Who We Are
We’ve all had that dog.
The one that just stole your heart the second your eyes met.
Brody was mine. I knew instantly that he was special.
Brody came home in July, 2012. For 9 years, he blessed our home and our hearts with unconditional love. He engaged in some pretty crazy antics that made everyone smile. His love for life was shared on social media and a following of people got to witness life through his eyes. He brought smiles to everyone he met.
Brody lived every day to the fullest, the only way a Labrador knows how.
Full of love. Full of kindness. Full of Joy.
Everyday.
At the age of 9, Brody was diagnosed with Amelontic Oral Melanoma on 6/21/2021. He was set free of his cancer on 7/24/2021. Those 5 weeks were unbearable. They were filled with doctor visits, oncology consults, radiology consults, and treatment trials. But in the end, the cancer’s timeline overtook ours. And however devastating the loss was for us, what resonated with us after his passing was the kindness and love that were showed to us in our darkest hours with him. We were blessed by neighbors who brought us food, friends that let us take him to their pool so Brody could swim, friends that sent giftcards to Starbucks so Brody could be spoiled with his favorite daily “Puppicinos”, and gifts to assist us with his treatment. So even in those dark moments, Brody showed us the love, kindness, and joy that continue to surround us. Which is what Brody taught us- Everyday.
The day after Brody passed, while on a walk, I found a white feather. I’ve never been one to spot feathers. From that day on, I began to find feathers everywhere. I would find them in the most inopportune times and inexplicable places. I have learned that feathers are symbolic of a good omen, positive energy, and a connection to a spiritual realm. To me, it’s a sign that Brody is still with me. And what is beautiful, is I’ve shared this sign with friends and family, and they now find feathers and think of Brody and smile.
Brody was the sweetest, kindest soul and this foundation is to honor his legacy by showing kindness and love to others. The idea of the Everyday Feathers Foundation is that everyday moments are to be cherished.
There are three missions with our foundation.
The first is to be able to offer love through care packages and financial assistance to families whose dogs are undergoing cancer treatment. No family should have to consider placing their dog down if the expense is too great.
The second is to offer grants and funding towards canine cancer research in order to help to stop canine cancer.
The third is to build resilience with people by building and supporting the use of dogs in roles of therapy dogs and service dogs to benefit mental health. In my work as a school psychologist, and of course in my personal life, I have seen the huge, positive impact that dogs have with people. This is not limited to times of crisis, but also just in those everyday moments.
My professional background, as a school psychologist, has given me first hand insight into the power of therapy dogs in their use to support mental health. My personal life has also continued to reinforce this belief- the belief that dogs are not just pets. They are family members, with us through all of life’s ups and downs, offering healing in the only way they know how- through unconditional love. And that’s what the Everyday Feathers Foundation strives to do.
Bring positivity and good omens… Everyday.
Spread kindness, love, and joy…. Everyday.
And to take the lessons our dogs teach us, through unconditional love, and apply them to our lives…. Everyday.
Thank you for visiting the Everyday Feathers Foundation. Whether you are here to learn, donate, or simply connect, I am grateful beyond what words can truly express for your support in carrying Brody’s love and legacy forward. I hope our mission resonates with you, and when you find a feather in your life, it makes you smile.
With Sincerest Love and Gratitude,
Laura Tracey - Founder, Everyday Feathers Foundation
Meet our dedicated team members who are passionate about making a difference.
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Laura Tracey
DIRECTOR
Laura is originally from West Chester, PA, outside of Philadelphia, PA, but moved to Florida in 2005. Laura’s professional background has been rooted in education and working as an advocate for children and families, to ensure all children are supported in school and their everyday lives.
Laura started her career in education as a classroom teacher. In her role as a licensed school psychologist, she has worked in both the public school and private sectors; she has been a supervisor and trainer to graduate students and has been actively involved with the local organization of school psychology, serving on the executive board of the Palm Beach Association of School Psychologists for four years. She is also a certified Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer. In her work with crises response within the school setting, Laura has been seen first hand the incredible positive impact dogs have have on a person’s wellbeing. Her professional role as a school psychologist has fulfilled her passion to support people though challenges, as well has helping them find strength and healing.
