Meet Kali
A Lifetime of Loving Animals
I was blessed to grow up in a family where horses and pets were part of daily life, both at home and on my grandparents' farm near Cincinnati, Ohio where my aunt's horse breeding, training, and boarding facility was located . It was a wholesome and magical childhood, providing early immersion in proper, compassionate horsemanship and animal care.
With access to the Kentucky Horse Park, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, major horse shows in every breed and discipline and the nearby Amish horse culture, my understanding of horses developed through constant exposure and hands-on experience.
Alongside the horses, our family rescued abandoned pets and cared for orphaned wildlife. I spent countless hours watching barn cats raise their kittens while mares and foals romped around the pastures. These formative years instilled a deep sense of responsibility, compassion, partnership and curiosity.
While still in high school, I began teaching beginner riders at the boutique hunter/jumper Kneipp Farm and later worked under German Grand Prix jumper trainer Wilhelm Genn before leaving for college. Horses were never a hobby — they shaped my environment, education, and early career.
Artist
Born into a family of artists and craftsman, my creativity and interest in 'all things art' developed from an early age.
In high school, I began selling colored pencil drawings, equestrian logo designs and equine portraits, blending my love of horses with visual storytelling.
This creative practice continues today through watercolor and other mediums.
Education & Professional Development
Intent on pursuing a career in veterinary medicine and specializing in equine reproduction, my early academic path began at Lake Erie College before transferring to Colorado State University, where I earned my degree in Equine Science with a concentration in nutrition and genetics.
During that time, I worked for several 'A' circuit Hunter/Jumper trainers including Grand Prix trainer Karen Stone and traveled to Spruce Meadows in Canada — a pivotal experience where I met Professor Dave Collins of the British Columbia College of Equine Therapy, ultimately redirecting the focus of my education toward functional anatomy, biomechanics, and whole-horse wellness.
I later worked as a groom under Olympic gold medalist Laura Kraut in Wellington, Florida, operating within elite international show jumping and gaining firsthand experience in the standards of performance, soundness, and care required at the highest level of the sport.
Alongside my academic and competitive training, I operated my own riding lesson program and braided professionally on the A-circuit, immersed in high-level show environments. From the age of fifteen until forty, training, teaching, and hands-on industry work defined my daily life — some of the most meaningful years of my career.
For a deeper look at how this gift and work unfolded, you can read more in The Backroads Portfolio article, "Speaking to Hearts Through Animals" or explore the additional in-depth interview, “Listen… Your Animals Are Talking to You,” as well as “A Skeptic’s Calls with Kali,” written by the publication’s co-creator following her personal experiences with Animal Listening.
"Speaking to Hearts Through Animals"
How one horse changed my life and led me on this path.
“A Skeptic’s Calls with Kali"
A firsthand account of curiosity, doubt, and one listener's experiences with animal communication.
“Listen… Your Animals Are Talking to You.”
A thoughtful interview exploring the wisdom, feelings and voices of animals.
Today with My Animals
After many years of having a team of school horses and caring for them through the full arc of their lives, I began a new partnership when I purchased a three-for-one: Moxie, a young mare with her first foal, Spruce, at her side and full sibling, Bravo, “in the oven.” They are second-generation Percheron/Quarter Horse/Appaloosas.
This little band of horses are the first I am raising solely for my own long-term journey - hoping to enjoy "all-things-equestrian" with them, including trail riding, driving and if they enjoy the process we may one day explore the increasingly popular equestrian sport, Working Equitation.
At home in Colorado, I live with my senior dogs, Rooh a "Great Boxernees" and my "Jack-in-the-Dox" Ripley, as well as two Manx cats, Prin and Basil. Each continue to shape my understanding of friendship, communication, and care.
This Halloween special with KB Media Equine offers a look at how my work unfolds in real time. In this episode, I conducted live readings with very little confirmation or denial from the hosts — a structured format often used to test accuracy and one that many clients still prefer.
While private sessions can be far more interactive, this conversation provides a transparent glimpse into the process within a controlled setting.
