Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Elizabeth Kieran
I was born and raised in the Sonoran Desert, which I’ve always been fortunate to call home. I still remember driving past the bright-hued citrus and cotton fields that once broadly separated the cities that make up our Valley of the Sun. Growing up my family enjoyed exploring nature together - often bringing injured creatures home to heal and too often racing after our pup when she snuck out of the backyard gate. Boiling summer days were spent at the public library, diving deep into books on the many amazing animals and plants around the globe.
Veterinary medicine was an early discovery in life, and I could be found shadowing weekends at local clinics before I finished elementary school (endless gratitude for Dr. Dean Rice for first opening these doors, may he rest forever in peace). Earning the title of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine (Go Cougs!) is an honor I will always be tremendously proud of.
My veterinary adventures have taken me across the country and around the world, dedicated always to promoting and furthering the well-being of family members (wherever we & they are found in the great branches of the Animal Kingdom). I’ve been fortunate to guide families along the many steps of their pet’s life journey. From early tender days before their eyes open to the world to their final breath, there are so many cherished moments and challenging choices we hold close and carry for our faithful companions. I am honored to stand alongside and support families as they navigate difficult end-of-life care decisions with compassion and care from the place their hearts know best…Home.
About Dr. Elena Esparza
I grew up in Southern California and always had a general love for animals. During my undergraduate studies at Cal Poly Pomona, I was very fortunate to experience working with animals hands-on, which is when I really developed my passion and understanding that I wanted to become a veterinarian. I have so many unforgettable experiences during college from livestock, foal watch, exotic species, companion animals, and even spent a summer in South Africa learning about wildlife.
I attended the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine with an open mind as to what future career path I would take, but I found myself gravitating towards emergency medicine. After earning my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine as well as a Master’s in Public Health, I completed my internship focused on small animal emergency. While working in emergency medicine, I faced many challenging cases that have allowed me to utilize some amazing skills, but it was the times when I was able to help a family say goodbye to their best friend that I felt I was able to truly provide a service that was immensely meaningful and important.
When it does come time to say goodbye, having the opportunity to bring peace to your family and special companion while in the comfort of your own home is something so special and truly an honor for me to be a part of.
About Dr. Danielle Strohacker
I’m a rare Arizona native who grew up in the east valley. As a kid, I loved science and medicine and knew I wanted my career to be in a service to help others. I, like many kids, went through all the different ways I could help - I wanted to be a police officer, a firefighter, then a paramedic, then a pediatrician. It wasn’t until I was almost a teenager that I realized what I really wanted was to be a veterinarian. Animals are one of the best things in life, one of the most pure hearts and they need someone to have a voice for them. I knew with absolute certainty that I wanted to be that voice, and that was when I decided to pursue a career as a veterinarian.
I attended Arizona State University for my undergraduate degree and then moved to the island of St. Kitts to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. After vet school, I moved back to Arizona to do an internship in Emergency and Critical Care, and continued to practice in this niche of medicine for 7 years. It was through this practice that I realized how much I valued being there for families when it was time to say good-bye to their furry family members.
I’ve always been thankful for the gift of euthanasia. While never an easy decision, it is one we make out of love for our pets, to ease or prevent suffering and let them pass in peace. Being able to provide this service in the comfort of their own home is something I truly value and I’m grateful and honored to be able to help.
My husband and I have three cats and two dogs. Our most recent addition is our chihuahua, Daryl, who has a terminal illness. We are so happy to rescue this little guy and give him a forever home until it is time to say good-bye. In my spare time, besides hanging out with my hubby and fur babies, I love being outdoors and experiencing new food and cultures.
About Dr. Lexi Harvey
I was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona, which is outside of Phoenix, and I have had my heart set on becoming a veterinarian since I was a child. From a young age, I took advantage of every opportunity to learn more about the field. I participated in Future Farmers of America (FFA) to learn about large animal medicine, worked in a small animal general practice, and volunteered with an equine therapy program for children with disabilities. These experiences taught me that a career in veterinary medicine would allow me to help not only animals but people as well.
I decided to pursue small animal medicine and completed my undergraduate studies at Arizona State University. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary studies and agribusiness before attending Washington State University Veterinary School, where I received my veterinary degree.
I have worked in small animal general practice for the last four years. I am passionate about preventive medicine and enjoy helping owners give their pets long, happy, and healthy lives. Being able to support animals and people at the same time brings me so much joy.
That support is needed more than ever when providing a pet with end-of-life care. Making the decision to end a pet’s suffering is incredibly difficult, and it can be stressful to say “goodbye” to a pet in a loud, chaotic hospital setting. My role at Lap of Love allows me to help pets and their families through this process in the privacy of their home, where they are most comfortable. A peaceful passing is something every pet deserves, and I’m fortunate to be in a position to provide that.
