Hi, I am Maddy
Why I do what I do
As a biologist, I have witnessed how animals suffer - quietly, subtly, and often unnoticed
Only later did I realize that animals have souls
"I loved studying biology"
As a child, I spent as much time as possible outdoors with animals - in the forest, by the water, and in the fields. My fascination with nature eventually led me to study biology at the University of Potsdam, where I began my degree in 2002.
I specialized in animal behavior. My research took me to Mexico, where I studied fish, to Canada to study snowshoe hares, and to France to observe wildcats. In 2009, I graduated with distinction.
Two years later, I began my PhD at Goethe University Frankfurt am Main. My research explored the behavioral differences between urban and rural rabbits.
My Story
I sensed a deeper connection—one that could not be explained by logic."
During my PhD, logical thinking and the scientific method shaped the way I approached the world. I quickly became an expert in my field, and my research on Frankfurt's urban rabbits was featured by numerous media outlets.
At the same time, I felt that biology offered too narrow a view of nature. While working with fish, rabbits, monkeys, and wildcats, I sensed that animals express themselves through more than just their behavior. I experienced a deeper connection—one that could neither be explained nor measured by science.
"Staying true to yourself while the world pulls on you is true strength."
The demands of academic life eventually took their toll. In 2014, I experienced burnout. I went to therapy because I believed I needed to recover as quickly as possible and get back to work. After all, I felt I couldn't afford to pause - not even for a single day of writing papers or applying for research funding.
I kept functioning, but inside, it felt as though my soul was slowly slipping away. At the same time, I found myself questioning my work more and more: Was I truly helping animals, or was I actually harming them?
"From the Ainu, I learned that nature is alive with spirit."
In June 2015, I was invited to speak at a conference in Japan. But instead of spending my time discussing science with colleagues, I followed my intuition and accepted a spontaneous invitation to a secret festival of the Ainu.
The Ainu are an Indigenous people of Hokkaido. In their worldview, everything is permeated by a life force known as ramat. Every living being is an expression of this force and is animated by a spirit known as a kamuy.
This worldview—that everything is alive with spirit—forms the foundation of shamanism.
Source: Ainu women, public domain
"Everything that is, is alive."
Dr. Michael Harner - Anthropologist, Founder of Core Shamanism
"My cat Fiona showed me the power of shamanic practices."
In Japan, I experienced this sense of aliveness for the first time. The experience was so profound that it led me to immerse myself in the study and practice of shamanism.
I realized that animals and plants are more than chemical formulas. They have a soul. And through their soul, we can enter into connection with them.
My own animals remind me of this every day. My cat Fiona, in particular, had experienced a great deal of suffering. Because she didn't behave the way her previous owner wanted, she was given away. Through shamanic practices, she found her way back to joy—and today, she is a happy cat once again.
My approach for lasting change
The Fell Method ®
What makes it so different?
✓ F - Foundation in Behavioural biology
✓ E - Emotional Communication
✓ L - Liberating Shamanic Practices
✓ L - Lasting Integration
What matters most to me
🐾 Respect for you and your animal companion
🐾 Transparency and honesty in everything I do
🐾 Ongoing education and professional growth
🐾 Love for life and all living beings
You want to know more? Follow the
grey rabbit...
Are you ready?
I'd love to support you
I look forward to getting to know you and your animal companion in a free 20-minute phone call - completely without obligation.