One of the most important roles in Laura’s career, has been providing mental health support with students after a crisis has occurred. Living in South Florida, the entire community was shaken by the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in Parkland, FL, in February 2018. While providing mental health support with the students in the days immediately following this crisis, Laura observed the amazingly powerful affect therapy dogs had with assisting students work through their unimaginable trauma and grief. Laura watched students who were crying, shaking, and not able to verbalize their experience, calm their bodies, and potentially relax for the first time in days, all while sitting with a group of Golden Retrievers. It was from that experience that she knew she wanted to continue to spread the knowledge and use of dogs in supporting our collective mental health.
As one of the Directors of the Everyday Feathers Foundation, Laura continues to strive to build resilience within her community, by supporting families who are faced with a cancer diagnosis for their canine family members as well as support mental health through the love of dogs.
When not working with the foundation, Laura spends her time with her partner, Chris, and their Yellow Labrador Retriever, Jackson- who is a trained and certified service dog. Laura enjoys traveling, horseback riding, photography, running and hiking, exploring local coffee shops, and spending time with their extended family.
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Sheeba Abraham
DIRECTOR
As an experienced school psychologist, Sheeba began her career as an elementary school teacher, where she discovered her passion for fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for children. Motivated by a desire to make an even greater impact, Sheeba pursued a degree in school psychology and developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges that students face and became a strong advocate for their academic, emotional, and social well-being. Sheeba’s background as a teacher allows her to bridge the gap between educational and psychological perspectives, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive academically and emotionally. In her current role, she collaborates with teachers, parents, and administrators to provide comprehensive support to students. Sheeba is dedicated to empowering students, advocating for their rights, and fostering a school community where every child feels valued, understood, and capable of reaching their full potential.
Living in South Florida with her husband, two beautiful children, and beloved rescue dog, Goldie—a Golden Retriever rescued from China who faced potential inhumane treatment in her short life—she finds joy in family life. Goldie’s calming presence, loving and loyal heart, and chill vibe have truly completed their family.
Outside of her work as a school psychologist, she loves watching her kids play sports, and values spending quality time with family and friends. Traveling is another passion, allowing her to explore new places and experiences. She has a love for dogs and is committed to supporting their well-being and health, as well as the caretakers who dedicate their lives to ensuring their happiness and care.
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Lisa Cicio
DIRECTOR
With over 20 years of experience in the field of Veterinary Medicine, Lisa has dedicated her career to improving the lives of animals large and small. A native of New Jersey, she began her journey in veterinary care with a deep-rooted passion for animal health, earning a B.A.S. Degree in Advanced Veterinary Clinical Care. A former veterinary oncology nurse, Lisa has a deep understanding of the complexities of cancer care in animals as well as the need for support for both pets and their families facing cancer diagnoses. Currently, she practices as a credentialed ophthalmology veterinary nurse, as well as the clinical supervisor of both ophthalmology and integrative medicine/rehabilitation departments at MedVet Jupiter. Whether providing care to animals at MedVet, zoos, or aquariums all over the country, or teaming up with our other directors at Everyday Feathers, Lisa strives to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. As Director, she is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the non-profit as well as promoting the organization’s mission. She works closely with fellow veterinary professionals, researchers, and animal health advocates to ensure that families navigating the difficult journey of a canine cancer diagnosis have access to the most current information and treatments as well as compassionate support.
Lisa frequently attends veterinary conferences and continuing education seminars whenever she can to enrich her knowledge and therefore her contribution to the field of veterinary medicine. She is also a mentor to aspiring veterinary professionals. She currently resides in South Florida. You can also find her on a plane traveling somewhere new whenever she can! She has a Black Labrador Retriever (Jake ) and a French Bulldog (Oliver).
“I love getting people excited about the things I am passionate about. At the end of the day, for me, it is all about giving back! Whether I’ve helped save an animals life, improved their quality of life or simply supported the family of a pet, I’ve made a difference and that means the world to me. Together, we can give canines battling cancer a fighting chance - because every paw deserves a chance at a brighter tomorrow."
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Britt Grenus, DVM
DIRECTOR
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Kelsey Giel
HEART & ART CREATOR
Kelsey is a UI and graphic designer from Pittsburgh, PA, with a keen eye for creating user-friendly and visually engaging designs.
Outside of work, she’s a dedicated Disney fan, a weekend brewery explorer, and always excited to visit new places. Kelsey enjoys spending time with her husband, Andrew, their son, Conor, and their playful Bernedoodle, Sully.
Whether it’s a weekend trip, trying out the latest shopping trends, or diving into a new project, Kelsey is always on the lookout for her next great adventure.
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Jackson
“Omega”