The roots of Empathy in Action trace back to my family’s deep commitment to service and compassion. My grandmother worked alongside Albert Schweitzer, helping build hospitals in Gabon—a project grounded in the belief that all lives deserve care and dignity. This value of empathy was further instilled by my father, a conservationist dedicated to sustainable forestry, and my mother, a peace activist who built local community care systems.

Our family opened our home to the Miwok tribe during the winter, learning their teachings on the sacred connection between all living things, which became the foundation of my work.

I’ve spent my life engaged in human and animal rights, animal rescue, and learning from cultures around the world—from small villages in Europe to tribes in the Middle Eastern desert. Through these experiences, I was inspired by Albert Schweitzer’s words: “Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace.” This insight shifted my focus from rescuing individuals to addressing the root causes of cruelty.

By developing preventive systems, I’ve worked on national campaigns and pilot programs that created lasting change, showing that empathy, when taught from a young age, can shape how we treat one another, animals, and the planet. Through Empathy in Action, I hope to build a movement that ensures empathy and sustainability for all living beings. leading Heart-Centered Living classes.