Our founders

We are a family of scientists, engineers, and researchers united by a shared curiosity and a deep love for animals. With academic roots in Cognitive Science, Data Science, and Computer Science from UCLA, UC Berkeley, and other respected institutions, our work is grounded in research, innovation, and compassion.

Led by our founder — a prolific inventor with over 50 issued U.S. patents — Bunny Gurus is built on the belief that mental health is just as vital as physical health. For over a decade, he has actively supported mental health causes, dedicating time, resources, and expertise to initiatives that promote emotional well-being and reduce stigma around mental health challenges. His collaborations span nonprofits, schools, community programs, and healthcare initiatives, with a strong focus on underserved and vulnerable populations. This commitment is the guiding force behind our mission: ensuring that every program we deliver is designed not just to delight, but to heal, connect, and uplift.

In addition to his mental health advocacy, our founder is recognized as a subject matter expert across multiple disciplines, with an extensive background in cybersecurity, protection, privacy, and safety. He is a pioneer in designing and developing computer systems that prioritize human emotional and psychological well-being, integrating technology in ways that protect and support users rather than cause harm. He is also widely respected for raising awareness and driving improvements in safety, privacy, and ethical technology — demonstrating a lifelong commitment to integrity, accountability, and the protection of individuals and communities.

His deep empathy for animals began in early childhood, growing up in a home with his grandmother and over thirty cats. From a young age, he cared for and raised cats — assisting during labor, nurturing newborn kittens, and spending countless hours playing and interacting with them. These formative experiences revealed the profound role animals play in human emotional well-being, inspiring a lifelong dedication to animal care and the creation of programs that strengthen the human–animal bond.

Where It All Began

When we first welcomed bunnies into our home during the pandemic, we quickly realized they were shy, fearful, and misunderstood. This challenge became the spark for a years-long journey—combining animal behavior studies, cognitive science, and structured training programs—to help our bunnies feel safe, confident, and joyful around people.

Our initially started with a focus on assisting children with special needs, particularly those with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. We set out to study how structured animal-assisted interactions could improve emotional regulation, communication, and social skills.

Through countless hours of observation and experimentation, we discovered something remarkable: with the right environment, structure, and positive reinforcement, bunnies could learn to trust, bond, and interact with humans—including strangers—in ways that brought calm and comfort to both.

Our Community Impact

What began as a special-needs-focused research initiative has grown into a trusted mobile therapeutic program serving the entire San Francisco Bay Area. We’ve brought our experiences to over 30,000 people through partnerships with:

• Schools & Universities

• Hospitals & Mental Health Programs

• Corporations & Employee Wellness Events

• Nonprofits & Community Organizations

• Family Celebrations & Private Gatherings

Our programs are science-backed, heart-led, and tailored to the unique needs of each group. We adapt activities based on participants’ ages, abilities, and engagement levels to ensure meaningful and memorable interactions.

Our Vision and Mission

We aim to be an integral part of Silicon Valley's vibrant community, with a special focus on enriching the lives of children and young adults. We aspire to create lasting connections by collaborating closely with schools, universities, businesses, non-profit organizations, and mental health professionals. Through meaningful partnerships and our dedication to delivering exceptional programs, we aim to inspire love for bunnies, offer emotional comfort, and enhance learning experiences. We aim at nurturing young minds, creating cherished memories, and contributing positively to the well-being and development of the next generation in Silicon Valley.

• Firstly, we are facing an epidemic of technology addiction. As a result of the pandemic and the shift to remote work and schooling, our dependence on digital devices, video games, and immersion in augmented and virtual realities has escalated. This increasing disconnect from the natural world and over-reliance on technology has significant consequences on our psychological and emotional well-being, leading to an 'Age of Distractions' that impedes our ability to focus and remain present.

• Secondly, the highly competitive, technology-dominated, high-stress environment of the Bay Area, combined with the isolation brought on by the pandemic, continues to lead to a surge in mental health issues among both adolescents and adults. The intensity of competition, exacerbated by the isolation and detachment from reality, is leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and feelings of insecurity, uncertainty, and confusion.

• Moreover, the rise in substance abuse, particularly among youth, further complicates these issues. The increased rates of drug and alcohol use reflect a generation struggling to cope with the pressures of the modern world and the additional stressors brought about by the pandemic.

• Lastly, the focus on achievement and success often overshadows the importance of mental health, well-being, and interpersonal relationships. The result is a growing number of 'relationship disasters,' characterized by isolation, miscommunication, and a lack of understanding and empathy. These issues have been significantly worsened by the pandemic, which has disrupted normal social interactions and increased feelings of loneliness and disconnection.