Dr Novaes was raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She knew from an early age that she wanted to be a veterinarian and spent lots of time tending to local animals as a child. While in veterinary school in Brazil, she met a veterinary homeopath while trying to help her sister's dog that was suffering from chronic skin disease. That experience kindled an interest in natural healing techniques.

After graduation, she studied homeopathy, earning a Master's Degree in Homeopathic Medicine from the Brazilian Institute of Homeopathic Studies. She is also certified by the Brazilian Association of Anthroposophic Medicine.

She began working in the reproductive section of the veterinary clinic at the Sao Paulo Veterinary School, using homeopathy to work with patients. That work extended to using natural methods to treat cancer as well.

Dr Novaes partnered with a commercial company to investigate the effectiveness of Viscum album in treating transmissible venereal tumors in dogs. This work resulted in scientific publication of the results and research awards. That partnership has given her both experience in clinical research as well as expertise in using Viscum album in the treatment of a variety of cancers in animals.

She has relocated to Nova Scotia, where she is the founder and owner of Nature's Pet, a business dedicated to providing products and information in the use of natural methods to promote animal health to both veterinarians and animal owners.