. She has written on veterinary cannabis for various online magazines and has lectured on the subject at various international conferences and webinars. She is part of the scientific committee of Cannabiscienza, and from this organization, has earned a master in Cannabis in Veterinary Medicine and one in Medical Cannabis and Clinical Applications.
In 2023 she created a line of CBD products for animals for epilepsy, pain, and behavioural problems.
Tammy Puyear
Tammy Puyear is a voice in cannabis in the US and Canada and works as the Director of Sales and Marketing for a new manufacturing license holder in Missouri as one of her roles. An original founder of WeAreJAINE, Tammy P served as the co-President for 4 years, while simultaneously launching the organization, only ending her post after the maximum term allowed. Today, she’s a board member of JAINE and continues to advocate for women in cannabis. She also spearheads her own company, TPP Services, LLC as a consulting firm specializing in sourcing and procurement. The remaining pockets of time available in each day are spent supporting animal rescue effort of Smelly Cat Rescue, and an advocate for the use of cannabis medicine for companion pets. Tammy is located in the USA.
Executive Committee
Dr. Trina Hazzah
Trina Hazzah was born and raised in Washington DC. She attended Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She completed her small animal internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and a 3-year residency in medical oncology at the Veterinary Oncology and Hematology Center, in Connecticut. She has also completed the requirements to be a Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Hazzah developed an interest in cannabis medicine during her quest for finding effective integrative approaches for veterinary cancer patients. She has spent the last half a decade reading though available literature, attending multiple cannabis conferences and symposiums, while also learning from cannabis physicians. She has since given numerous lectures to veterinarians educating them on the topic of cannabis medicine. Dr. Hazzah is a founder and the co-president of Veterinary Cannabis Society and a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinician, Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine, Veterinary Cancer Society, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and California Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Gary Richter
Dr. Gary Richter is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and is certified in acupuncture, chiropractic, and Western herbology. His book on integrative medicine, “The Ultimate Pet Health Guide” was released in 2017. In addition to full-time practice, Dr. Richter is a vocal advocate for the safe use of medical cannabis for animals including being involved with the passage of AB 2215 in California, which allows veterinarians to discuss cannabis with pet owners. Dr. Richter is also a sponsor of SB 627 in California which will further protect veterinarians and pet owners by allowing veterinary recommendation of cannabis. As a founding member and co-president of the Veterinary Cannabis Society, Dr. Richter is continuing his efforts to educate the veterinary profession, support safe cannabis products for animals, and advocate for regulatory and legislative change to protect animals and the veterinary profession.
Dr. Beth Mironchik-Frankenberg
Dr. Mironchik-Frankenberg is a veterinarian with 15 years combined experience in small animal practice and shelter medicine. She is also a passionate cannabis advocate. She first discovered the world of medical cannabis during a long battle with a career-ending injury. After achieving her own impressive results, she began investigating how to spread the word to others in need. She has since left clinical practice and immersed herself in the study of cannabis science. Since 2016, she has helped educate countless others on the healing benefits of this miraculous plant. In 2018, she founded Veterinary Cannabis Consultants and now focuses on providing educational resources for cannabis use in the veterinary world.
Education Committee
Dr. Trina Hazzah
Trina Hazzah was born and raised in Washington DC. She attended Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She completed her small animal internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey and a 3-year residency in medical oncology at the Veterinary Oncology and Hematology Center, in Connecticut. She has also completed the requirements to be a Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Hazzah developed an interest in cannabis medicine during her quest for finding effective integrative approaches for veterinary cancer patients. She has spent the last half a decade reading though available literature, attending multiple cannabis conferences and symposiums, while also learning from cannabis physicians. She has since given numerous lectures to veterinarians educating them on the topic of cannabis medicine. Dr. Hazzah is a founder and the co-president of Veterinary Cannabis Society and a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinician, Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine, Veterinary Cancer Society, American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and California Veterinary Medical Association.
