Hi I’m Rebecca Zeleny your instructor for this course. I have 20 years of experience as a licensed clinical therapist, Certified Mental Health Coach and a Pet Grief Support Specialist. In addition to my clinical work, I have a deep passion for helping others navigate the heart-wrenching journey of pet loss.

As someone who has experienced this myself, I know firsthand how profound and unique the bond with our pets can be. It was my own journey with the loss of my three beloved pets, Charlie, Scrabble and Precious, that inspired me to specialize in pet grief support. Losing Charlie, who had been my sidekick through so many of life's ups and downs, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced. Those moments of deep sorrow—of navigating the painful and personal process of saying goodbye—taught me so much about love, loss, and healing.

To help others through pet loss, I earned my Pet Grief Specialist Certification through The American Institute of Health Care Professionals. This involved completing a 170-hour educational program focused on understanding and supporting individuals through the emotional turmoil that often comes with pet loss. I’m honored to be able to guide others with that same compassion and support that helped me heal in my own journey.