I grew up in the Poconos region of Pennsylvania in a town called Stroudsburg, which is a popular getaway for honeymoons, skiing, hiking, shopping and golfing —the perfect combination of rural beauty and artistic culture. I was always the kid finding orphaned wildlife and caring for them until they could be released, and I knew I wanted to work with animals when I grew up.

I received my bachelor’s degree from Delaware Valley University in animal sciences and biotechnology. During that time, I spent a semester in Australia and another in Ecuador. After graduation I worked in preclinical research in toxicology in PA. Later I went to graduate school for reproductive physiology, studying advanced reproduction techniques for endangered species in New Orleans.

Just months prior to Hurricane Katrina, I returned home to PA with the same company to work in preclinical research in reproductive toxicology with the intent to follow my dreams of veterinary medicine. I was able to attend Mississippi State University’s veterinary school, where I earned my veterinary degree.

In addition to my passion for preventive and palliative care medicine, I enjoy being an educator and helping empower people to make informed decisions for their pet's well being. I also love mentoring technicians and new graduates, and solving my patients’ “medical puzzles.”

I was drawn to Lap of Love through some of my family's experiences with the loss of their own pets. One experience that really stuck with me was when my sister’s cat went into respiratory distress while she was away at college. My mother took him to the vet, where she learned that euthanasia was the most humane and was not given the option of palliative care to provide time for my sister to come say good bye. My sister was devastated to not be there for her cat’s passing, whom she loved since kindergarten. That made me want to help others be present and a part of that experience, when reasonable for the pet. Many years later my own cat was euthanized at home, and the process was much more peaceful overall. I feel fortunate to provide this service for families and their pets through my role at Lap of Love.

In my free time, I love to cook and bake, and I am a big fan of the Great British Baking Show. I love to travel, especially internationally. I used to be an avid horseback rider (hunter/jumper), and I still love to watch equestrian sports. I am also a bit of a fantasy and Sci-Fi nerd when it comes to books and movies.

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