board of directors for beyond sanctuary inc.

DVM, CA is the founder of Beyond Sanctuary Inc. She earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota. She has 20+ years’ experience as a practicing veterinarian. In addition, to her responsibilities as a veterinarian, she owns and operates a veterinary clinic, Crow River Animal Hospital. While she no longer sees patients at her clinic, she still actively practices holistic medicine on her animals, as well as those of close family, friends, and employees. She is a Certified Aromatherapist and Reiki Master and is currently pursuing her Animal Chiropractic certification. She is also the founder of animalEO, where she sources, tests, and blends 100% pure veterinarian grade essential oils for animals. Additionally, she is the author of the three books which discuss the use of essential oils with animals. Dr. Shelton brings her experience as a veterinarian and practice owner, along with her vision to provide respite and educational opportunities to veterinary professionals with her service to the Beyond Sanctuary Board. She shares her life with her husband, two children, and numerous animals.

is a CPA and obtained her Master of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota and her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from St. Cloud State University. She has been a Certified Public Accountant since the late 1990s. After spending 5+ years completing audits, compilations, reviews, and tax returns for private businesses, she opened her own practice. For more than 15 years, Cindy has assisted individuals, sole proprietors, farmers, partnerships, S corporations, and limited liability companies with accounting and tax needs. Having grown up on a small dairy farm, she has been around animals her entire life. Cindy brings her wealth of accounting, tax, and business knowledge to the Beyond Sanctuary Board, where she will serve as the Treasurer. Her experience with animals and her professional experience makes her a valuable asset to assist with all things related to accounting and taxes. Currently, Cindy has a small herd of horses and cattle, a few dogs and cats, and whatever critters her family decides to adopt. She enjoys living the country life and spending time with her family, friends, and animals.

is a Healing Touch for Animals® Practitioner. After spending several years in technology and business, she became a Veterinary Technician. Chris was promoted into the Practice Manager role where she supported the clinic veterinarians, as well as performed administrative functions such as human resources, client communication, and the general flow of managing the clinic at the direction of the Veterinarian/Owner. After moving to Florida, she opened her own business, Pawsitive Animal Wellness, which focuses on holistic wellness for animals and their humans. She works in concert with other veterinary professionals including veterinarians, animal chiropractors, acupuncturists, farriers, and others. In this role as a liaison between veterinary professionals and clients, Chris supports animal healing in their own environment. Chris brings her wealth of experience managing her own business, as well as veterinary clinics, to the board, providing a unique perspective with her background serving in a liaison role. Through Chris’ direct involvement with veterinarians, she knows firsthand many of the challenges they face and is highly cognizant of the toll these challenges can take. Currently Chris shares her home with her dog Pogo, her three cats, Felix, Minnie, and Dixie, and her supportive, patient husband.

earned her Master of Business Administration from Samford University and her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Alabama. She has experience as a paralegal, but has spent the last 27 years working in the healthcare insurance industry in areas of business development, proposal development, federal contract management, project management, strategic planning, executive support, and customer service. Emily grew up with dogs, but began training her first dog 18 years ago. Through this training, she developed a love for training, which led to competing in agility and flyball. She brings her business knowledge and experience to the board, including project management, strategic planning, and business development skill sets to assist Beyond Sanctuary with defining goals, implementing new projects, and supporting fundraising activities. Most of her current dogs have retired or will soon retire from sports, but she will always be a member of the dog sports community. She currently lives with her three mix breed rescues, ranging in age from 9 to 15 years old.

is an experienced animal caregiver, having been a pet/dog groomer and boarder for more than 20 years. As a boarding facility, she assisted with starting up a dog rescue by kenneling and evaluating incoming dogs while the rescue center was under construction, as well as assisting with adoptions. She is a lifetime learner and has successfully taught many pet owners how to use essential oils with their animals. While she is currently an esthetician, she is also currently learning photography and pyrography. Sara brings extensive animal and business owner experience, as well as her teaching experience with pet owners to the Beyond Sanctuary Board. She has loved many animals in the past including mostly dogs, cats, horses, and chickens.

has been the owner/operator and designer at Design for Print and Web for over 25 years. She brings expertise in the areas graphic design and website development, public relations and marketing. Additionally, she worked over 15 years as a paralegal where she assisted with the formation of non-profit organizations and applications for 501(c) (3) status. Lynne has provided volunteer service as a board member of several different non-profits over the years. As a business owner/operator combined with her work experience and non-profit board member service she will provide valuable assistance to our charitable organization. Lynne has been the proud pet parent of several cats, dogs, and horses over the years. Her first rescue cat was brought home when she was just 5 years-old. Her current companion pets are a German Shepherd puppy and three adult indoor cats who are adopted rescues. She enjoys a strong connection with animals and is passionate about assisting Beyond Sanctuary with its mission.