Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I’m originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but my family purchased a small hobby farm outside of Binghamton, New York when I was 5 years old. I grew up surrounded by cats, dogs, chickens, cows, pigs, and horses, and becoming a veterinarian seemed like the most logical way to turn my hobby into a career. 

I attended Villanova University, and while I knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian, I also loved to read and write. I balanced my interests by majoring in English and using my elective classes to fulfill the vet school prerequisites. After graduating, I attended veterinary school at the University of Pennsylvania and completed an equine internship in Rochester. 

Before and during veterinary school, I worked in small animal practices. However, after growing up on a farm, ambulatory medicine will always have a special place in my heart. My primary interests include preventive medicine and ophthalmology. After veterinary school, I completed a one-year equine ambulatory internship and then worked as an ambulatory equine practitioner for three years. I found that one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job was performing on-farm euthanasia appointments. Being able to provide an opportunity for the owner to say goodbye to their best friend in a space they are comfortable in, surrounded by the people who love them, is a very special gift. I am grateful to be able to extend that opportunity to small animal families as well. 

I lost my first horse, Sunshine, to equine infectious anemia when I was in elementary school. I remember how devastated I was, but I also remember how patient and kind the veterinarian was as I navigated the emotions of frustration, sadness, and helplessness. He explained how this was a very kind decision for her condition and that not letting her suffer is a gift that we can extend to our pets. 

When I’m not working, I love to be outside, run, and hike with my dog. I also enjoy exploring the Rochester food scene and traveling when I can!