I was born in Flemington, New Jersey, but moved to Berkeley, California at the age of 3. My brother and I lived with my single mother, which was tough at times. However, those previous hard times have allowed me to better appreciate my accomplishments and the amazing life my family and I have built. My interest in veterinary medicine developed from a love of animals at a young age, and later in life from a love for science, especially biology and physiology.

I earned a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of California at Berkeley in 1992, and then attended the University of California at Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. I graduated in 1997 and earned the University Medal award for graduating at the top of my class with a 3.97 GPA!

I enjoy general practice and emergency medicine, and particularly soft tissue surgery. During the first half of my career, I was able to offer in-home euthanasia to my most special clients and favorite patients. This was always a very rewarding experience and made the bond with those clients—who became more like family—stronger than I ever experienced. Those early experiences with in-home euthanasia led me to join the Lap of Love family.

When I was a young child, my family lost our beloved white German shepherd, Champagne, to a major illness. This was devastating for all of us, but seeing how my mom needed many years of mourning and recovery before she was ready for another dog showed me how deep the human-animal bond can be. I have been able to perform in-home euthanasia for many family pets with my wife and three children laying with, holding, or cuddling our pets. This has helped them understand that what we were doing was the best, most loving, and most compassionate thing that we could possibly do for each of those furry family members. I hope to help many other families let their furry family members pass at home in a peaceful and comfortable manner.

Outside of work, I love traveling, camping, gold mining, playing the guitar—self-taught during the pandemic—reading, listening to true crime podcasts, riding ATVs, and being a die-hard 49ers fan!

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