The Herbsmith Team

Chris Bessent, D.V.M.

Holistic Veterinarian, Founder of Herbsmith

Chris Bessent, D.V.M., founder of Herbsmith, practices holistic veterinary medicine, utilizing Chinese herbs, acupuncture, food therapy and chiropractic on all animals. After more than a decade of using Chinese herbal combinations in her practice, Dr. Bessent channeled her wealth of knowledge and experience into Herbsmith, Inc.

In addition to being the founder of Herbsmith and a practicing holistic veterinarian, Dr. Bessent enjoys living on her farm in Oconomowoc, WI. She loves spending time with her four horses – Ghost, Jigz, Booty, and Merlin, her two dogs – Australian Sheppards named Jake and Nauty and her two cats - Porkchop and Beans.

Megan Allikas

Production

262.367.1372 ext. 128

Megan manages all production at Herbsmith headquarters. Contact Megan if you have any questions about your account, shipping or a specific blend.

Megan is a member of Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society. She used to ride and show at the academy level for ASHA for six years until a back injury prevented her from showing competitively. She currently enjoys volunteering for a variety of philanthropic interests, doing outdoor activities with her dog, Divinity, and her husband, spending time with friends and family, traveling and riding.

Megan's favorite pet was Petti (Red and White Ryukin Goldfish) who she had for most of her freshman year in college and who helped her study. He would swim to the top to get food when the tank light would be turned on and was slightly "plump" for his size. Her other favorite is her current dog, Divinity. Megan and Divinity end up teaching each other new things every day. She is a bundle of love and energy. When they go on walks or runs, she pushes Megan to walk or run further then she really wants to go. Megan considers Divinity to be the cutest personal trainer she could ever ask for.

Megan's favorite breeds of dog are the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier and Australian Sheppard.

Amber Karbassi

Tradeshow Coordination / Customer Service

262.367.1372 ext. 138

Amber works in customer service and handles tradeshow coordination at Herbsmith. Contact Amber if you need information for tradeshows, or if you have questions about Herbsmith products, policies or procedures.

Amber enjoys shopping, reading, sleeping, baking, going for walks and hanging out with family and friends. When not working or chasing after her toddler or dog, Amber attends grad school and works toward a masters in education. She lives in Hartland, WI with her husband and daughter and their dog, Hailey who is a boxer mix. Hailey is originally from the Seattle area but has adjusted well to Wisconsin weather and loves jumping in the fresh snow!

April Klein

Customer Service / Production

262.367.1372 ext. 133

April works in customer service and production at Herbsmith. Contact April if you have questions about Herbsmith products, policies or procedures.

April enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, camping, hiking, shopping at thrift stores, bike riding, cook-outs, and concerts. She is a graduate of Marian College where she earned her degree in Criminal Justice. While there, she spent a semester abroad at Harlaxton in Grantham, England.

Megan Dischler

Sales

262.367.1372 ext. 114

Meg manages all sales for Herbsmith. Contact Meg if you have any general questions about Herbsmith formulas or if you would like to learn more about how to maximize their performance in your store.

Meg lives Oconomowoc, WI with her two horses (Grizzy – a Lipizzan, and Valabri – a Dutch Warmblood) and two cats (Basil and Alyce).  Animals have always been a very important part of her life. She has been riding and competing in Dressage with her horses for 12 years and has had cats, dogs, and other animals her whole life.

When not spending time with her horses, Meg enjoys cooking, gardening, spending time outdoors, traveling, and wine. She has a background in Human Biology, Chemistry, Spanish, and recently earned her Certified Specialist of Wine degree.

Yan Peng

Chinese Translator & Consultant

Native Chinese expert Yan Peng assists the Herbsmith team with Chinese translation.

Yan Peng graduated from China's Chongqing Normal University with a bachelor’s degree in teaching. She has experience teaching elementary through college level students. Currently, she teaches the Chinese language to elementary and college students through the continuing education department at the University of Wisconsin at Waukesha.

In addition to teaching, she worked as a tour guide and as a trainer of English-speaking tour guides in China for about 20 years.

Rosie Walker

Sales

262.367.1372 ext. 115

Rosie manages sales for Herbsmith. Contact Rosie if you have any general questions about Herbsmith formulas or if you would like to learn more about how to maximize their performance in your store.

Rosie enjoys hiking, biking, spending time with family/friends, traveling, cooking, and spending time Up North. She has had animals for as long as she can remember: a Haflinger pony named Thistle, a goat named Martin, chickens (Chanticleer the rooster, Primrose the hen and about 100 others...), a cat named Kitty, a cockatiel named Sunny, a dog named Rocky, a boarder collie named Abbi, a golden retriever named Jed, and a cat named Rocky.

Her current pet is Rocky, the 20lb cat rescued from the shelter. He loves to snuggle and talks to her constantly when she's at home. He's a total sunshine junkie and will do just about anything to be brushed with his favorite brush.

Elizabeth Zimmerman

Graphic Design

262.367.1372 ext. 109

Elizabeth does graphic and web design for Herbsmith. Contact Elizabeth if you have any questions about the Herbsmith website or need any Herbsmith graphics or promotional materials.

Elizabeth enjoys drawing, dancing, singing, reading, and napping. She always wanted a furry animal but couldn't have one because the family (including her) was allergic so they had fish, which she stubbornly named Kitty and Puppy. At one point in time she had 7 hermit crabs, 2 anoles, and 2 aquatic frogs. Then she got a real kitty, who has been spoiled ever since!