Hunter Land
Hunter Land, PhD, MS is the Vice President of Research & Development at Biopharmaceutical Research Company, one of the few DEA Schedule I, FDA compliant cannabinoid research and development companies. He has 20 years of R&D expertise across 25 different indications, as well as 12 years of cannabinoid-focused research. As an expert in the field of cannabinoid science, he has developed a pipeline of discovery work on over 20 novel cannabinoids and terpenes. Previously, Dr. Land acted as the Sr. Scientific Director, Director of Cannabinoid Research, and scientific spokesperson at Canopy Growth Corporation, the world’s largest cannabis producer. Most notably, he was GW Pharma’s first full-time R&D employee in the US, where he played a critical role in the development of Epidiolex® (FDA-approved prescription CBD) and Sativex®, and co-authored multiple protocols for the treatment of refractory epilepsy (Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome), multiple sclerosis, and pain. Dr. Land has presented at over 50 scientific conferences, is a named inventor on nine patent applications, and has over 20 publications. In addition, he serves as a guest lecturer at the University of Wisconsin and the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy, and has been featured in Forbes and Entrepreneur as a cannabinoid subject matter expert. Dr. Land also holds several other important positions, including Chief Scientific Officer for the National Hockey League Alumni/NEEKA Brain Health, Executive Board Member at Alterola Biotech, co-founder of the Cannabinoid Education Working Group, and member of the advisory board for the Council for Federal Cannabis Regulation.
Dr. Stephanie McGrath
Dr. McGrath is an Associate Professor in the Clinical Sciences Department and head of the Neurology Service at Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She received her Bachelor’s degree at Columbia University, completed the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at Michigan State University, and did an internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital. Dr. McGrath completed the neurology residency program at Colorado State University and has been a faculty member there since 2012. She is board- certified in veterinary neurology and, for the past 13 years, has been working in the highly specialized field of medical and surgical neurology. Her responsibilities include clinical duties, didactic teaching for veterinary and post-graduate students, and research activities. Dr. McGrath’s research has been dedicated to finding novel treatments for canine epilepsy, canine brain tumors, cognitive dysfunction, and canine inflammatory central nervous system diseases. For the past six years, her research efforts have been primarily focused on cannabis, both in a laboratory setting and with clinical trials utilizing client-owned animals with naturally-occurring diseases. Her groundbreaking cannabis research and expertise is highly regarded and internationally recognized. She has been successful in generating and utilizing pre-clinical data to perform clinical trials in a variety of naturally-occurring canine and feline diseases, most of which serve as a strong translational model for humans. Most recently, Dr. McGrath was granted the 2020 Zoetis Award for Research Excellence, honoring her impactful, innovative, and successful research program.
Dr. Susan Trapp
Dr. Susan Trapp is a 20-year biotechnology expert with a vision to accelerate patient-centric cannabis and endocannabinoid discoveries through education and research. She attended the University of Maryland where she earned her Ph.D. degree in Biochemistry with a focus on plant and fungal terpenoids. Dr. Trapp completed her 3-year postdoctoral educational training at the Institute of Biological Chemistry at Washington State University where she continued her research on terpenoid genomics and genetic engineering within a seminal terpenoid research laboratory. Prior to her graduate work in the early nineties, Susan had the opportunity to work directly with Dr. Craig Venter, on the human genome project which has definitely influenced her research fascination in genomics, personalized medicine, and computational biology. Susan has a number of peer-review publications, book chapters, podcasts, and presentations on terpenes, terpene genomics, human genomics, and canine, and breast cancer biomarker identification.
Dr. Trapp earned her nickname as the ‘Queen of Terpenes’ by serving as a scientific advisor and valued consultant for cannabis and hemp companies as they continue to navigate the function of terpenes in products. Motivated by her passion for education, Dr. Trapp utilizes her in-depth knowledge of terpenes to educate the cannabis community at conferences and conventions nationwide. Susan Trapp also serves as an instructor for the Cannabinoid Industry Association’s accredited courses.
