In 2014, she received her PhD in Community Outreach, Animal Welfare and Human-Animal Bond at MSU researching education about Dog Care and Welfare with the goal of preventing dog abuse, neglect and abandonment. She presented at the AVMA conferences regarding topics of Human-Animal Bond and Dog Behavior and Quality of Life (Welfare). Her veterinary work is focused on promoting animal welfare, the human-animal bond and compassionate veterinary care in the United States and globally. She is an experienced Small Animal Integrative Veterinarian and she is currently pursuing her Chi Institute Certification in Veterinary Acupuncture and Food Therapy. Since 2007 Dr. Maria worked in many veterinary clinics in Michigan as a relief or part time Veterinarian in all aspects of care including: General Practice, Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, Holistic Medicine, End of Life Care and Hospice, Shelter Medicine, Vaccine Clinics, and Spay/ Neuter clinics. Thus, she has broad experience in the field of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Maria has a passion to provide the best care for all animals and for the last 30 years, has been actively involved and advocated and served in local animal rescue groups, animal control agencies and shelters in Greece and the United States. She is a member of the AVMA, AVMLA, AHVMA, and American Association of Human-Animal Bond Veterinarians and supports fear free practices. Dr. Maria moved in the Unites States (from Greece) 18 years ago and lives in Okemos with her fiancé, Curt and their beloved fur babies and canaries and doves.