About Barbara

I do this work because I truly believe, and know in my heart, that we–humans and non-human animals alike–are intimately connected.

Who are the animals, really? I’ve always wanted to know. I have spent a good part of my life trying to figure that out and then share with others what I’ve learned. We, in this modern, technological society, are just beginning to learn what indigenous people have known for centuries: that all life is sacred and that we are intimately connected with animals and the natural world. Each embodied animal form has its own unique purpose and contribution to the balance of life on Earth.

The love and wisdom the animals have shared with me is profound and has been a huge blessing in my life. They have become my greatest teachers and inspiration. My life now is dedicated to speaking on their behalf. Through it all, my love for them has grown deeper.

Over time, I have realized that my love not only extends to the animals, but also to human beings, and all of the natural world. My greatest joy comes from helping people in their own healing and transformation process, so they realize not only who and what the animals are, but also who they are themselves. I truly believe it is through our own individual, personal evolution that our world will be reborn into a place of harmony, peace, reverence, and compassion for one another and all of our fellow inhabitants on this beautiful planet.

I didn’t start out talking with animals. It’s been a journey, starting with a degree in biology, then training dogs professionally, taking graduate courses in ethology (studying the behavior of wild animals) while working with wolves and coyotes, volunteering at the Denver Zoo hospital, and doing field studies with wildlife. Later I became a veterinarian, graduating in 1983 from Colorado State University. And for three years I did a residency in non-domestic animal medicine at UC Davis and the California Department of Fish and Game.

In 1989-90, I spent a year in Africa and it changed my life in dramatic ways. I did return to the US and practiced veterinary medicine for almost two years but, after that, I realized I had a different calling. That is when I became an animal communicator. I knew that there was more to the animals than their physical bodies. I wanted to get to the root cause of their emotional and physical issues. And I wanted to know who they are as spiritual beings.

So, for about 30 years, that is what I have done. I have helped people with their companion animals, given talks, and taught classes and workshops. I published my first book, Soul of the Wild: Intimate Messages from the Hearts and Souls of Elephants and Whales, in 2010. The elephants and whales truly became my teachers, healers, and mentors. They have given me wonderful new information since then, so recently I published an updated version from the Elephants with lots of new information. The title is: “Soul of the Wild Book II: The Wisdom of Elephants.”

I have also have done several interviews, some included here and others available soon. Sign up for my newsletter to learn of upcoming events.

I am also co-hosting a podcast with my dear friend, Avantika, called Animals and Us: Voices of a New Paradigm. It started in May 2022 and we have released an episode every month since. I am so excited about this new work! I sincerely hope you will join us and come along on this magical, enlivening, profound journey into the amazing world of animal consciousness, wisdom and, of course, love.