Since making the shift to cannabis, Susan co-founded several ancillary cannabis companies and is a recent graduate of Canopy Boulder’s cannabis business accelerator program. Her current projects include launching two terpene and cannabinoid-focused startups: Terpedia and EndoSyn Biosciences. Dr. Trapp is a founder and CEO of Terpedia, a digital scientific terpene knowledge-base with curated data and terpene – cannabinoid consultancy. Terpedia provides recommendations, formulations, validation, and effectiveness studies. Susan is a member of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians, International Society for Plant-Microbe Interactions, and Society for Computational Biology.
Dr. Joli Jarboe
A native of Shepherdsville, KY, Dr. Joli Jarboe graduated from the Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine in 1993. After spending a year in private practice and two years in a 24-hr referral hospital as an emergency clinician in Ft. Pierce, FL, she began a three-year neurology residency at the University of Missouri-Columbia and stayed on as a Clinical Instructor for another 1.5 yrs. Private practice has taken her to Houston, TX; Las Vegas, NV; Cincinnati, OH; and Leesburg, VA. She has called Leesburg, VA and Bush Veterinary Neurology home since August 2009, serving as Medical Director for 5 years and continuing on as senior Neurologist/Neurosurgeon.
She has been actively involved with the training of neurology residents and interns since completing her Neurology Residency in 1999. She is past secretary of the Veterinary Neurosurgical Society. Her clinical interests revolve around all aspects of neurosurgery with a passionate interest in brain and cervical neurosurgery. She has become renowned for her interest and support of cannabinoid therapy in veterinary medicine in the past 15 years and is a passionate proponent of this adjuvant therapy. In 2017, she aligned herself with Zilis, a cannabinoid science supplement company manufacturing Ultracell, a full spectrum water soluble phytocannabinoid supplement and currently serves on their Medical Advisory Board. She is also an active consultant for Veterinary Cannabis Education and Consulting and a member of Veterinary Cannabis Society. She is a contributing author in 2021 Springer edition of Veterinary Cannabis Therapy in Veterinary Medicine.
Dr. Zac Pilossoph
Dr. Zac Pilossoph is a nationally recognized Fear-Free integrative veterinarian and top graduate of Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. He is currently a front-line medical cannabis-focused vet in the integrative and holistic medicine space, advocating for the numerous benefits cannabis-based therapies can offer to all types of animals when applied responsibly. Furthermore, Dr. Zac enjoys balancing conventional western medicine techniques with holistic-based remedies both in practice and through his private telehealth platform Nayked Pet™ in order to maximize pet health, wellness, and longevity from the very beginning of life. With integrative medicine still being a relatively novel approach to patient care, Dr. Zac is extremely excited to be at the forefront of this movement alongside a select group of colleagues who also believe in the same principles he has come to trust and uphold.
Holly Hommerding
Holly Hommerding was born and raised in central Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Science in 2005 and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2008. Holly spent an early and fulfilling career in small animal general practice in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis through 2016, where her love for life-long patient care and preventative medicine, elder-life care, and an early interest in the potential benefits of cannabis in veterinary patients began to harmonize.
Dr. Hommerding joined Pet Poison Helpline in 2014, through which she was afforded the opportunity to specialize in veterinary toxicology. Holly became a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (ABT) in 2018 and a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Toxicology (ABVT) in 2022. Her work in clinical veterinary toxicology at Pet Poison Helpline has cultured and fostered an interest and appreciation for the complexities of the endocannabinoid system and the pharmacologic and clinical behavior of cannabis in companion animals. She most enjoys discussing the toxicological considerations of cannabis in pets with colleagues and animal guardians alike through consultation and lecture opportunities, and she continues to pursue knowledge in the ever growing and changing corner of this field. With gratitude to her mentors, Dr. Hommerding has most recently welcomed opportunities to share the toxicological considerations of cannabis in pets through contributions to several veterinary textbooks.
Holly lives in the Twin Cities area with her comical golden retrievers, her strong-willed cat, and her very geriatric small parrot.
