I grew up in the San Fernando Valley of California, eating street elotes, enjoying sunsets, getting stuck in traffic, and visiting Disneyland. In fact, my sister and I are named after Disney princesses. We always had a pet in our home, whether a hamster, turtle, rabbit, parakeet, or dog, which helped me appreciate the human-animal bond from a young age.

As far back as I can remember, I wanted to become a veterinarian. It didn't matter how hard it was, because I had no interest in anything else. After high school, I moved across the country to attend Emmanuel College in Boston, where I got to experience seasons, attend Red Sox games, and build lifelong friendships. I moved back home for veterinary school, earning my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degree from Western University of Health Sciences in California and graduating alongside my high school best friend.

After veterinary school, I went into emergency practice. I enjoyed the challenges of small animal medicine and helping people and their pets when they needed it most, but I also noticed that euthanasia often felt rushed and impersonal. I always took time to thank pet owners for being there in their pets' final moments. Even if I got only a small glimpse into their relationship, the love between them was always clear.

Working with Lap of Love is a dream come true. I am tremendously honored to provide a peaceful goodbye for animal family members while they are surrounded by loved ones in a familiar, comforting place. I have witnessed my own family pets experience a “natural” death, and it’s never as peaceful as people imagine. I want to help people understand that allowing pets to pass with dignity and without pain is a gift—the word euthanasia literally means “good death.” While saying goodbye is difficult, we owe it to our pets to make the hard choices because they are always there for us.

Outside of work, I enjoy line dancing, Zumba, crochet, reading, walking, and trying new restaurants.

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