041: From Bullying to Brave Change: Michele Fasnacht's Journey to Solid Rock Community School

Discover how compassionate education is transforming the lives of children and rescued animals in this powerful conversation with Michele Fasnacht, founder of Solid Rock Community School and the Sanctuary at Solid Rock. Michele shares how her personal journey through childhood trauma, chronic illness, and a life changing shift to plant based living shaped an education model unlike anything else in the country.

In this episode, you will learn how rescued pigs, primates, ducks, and other farmed animals have become mentors for students, teaching empathy, responsibility, and emotional awareness through daily connection and hands on care. Michele explains how the Compassionate Humane Education framework integrates humane learning, animal advocacy, plant based meals, and sustainability into every part of a child's day.

This episode also explores how Michele reversed years of debilitating MS symptoms after removing dairy, why her school launched a fully plant based cafeteria, and how the SAVE program prepares students for careers in veterinary medicine, wildlife rehabilitation, and animal rights.

If you want to understand how humane education, vegan living, rescued animals, and trauma informed teaching can reshape the future of learning, this interview delivers deep insight and practical inspiration for educators, parents, sanctuary leaders, and advocates.

Listen to the full episode and explore more interviews with sanctuary founders, animal advocates, and changemakers at BetterLifeForAnimals.com.

Full episode: https://www.BetterLifeForAnimals.com/podcast/041-Michele-Fasnacht