Our Pack

Kecianne Shick

Founder + Creator, Soul Activist + Grief-Tender

~ Dog Mom ~

Since I know you’re probably wondering: my first name’s pronounced KEY-SHANN (definitely not Cake-E-Anne, or Kasey-Anne, or dozens of other variations I’ve heard over the years). By virtue of visiting this site, you already know one of the most important things about me: I’ve been blessed with two little (canine) boys, Moxy and Teddy, and losing Mox several years ago became the catalyst for a fierce spiritual awakening, which led me right here—to creating this space for you, someone who feels the same way I do about your own more-than-human soulmate (and the loss of them).

While my traditional education was in creative writing, I’ve pursued several types of non-traditional education over the last few years (a brief selection is listed below), all of which is meant to inform A Touch of Moxy and be of service to you. None of it would’ve happened without Mox—I never dreamed this life for myself. More than anything, I hope this work is a force for good in the world, and I hope I do Moxy and Teddy justice.

Thank you for being here, dear friend. May your soul find solace.

Select Education/Training

B.A., Letters, Arts, & Sciences (Minor: Women’s Studies) - Pennsylvania State University
M.A., Writing (Nonfiction Concentration) - Johns Hopkins University
Apprenticeship with Sorrow / Entering the Healing Ground: Grief Ritual Leadership Training (Primary facilitator: Francis Weller)
Grief Educator Certification Program (Facilitator: David Kessler)

Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (2025 cohort), The Radical Compassion Institute (Facilitators: Tara Brach, PhD + Jack Kornfield, PhD)
Michael Harner’s The Way of the ShamanⓇ Workshop, Foundation for Shamanic Studies (Facilitator: Kenny Emerson)
Transcendental MeditationⓇ (Facilitator: Marc Stephens)

Holy Fire Reiki Master (Facilitators: Caitlin Marino + Cindy Mattingly)

A Course in Miracles, Foundation for Inner Peace
School of Awakening / various programs (Facilitator: Eckhart Tolle)
Soul-level Animal Communication (Facilitator: Danielle MacKinnon)
Arcturian Healing Method - multiple levels and courses (Facilitator: Gene Ang, PhD)
Maitri: A Courtship with the Essential Ingredient (Facilitator: Erin Geesaman Rabke)

Amy Merkley

Creative Consultant

~ Dog Mom + Dog/ Cat/ Bunny Grandma ~

With a diverse career spanning multiple industries, I’ve worn many hats—from waitressing and elder-care to executive sales/marketing and asset management. This journey has enriched me with a wealth of experience and the privilege of interacting with a broad spectrum of people. Among these roles, working alongside my daughter for A Touch of Moxy has been a cherished experience. Witnessing her passion and the depth of knowledge she has amassed over the years has been truly inspiring. I am grateful for this shared journey with her and all of you.

My entry into grandparenthood was marked by the arrival of Moxy. His presence was far from subtle—he made me fall in love at first sight, challenging my childhood trauma with dogs and the subsequent ban on pets in our home. Following Moxy, MandyLoo entered our lives, further transforming my perspective on pets. Their influence has been profound, changing me in ways I never anticipated.

Creativity has always been a part of my identity. Being the sixth child in a family of thirteen, I learned to carve out my own niche. Whether it was through art, music, writing, dance, cooking, or simply observing and ideating on how things could be done differently, my motivation has always been to create spaces of beauty, harmony, and peace. A Touch of Moxy embodies this vision. Welcome! I hope you find what you need.

Molly Van Roekel

Resident Artist + Illustrator

~ Cat Mom ~

For me, art is a mysterious process that can never quite be quantified. Sometimes things just click, and sometimes a collaboration just feels like it is what you are meant to be doing. A Touch of Moxy’s mission and goals are very close to my heart.

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Memphis College of Art with a specialization in painting and a minor in art history. I’ve been an illustrator for over 10 years. My art is whimsical, and I blend physical and digital media in a process that's very unique to me. Generally though, I am most drawn to watercolors.

I am inspired by the guardian angel cat of my childhood, Tigger, who gave me unconditional love, understanding, and a soft space to land when the world was a hard place. He lived to be fifteen years old, and passed away only after he was sure I would be okay—because I had met my first love and soulmate, Cody (you can read more about them both here). I have been in the dark trenches of grief; I’ve fought to remember why I am here. It is my hope that my experience of pain, love, loss, and healing can break through my artwork and impact other people.

I have three wonderful cats: Blaise, who is both a sweet and cantankerous old lady; Ron, the spitting image of Tigger but with an iPad game addiction; and Bumi, who might actually be part lemur. These three babies are my little clowder, and I am grateful for them every day.

Kaitlin Breuninger

Website Designer

~ Dog Mom ~

As a kid, my family always had a lot of pets: 2+ dogs, 4+ cats at all times, an iguana, turtle, guinea pig, hamsters, fish and even a raccoon at one point. You name it and we probably had it as a pet. We lived in the mountains up a dirt road and, sadly, people would often dump litters of puppies or kittens on the side of the road. My mom was always pulling over and rescuing them. She instilled a love of animals in us at a very young age.

About 7 years ago, I got my soul dog, Juno (pictured above), coincidentally two days before I got laid off from my last corporate job. That became the start of my entrepreneurial journey and my career as a website designer. Since then, I have had the pleasure of working with more than two hundred different businesses on their digital marketing strategies and online branding. Today, I specialize in high-quality customized Squarespace websites and work with entrepreneurs, brands and businesses all over the world.

Juno and I share a very special connection and she has played a large part in my story. She is my registered ESA. I would do anything for her and she would do anything for me. She is always by my side. When Kecianne approached me about A Touch of Moxy I knew I had to be a part of this project. I can’t imagine ever saying goodbye to Juno, but I’m grateful to know that when that day does come far, far down the road, this wonderful, supportive community exists.

Paydn Augustine

Resident Graphic Designer + Photographer

~ Dog Dad ~

When I was a young boy, I loved two things more than anything: art, and my best friend and Fox Terrier, Lizzie. As I’ve grown to become a man with a humble portfolio that spans more than a decade of Creative Design and Art Direction under my belt, I’ve always been driven to work with projects I believe in, pieces that I think are more important than the trivial commercial aspects we are bombarded with daily. When Kecianne told me about her ideas with A Touch of Moxy so many years ago, I knew it was something that I would be honored to help bring to life.

I hope everyone who visits our site can find a little touch of the fuzzy loved ones who’ve crossed the rainbow bridge, a nuzzle from those whose unending love and devotion to their human companions have given us so much inspiration to take into the world today.

I now am a puppy parent to the most well-mannered and commonly vocal Siberian Husky, Venus, with plans of bringing another Golden Retriever into the family within the year!

April Stone

Resident Social Media Maven

~ Cat Mom ~

My soul has a deep connection to all things creative. Art in various mediums, music, and even how I meticulously place the knick-knacks on my shelves are forms of self expression that keep my serotonin flowing. (I am a Virgo, after all.) My intention with A Touch Of Moxy’s social media is to fuel connection—to curate an online experience that feels like a friend, and to create a place to feel safe, a place to feel known.

Mur came into my life as a frisky gray kitten with a love for hunting and play. I was 7 then, and we grew up together. Mur has been with me for every new life transition: every new friend, every new home, every celebration, and every heartbreak. Now 19 years old, she's an elderly companion who shows her love through gentle licks, nuzzles, and cuddles. Having an animal who doubles as your longest friend is profound and bittersweet.

May A Touch Of Moxy be your safe place to land, as it will be mine.