Advocacy Committee
Dr. Gary Richter
Dr. Gary Richter is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and is certified in acupuncture, chiropractic, and Western herbology. His book on integrative medicine, “The Ultimate Pet Health Guide” was released in 2017. In addition to full-time practice, Dr. Richter is a vocal advocate for the safe use of medical cannabis for animals including being involved with the passage of AB 2215 in California, which allows veterinarians to discuss cannabis with pet owners. Dr. Richter is also a sponsor of SB 627 in California which will further protect veterinarians and pet owners by allowing veterinary recommendation of cannabis. As a founding member and co-president of the Veterinary Cannabis Society, Dr. Richter is continuing his efforts to educate the veterinary profession, support safe cannabis products for animals, and advocate for regulatory and legislative change to protect animals and the veterinary profession.
Charles Lozow, Esq.
Charles Lozow is a former farm kid with a love and passion for animals. He is a graduate of Cornell Law School with 30 years’ experience as litigator, transactional lawyer and executive and became involved in medical cannabinoid therapies for companion animals in 2016, following serving as a puppy raiser for Miracle III owned by Canine Companions for Independence. He has appeared before the California Veterinary Medical Board in support of AB 2215 and SB 627 and owns Stack Botanicals, LLC.
“VCS’s mission is critical now because more pet parents and veterinarians are seeking natural, efficacious and safe alternatives to big pharma, and what better plant is there than cannabis to set the standards? Consumers, the veterinary profession and producers of pet products using cannabis need VCS to lead the way.”
Jeff Pollard
Dr. Pollard received his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1990 from the University of Naples, Italy. Upon graduation, he worked in a mixed animal practice for several years before getting bit by the “ER bug.” Dr. Pollard has since practiced emergency/critical care medicine for the majority of his 25- year career.
In 2006, Dr. Pollard became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, and is currently one of only eight veterinarians in San Diego County with this distinction! He has judged the Science & Engineering Fair for many years and served as a representative of the San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association.
When not pursuing his passion for veterinary medicine, Dr. Pollard is an inveterate gardener and a firm believer in the adage that gardening is cheaper than therapy; and you get tomatoes!
Dr. Jeff Powers
Dr. Jeffrey Powers earned his veterinary degree with Honors from Michigan State University in 1980. Powers began clinical practice in the 1980, practicing in rural southeastern Michigan in predominantly dairy and equine practice. He founded South Sanilac Veterinary Hospital in 1983 and has practiced in both large and small animal practice ever since. He is currently the owner of Veterinary Clinics North in Northern Michigan with practices in East Jordan and Beaver Island Michigan. Dr Powers also provides equine and small animal veterinary services to Mackinac Island, Michigan. Dr Powers was President of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association in 1997 and has served on numerous MVMA and AVMA Committees and Councils. Dr Powers is currently the Chairman of the AVMA’s Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents and was formerly Chairman of the Clinical Practitioners Advisory Committee. He also helped to create the AVMA Working Group on Cannabis and formerly served as its chair. Dr Powers has a small hemp farm on Beaver Island in Northern Lake Michigan where he grows organically produced hemp in a unique Island climate environment. He is a frequent speaker on the practical use of Cannabis in Domestic Animals and has also led efforts in his home state of Michigan to develop legislation that will allow the veterinarian to legally discuss cannabis use in animals with their owners. Dr Powers also recently served on an ASPCA Think Tank on the Access to Basic Veterinary Care, with a focus on providing veterinary care to all income demographics in the United States.
Dr. Andy Fleming
Andy Fleming is a native of New York City. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Biology from SUNY at Stony Brook in 1977. He earned a Masters Degree in Public Health and Microbiology from Wagner College in 1978. Andy attended the University for Foreigners in Perugia, Italy and finished a course in Italian language and culture in that same year. He was admitted to the University of Parma, Italy to study Veterinary Medicine in autumn 1978. He earned his veterinary degree in 1985.
He returned to the United States in 1985 completing post-graduate clinical training at the Animal Medical Center in Manhattan that same year. Dr Fleming purchased Cats Exclusively Veterinary Hospital in 1993. He managed Cats Exclusively until 2015.
