I grew up in a small mountain town in Southern California called Lake Arrowhead. My childhood was spent in the house my architect father designed and built in the woods. It wasn't uncommon to wake up to bears, coyotes, and other wild animals outside my window, and I loved it! As a child, I also loved to watch veterinary medical shows. A veterinary career is the perfect combination of my love for animals and medicine.

I earned a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology from California State University, Monterey Bay and my veterinary degree from Iowa State University. After veterinary school, I saw a lot of emergency cases and honed many important skills during a small animal rotating internship. I then worked as a relief veterinarian in general practice, urgent care, and emergency.

During vet school, I always thought that I would feel the most fulfilled by the patients I successfully treated. While that is a huge source of joy, I oddly find the most fulfillment in bringing peace to families who are saying goodbye to their beloved pets.

I lost my childhood dog, Molly, when I was 15 years old. It was probably the first time I truly dealt with grief. It completely altered my life and I will never forget that day. I remember hating the drive home from the veterinary clinic. It was so painful to leave her there, and looking back, I wish we could have given Molly the honor of an at-home peaceful passing. She deserved it.

Veterinarians often can’t give pets and their families the time they deserve during a hospital euthanasia. And, no matter how warm and comfortable you make a room, it will never be their home. I think that a pet’s last day is one of their most important days, and I am honored to be part of the experience.

Outside of work, I love hiking, walking around the park, or simply staying home and watching a good movie with my fiancé, Jay, and dog, Bonnie. I also enjoy working out.