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.

Sarah P. Grandinetti

Equine Sales Representative

262.367.1372 ext. 114

Sarah manages sales for Herbsmith, Inc.  She is a passionate and forward thinking sales and marketing professional with a desire to achieve results.  It is her goal to increase sales and public awareness of Herbsmith, Inc while supporting the equestrian sport.  Contact Sarah if you have any specific equine questions or if you are interested in learning more about the Team Herbsmith Sponsorship Program.

Sarah has been riding and working with horses since the age of 13.  After spending over 10 years professionally within the equine industry working at tack stores, as an equine photographer, beginner riding instructor and stable manager she realized her love for sales and marketing.  Sarah continued her education and received a degree in international business and marketing management from Alverno College in Milwaukee, WI.

Sarah spends her time with her male Vizsla Tango and female Smooth Fox Terrier L.P. (short for Little Pants).  Always eager to learn and grow she takes lessons in dressage, jumping, aromatherapy, cooking with whole foods and alternative healing modalities.

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.

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.

Ava is Rosie's newest family member. She is a one year old Doberman from a local Doberman rescue organization. She loves visiting the dog park, playing with the other dogs, running, and fetching the ball. When she's at home you'll find her curled up at our feet (or on the couch) tucked in with her favorite coat and blanket.

Kelly Westerlund, BS/MSOM, L.Ac.

Sales

262.367.1372 ext. 116

Kelly manages sales for Herbsmith. Contact Kelly 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 or your veterinary practice. 

Kelly graduated from the Midwest College of Oriental Medicine with her combined Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Master of Science in Oriental Medicine and has been practicing Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for almost 10 years.  She loves being able to use her Chinese Medical background with animals since starting at Herbsmith. 

Kelly has always had multiple pets, she currently has a 13 year old English Mastiff named Bubba, and his best friend Keiko a Japanese Chin.  She also has 3 cats, Sixx a Feisty 30 pound Main Coon, Cujo an affectionate Russian Blue, and Mars a spooky all black polydactyl that uses his extra toes like thumbs to cause trouble. 

Braulio Garcia

Graphic Design

262.367.1372 ext. 109

Braulio is a passionate creative who never seems to run out of crazy design ideas and new ways of doing things. He helps with all creative aspects of Herbsmith. Contact Braulio if you have any questions regarding the website or design.

You can find Braulio peeking out from under a blanket while watching horror films, on the edge of his seat with Jean-Luc Picard, or busy looking at adorable pictures of fuzzy animals. He and his girlfriend are currently looking for a puppy to love.