When I’m not working, I spend my time with my one-year-old son, Charlie. I also enjoy hiking, running, and doing puzzles.
About Dr. Terri Lagos
I was born in Michigan and grew up on a farm in a small community near the thumb area of the state. I lived there my entire life until recently moving to Arizona. My hometown is in a very rural area, and there wasn’t much excitement for me other than the assortment of barn cats we had. I wrote about them often for my 6th grade weekly journaling assignment, so my teacher suggested that I should consider becoming a veterinarian. After that, I never considered another career path.
I attended Michigan State University for my undergraduate and veterinary studies, and graduated with a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1992.
I practiced small animal general medicine, with a special interest in feline medicine. I worked for a short time at a feline-exclusive practice, but otherwise worked mostly with dogs and cats, and occasionally other pocket pets. I especially like educating pet parents about medical issues so they can take an active role in their pet’s healthcare.
The barn cats we had received almost no veterinary care, so I got an early education in life and death. I've been blessed to share my life with ten special feline companions, and I have experienced many different end-of-life situations, from cancer, to chronic illness, to trauma, to old age. I personally euthanized seven of them after wrestling with many emotions and questions. I've come to rely on my faith and intuition to guide me to the best solution for each when their quality of life is suffering, and that has helped me guide pet parents when they have difficult decisions to make. I am honored to be able to help others navigate these difficult choices so they can make the decision that is right for their situation.
When I am not working, I love spending time doing anything outdoors, especially pickleball, golfing, and hiking. Whatever I do, you can be sure that reggae music will be playing in the background!
About Dr. Elizabeth Kieran
I was born and raised in the Sonoran Desert, which I’ve always been fortunate to call home. I still remember driving past the bright-hued citrus and cotton fields that once broadly separated the cities that make up our Valley of the Sun. Growing up my family enjoyed exploring nature together - often bringing injured creatures home to heal and too often racing after our pup when she snuck out of the backyard gate. Boiling summer days were spent at the public library, diving deep into books on the many amazing animals and plants around the globe.
Veterinary medicine was an early discovery in life, and I could be found shadowing weekends at local clinics before I finished elementary school (endless gratitude for Dr. Dean Rice for first opening these doors, may he rest forever in peace). Earning the title of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine (Go Cougs!) is an honor I will always be tremendously proud of.
My veterinary adventures have taken me across the country and around the world, dedicated always to promoting and furthering the well-being of family members (wherever we & they are found in the great branches of the Animal Kingdom). I’ve been fortunate to guide families along the many steps of their pet’s life journey. From early tender days before their eyes open to the world to their final breath, there are so many cherished moments and challenging choices we hold close and carry for our faithful companions. I am honored to stand alongside and support families as they navigate difficult end-of-life care decisions with compassion and care from the place their hearts know best…Home.
About Dr. Elena Esparza
I grew up in Southern California and always had a general love for animals. During my undergraduate studies at Cal Poly Pomona, I was very fortunate to experience working with animals hands-on, which is when I really developed my passion and understanding that I wanted to become a veterinarian. I have so many unforgettable experiences during college from livestock, foal watch, exotic species, companion animals, and even spent a summer in South Africa learning about wildlife.
I attended the University of Missouri School of Veterinary Medicine with an open mind as to what future career path I would take, but I found myself gravitating towards emergency medicine. After earning my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine as well as a Master’s in Public Health, I completed my internship focused on small animal emergency. While working in emergency medicine, I faced many challenging cases that have allowed me to utilize some amazing skills, but it was the times when I was able to help a family say goodbye to their best friend that I felt I was able to truly provide a service that was immensely meaningful and important.
When it does come time to say goodbye, having the opportunity to bring peace to your family and special companion while in the comfort of your own home is something so special and truly an honor for me to be a part of.
About Dr. Danielle Strohacker
I’m a rare Arizona native who grew up in the east valley. As a kid, I loved science and medicine and knew I wanted my career to be in a service to help others. I, like many kids, went through all the different ways I could help - I wanted to be a police officer, a firefighter, then a paramedic, then a pediatrician. It wasn’t until I was almost a teenager that I realized what I really wanted was to be a veterinarian. Animals are one of the best things in life, one of the most pure hearts and they need someone to have a voice for them. I knew with absolute certainty that I wanted to be that voice, and that was when I decided to pursue a career as a veterinarian.
I attended Arizona State University for my undergraduate degree and then moved to the island of St. Kitts to attend Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. After vet school, I moved back to Arizona to do an internship in Emergency and Critical Care, and continued to practice in this niche of medicine for 7 years. It was through this practice that I realized how much I valued being there for families when it was time to say good-bye to their furry family members.
