Karan S. Madan
CEO & Founder
I am Karan Singh Madan, the Founder and CEO of Animal & Plant Sciences.
I was born in Calcutta and did my schooling in a small hill-station town called Dehradun in the foothills of the Himalayas in India. Living with nature and an eco-friendly existence was the norm. My family had dogs who were fed on organic meats & home made natural foods and treated with natural plant medicines long before they became well known as healthy alternatives.
In my 20’s I came to the US to study and have made this country my home. I live in Connecticut surrounded by forests that are full of life and yet tranquil. My dog ‘Zara’ who is a gorgeous golden retriever loves exploring the woodlands around us and chasing all sorts of creatures that she comes across. However, Zara does not like being in the car and struggled with travel anxiety. This made family holidays with her difficult and we did not like leaving her behind.
I knew about the use of plant medicines for human anxiety so I started looking into its use for dogs. I soon realized that there is a lot of information on plant medicines for humans but not much for animals. This gave me the vision of making botanical animal health products that would be evidence based for efficacy and safety. I travelled to various integrative clinics and plant based pharmaceutical companies to learn about the healing qualities of plants, ingredients and how they can be used safely for our animals.
We created the Rooted Owl™ brand to bring ancient ingredients with scientific support via our vet formulated products. Our portfolio of products are condition based, manufactured in GMP facilities, use all organic ingredients - naturally good pet health products from the “Wise Owl” who has watched over the world for centuries.
Ibana Almada
Strategic Advisor
With over 25 years of experience in multinational marketing, business administration, and health-focused product development, I’ve dedicated my career to creating impactful, quality-driven brands. Currently, as strategic advisor of Rooted Owl™, I leverage my expertise in human wellness to help expand Rooted Owl™'s mission of natural pet care.
My journey began with a compounding pharmacy laboratory co-founded with my former husband, a pharmaceutical chemist, where I led brand creation, strategic growth, and marketing. These experiences provided invaluable insights into active ingredient synergy, formulation design, and addressing the unique needs of doctors and consumers. I later joined IRSA, Argentina’s largest real estate company, where I rose to Regional Brand Manager, advancing my strategic marketing and project development skills.
In 2013, I took on Laboratorios Abies, a phyto-medicinal and supplement laboratory in Uruguay founded by my parents, leading its growth and regional expansion. My passion for skincare and health led me to establish Blossom Pharma, a GMP-approved Cosmetic Laboratory, specializing in epigenetic and organic ingredients.
Today, as part of Rooted Owl™, I’m excited to bring my expertise in natural wellness to a pioneering line of supplements for pets, continuing my dedication to quality, science-backed natural solutions that enhance the well-being of those we care about most.
Jeffrey Mendelsohn
Co-Founder & Head of Business Development
I grew up in New York and was a professional musician for 14 years touring and recording all over the world. After 9/11 I met my wife Nikki who is the founder and President of Much Love Animal Rescue. One of the largest rescues in Southern California. After I fell in love with Nikki I made my move from New York to California, where I was founder, owner and operator of ROVER kennels for over 20 years in Culver City and Santa Monica, California. ROVER was considered by many to be the "Gold Standard" in Doggie daycare and boarding in all of Los Angeles. I have been a certified dog trainer for over 20 years and was voted "Best Trainer in Los Angeles" by Tails magazine.
After the sale of ROVER I teamed up with Rooted Owl to become their Co-Founder/Head of Business Development. Both me and Nikki have such a passion for the well being of animals and are extremely excited to be part of the Rooted Owl movement.
Gustavo Brusa
COO
I am Gustavo Brusa. I'm thrilled to work with APS and Rooted Owl; a company that shares my deep passion for our furry family members.
With extensive background in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry and having led the development of global brands and solutions across different categories and geographies -including Latin America and the United States- in world-class organizations such as The Gillette Co., P&G, Kimberly Clark, and Reckitt, I'm excited to bring my experience and enthusiasm to a team dedicated to enhancing the lives of our beloved pets by providing solutions with unique and scientifically developed formulations based on natural ingredients.
Working with a pet wellness company is more than an opportunity; it's a personal commitment. I believe that our pets deserve the very best, and that starts with products made from natural, high-quality ingredients. Together with the passionate team here, I am committed to ensuring that we provide pet parents like you with innovative solutions that support your pets' health and happiness.
My own life is deeply intertwined with the joy and companionship that pets bring. I'm a proud pet parent myself, and I understand the bond we share with our animals. It's this love and connection that fuels my dedication to ensuring that our products not only meet but exceed your expectations, contributing to a long and vibrant life for your cherished companions.
Florencia Nijensohn
Co-Founder & Head of Business Development
I am Florencia Nijensohn, Head of Marketing & Communications at Animal & Plant Sciences. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, communications, and marketing, my journey has been driven by a passion for natural products and more than three years at Quantum Life Sciences in various roles, including corporate communications and Investor Relations.
Although I haven't yet had a dog of my own, I've always formed special bonds with animals, growing up with birds and enjoying time with my cousins' dogs. I am dedicated to promoting science-backed natural solutions for pet wellness and excited to contribute my skills and enthusiasm to APS’s mission of providing safe and effective products for our furry friends.
Mica Pierani Méndez
Communications Coordinator | Head of Customer Relations
I am Mica Pierani Méndez, the Communications Coordinator and Head of Customer Relations at APS and Rooted Owl™. With a 20-year career in Musical Theater in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I have developed skills in passion, creativity, and resilience. My deep connection with animals, particularly my loving Rhodesian Ridgeback, César, inspired me to transition from translating English and Spanish to playing various roles within the company, helping to launch a unique line of wellness products for pets.
I pride myself on fostering a culture of dialogue, commitment, respect, and excellence within our team. My dream is to see Rooted Owl™ thrive in Buenos Aires, a city with a pet for every two households, bringing joy and health to our furry companions.
Nikki Ferraro
PR & Non-Profit Animal Health Advisor
As President of Much Love Animal Rescue, I save dogs’ and cats’ lives every day. I run one of the largest Animal rescue organizations in Southern California while raising a family at home. Much Love Animal Rescue was founded in 1998.
Every morning I go out to one of many shelters in the Los Angeles area and choose less fortunate dogs and cats to one day give them a better home.
Our Veterinarian & Formulation Consultant Team
Chris Warner RVT
Veterinary Advisor
As a Certified Veterinary Technician with over 11 years of experience, I have honed my skills in general practice, dermatology, and physical rehabilitation. My passion for animal health has led me to enrich my understanding of nutrition and canine rehabilitation, where I focus on implementing individualized care plans that promote optimal well-being for pets. I am also a Certified Canine Veterinary Rehabilitation Nurse which enables me to support dogs along the road to recovery from injury or in maintaining comfort and quality of life as they age. Dedicated to ongoing education and empathetic care, I aim to improve the well-being of both pets and their owners.