With a keen interest in traditional and herbal therapy Andy graduated from the Chi Institute for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in fall 2015 after completing acupuncture training. He finished an additional course in advanced acupuncture technique in January 2019.
He has served on the Board of the Genesee Valley Veterinary Medical Association as Treasurer, President, and State representative to NYSVMS. He has been active in the New York State Veterinary Medical Society for most of his career and is currently President of NYSVMS (2020). Andy has also served on the Board of Directors of local humane organizations over the last 25 years.
Currently Dr Fleming studies the biology and pharmacology of cannabis and the potential applications of cannabis in Veterinary Medicine.
Consultants
Emily Stewart
Emily Stewart earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Denver, Colorado, in International Studies with a minor in Leadership. Since then, she’s used her degree, natural writing talents and multiple passports to relocate worldwide. In addition to founding her own travel writing organization, she’s written for organizations like Tavour, adidas Runtastic, and The Local: Austria. When not writing social media, content, and development texts, she’s jumping around in her other job as a fitness instructor. Or, she’s walking her cats (@cococleokatze).
Nancy Stewart
Nancy is a nonprofit consultant specializing in fundraising, grant writing, marketing, event planning, and management. A nonprofit professional with over 15 years of experience, Nancy was the Executive Director of Child Advocates – Denver CASA. In addition to overseeing the administration and operations of the organization, Nancy utilized her background in fundraising and volunteer management to increase revenue, volunteer recruitment and retention to achieve the organization’s mission to provide a CASA for every child in need in Denver. In 2014, Nancy took a giant step out of her comfort zone by buying an existing coffee shop, Drip Denver, and embarking on the new and challenging adventure of small business ownership.
In 2018, she sold the business, left her role at Denver CASA, and began working remotely as a contractor in order to travel. As “Working Tourists,” Nancy and her husband split their time between Colorado and Spain.
Nancy is a graduate of Metropolitan State College with a degree in Organizational Communications. She began her career in the hospitality industry, working in sales and
conference services. Moving into the not-for-profit sector in 2001, Nancy planned conferences and events for the American Water Works Association, where she was
introduced to the international water and sanitation organization Water For People. In 2004 she joined their fundraising staff, eventually leading the Development team. Nancy also worked for the March of Dimes as the Denver Division Director, was the VP of Community Relations for CU Cancer Center Fund and the Director of Development of
Susan G. Komen Colorado.
Nancy has served on several professional and charitable Boards, including the Colorado Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, where she served as chair of the mentoring committee. She has volunteered for a variety of organizations, including Denver Urban Scholars, Denver CASA, Susan G. Komen Colorado, Denver East High School, and the Golden Triangle Merchants Committee.
Volunteers
Jennifer Whetzel
Jennifer Whetzel is the founder of Ladyjane Branding, where she empowers cannabis businesses through strategic brand development. With over 25 years of experience in branding, advertising, and marketing for Fortune 500 companies and small businesses, Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge to the cannabis industry.
After experiencing the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis, she became a dynamic advocate for diversity and inclusion, initiating the Women in Cannabis Study to promote equity within the industry.
Jennifer’s background in compliance, particularly in regulated industries and animal health supplements and pharmaceuticals, allows her to expertly guide companies in aligning their products with industry standards and regulations, enhancing both their credibility and market success.
Kelly Preston
Kelly Preston is an expert digital marketing professional with over twenty-five years of experience in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Google Ads, Google Analytics, Social Media Marketing, Email Marketing, and UX/UI.
She is a presenter at digital marketing conferences sharing best practices for businesses and nonprofits.
Additionally, she is a certified Veterinary Cannabis Guide and founder of Farley’s Green Paw Consulting. Her mission is to help educate both pet parents and veterinarians, bridging the gap between both parties, with the goal providing alternate plant-based therapy options.
We’re always happy to have volunteers join our team. We welcome help with social media, leading workshops, community advocacy, and any other ideas you have. Please email admin@veterinarycannabissociety.org to let us know how you’d like to help!
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