Dr. Bessent received a bachelor's degree in animal science in 1984 and a veterinary degree in 1988 from the University of Wisconsin - Madison. 

Following five years of traditional veterinary practice Bessent pursued postgraduate training in veterinary chiropractic, veterinary acupuncture and Chinese veterinary herbology. She is certified in veterinary chiropractic and veterinary acupuncture from the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association and the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society respectively. Dr. Bessent implemented these modalities into her western veterinary practice. She presently practices in an alternative medicine and traditional medicine veterinary practice treating horses and dogs on a daily basis in southern Wisconsin. 

Dr. Bessent has used the classic formulas in practice for years and was so pleased with their results she wants to share them with other horse and dog enthusiasts and Herbsmith was born.