From Dreams to Action
That’s me there! My name is Stephanie and for as long as I can remember, I’ve admired people who dedicate their lives to making tangible change in their communities. Growing up, I watched countless TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) videos on YouTube, inspired by the way these efforts improved the lives of stray cats and reduced overpopulation. That admiration grew even stronger when I encountered individuals in real life who made animal rescue their mission.
One of my college professors, for example, maintained an entire website documenting the cats he and his wife had rescued over 40 years. It left a lasting impression on me, as did the years I spent volunteering as a medical advocate for a rape crisis center in Boston. Whether it was supporting people in crisis or seeing cat rescuers share their journeys, I think I always knew I wanted to do something that made a difference.
At the same time, I’ve always been drawn to natural remedies and holistic health. After experiencing my own health challenges and finding solutions through functional medicine and herbalism, I knew I wanted to empower others to take charge of their wellness through plant-based care. That’s when I decided to become a clinical herbalist, focusing on creating personalized support for people seeking a natural path to balance and vitality.
The Beginning of My Rescue Journey
In 2015, I adopted Kiki from a no-kill shelter near Boston. She was two years old at the time, and for the next decade, she became my constant companion. Fast forward to now—my husband and I have a home in Vermont, where I’ve combined my passions for animal rescue and herbalism to support both cats and people in meaningful ways.
It all started when my neighbors and I began noticing a few stray cats around our area. When I trapped my first cat, Catnip, I felt a deep sadness. He was a genuinely friendly stray, and at the time, I didn’t realize just how bad the overpopulation crisis was here in Vermont. While it’s not as dire as in some states, the need for spay/neuter programs and care is far greater than I imagined. That first rescue opened my eyes and sparked a drive to do more.
From Garage to Basement
At first, I tried running the operation out of my garage, but the freezing Vermont winters quickly made that unsustainable. We had a basement, but it wasn’t finished, and I didn’t want the rescued cats to fight with or risk making Kiki sick. That’s when my dad came to the rescue—literally.
On short notice, he drove eight hours one way from New Jersey to help. He framed, drywalled, and added a door to a portion of the basement, creating a safe, warm space for the cats I was taking in. During those weeks of construction, I kept Kiki safely in our bedroom while the basement was crowded with 4-5 huge dog kennels, each housing a rescued cat. Once the new area was secure and finished, I was able to let Kiki back into her full territory while keeping the rescue cats safely separated.
Challenges and Dreams
This journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In addition to rescuing cats on my own, I also volunteer with the only TNR group in the county. The group is stretched thin so I help where I can when their hands are full.
All the cats I post here are ones I personally trap, fund, and care for myself.
It’s a lot of money to provide food, veterinary care, and other essentials for these cats, and the lack of a low-cost spay/neuter clinic in this county adds to the strain. Every time I get a cat fixed, I have to drive 1.5 hours one way and spend $145.
What’s even harder is dealing with people who don’t take responsibility for their cats. When someone has the means to get their pet fixed but chooses not to, or lets their cat free-roam without identification, it creates more problems for rescues and the cats themselves.
My ultimate goal is to establish a low-cost spay/neuter clinic and a larger shelter, all in one location, right here in Franklin County. In 20 years, I want every cat in Vermont to be fixed. While we can’t entirely stop abandonment, I believe we can help make the overpopulation crisis in this state a thing of the past.
Why Herbalism?
Herbalism is about empowering people to find balance and healing through natural means. As a clinical herbalist, I’ve dedicated myself to helping people address challenges like stress, anxiety, and physical imbalances using plant-based remedies. My journey with herbalism grew from personal experiences and a desire to share the same transformative care I received with others.
Whether it’s formulating a personalized herbal blend or guiding someone through lifestyle changes, my work in herbalism complements my mission to create a compassionate and healthy community—for both humans and animals.
Why I Keep Going
Rescue work is exhausting, but what keeps me going is knowing that cats like Maple or Tulsi would likely be dead if I hadn’t stepped in. Seeing them safe, healthy, and loved reminds me why I do this.
Every cat I rescue is a life saved, and every step I take brings me closer to the vision I have for Vermont’s cats.
I couldn’t keep going without the unwavering support of my husband, my family, and my friends. Their encouragement, love, and help—whether it’s emotional, financial, or hands-on—make this journey possible and remind me I’m never in this alone.