I’ve always been thankful for the gift of euthanasia. While never an easy decision, it is one we make out of love for our pets, to ease or prevent suffering and let them pass in peace. Being able to provide this service in the comfort of their own home is something I truly value and I’m grateful and honored to be able to help.
My husband and I have three cats and two dogs. Our most recent addition is our chihuahua, Daryl, who has a terminal illness. We are so happy to rescue this little guy and give him a forever home until it is time to say good-bye. In my spare time, besides hanging out with my hubby and fur babies, I love being outdoors and experiencing new food and cultures.
About Dr. Lexi Harvey
I was born and raised in Gilbert, Arizona, which is outside of Phoenix, and I have had my heart set on becoming a veterinarian since I was a child. From a young age, I took advantage of every opportunity to learn more about the field. I participated in Future Farmers of America (FFA) to learn about large animal medicine, worked in a small animal general practice, and volunteered with an equine therapy program for children with disabilities. These experiences taught me that a career in veterinary medicine would allow me to help not only animals but people as well.
I decided to pursue small animal medicine and completed my undergraduate studies at Arizona State University. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary studies and agribusiness before attending Washington State University Veterinary School, where I received my veterinary degree.
I have worked in small animal general practice for the last four years. I am passionate about preventive medicine and enjoy helping owners give their pets long, happy, and healthy lives. Being able to support animals and people at the same time brings me so much joy.
That support is needed more than ever when providing a pet with end-of-life care. Making the decision to end a pet’s suffering is incredibly difficult, and it can be stressful to say “goodbye” to a pet in a loud, chaotic hospital setting. My role at Lap of Love allows me to help pets and their families through this process in the privacy of their home, where they are most comfortable. A peaceful passing is something every pet deserves, and I’m fortunate to be in a position to provide that.
When I’m not working, I spend my time with my one-year-old son, Charlie. I also enjoy hiking, running, and doing puzzles.
About Dr. Terri Lagos
I was born in Michigan and grew up on a farm in a small community near the thumb area of the state. I lived there my entire life until recently moving to Arizona. My hometown is in a very rural area, and there wasn’t much excitement for me other than the assortment of barn cats we had. I wrote about them often for my 6th grade weekly journaling assignment, so my teacher suggested that I should consider becoming a veterinarian. After that, I never considered another career path.
I attended Michigan State University for my undergraduate and veterinary studies, and graduated with a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1992.
I practiced small animal general medicine, with a special interest in feline medicine. I worked for a short time at a feline-exclusive practice, but otherwise worked mostly with dogs and cats, and occasionally other pocket pets. I especially like educating pet parents about medical issues so they can take an active role in their pet’s healthcare.
The barn cats we had received almost no veterinary care, so I got an early education in life and death. I've been blessed to share my life with ten special feline companions, and I have experienced many different end-of-life situations, from cancer, to chronic illness, to trauma, to old age. I personally euthanized seven of them after wrestling with many emotions and questions. I've come to rely on my faith and intuition to guide me to the best solution for each when their quality of life is suffering, and that has helped me guide pet parents when they have difficult decisions to make. I am honored to be able to help others navigate these difficult choices so they can make the decision that is right for their situation.
When I am not working, I love spending time doing anything outdoors, especially pickleball, golfing, and hiking. Whatever I do, you can be sure that reggae music will be playing in the background!
About Dr. Elizabeth Kieran
I was born and raised in the Sonoran Desert, which I’ve always been fortunate to call home. I still remember driving past the bright-hued citrus and cotton fields that once broadly separated the cities that make up our Valley of the Sun. Growing up my family enjoyed exploring nature together - often bringing injured creatures home to heal and too often racing after our pup when she snuck out of the backyard gate. Boiling summer days were spent at the public library, diving deep into books on the many amazing animals and plants around the globe.
Veterinary medicine was an early discovery in life, and I could be found shadowing weekends at local clinics before I finished elementary school (endless gratitude for Dr. Dean Rice for first opening these doors, may he rest forever in peace). Earning the title of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine (Go Cougs!) is an honor I will always be tremendously proud of.
My veterinary adventures have taken me across the country and around the world, dedicated always to promoting and furthering the well-being of family members (wherever we & they are found in the great branches of the Animal Kingdom). I’ve been fortunate to guide families along the many steps of their pet’s life journey. From early tender days before their eyes open to the world to their final breath, there are so many cherished moments and challenging choices we hold close and carry for our faithful companions. I am honored to stand alongside and support families as they navigate difficult end-of-life care decisions with compassion and care from the place their hearts know best…Home.