Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Ashley Etue
I am a Washington D.C. and Maryland native. I have always had a special love for animals, and my family had a small cadre of cats, dogs, pocket pets, and fish during my childhood. Growing up alongside animals and experiencing their care fostered my interest in the human-animal bond and led to my career in veterinary medicine.
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree locally from Virginia Tech, and then attended Massey University College of Veterinary Medicine in beautiful New Zealand to earn my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduating from vet school, I have worked in various settings, including small animal private practice, shelter and community medicine, public health, and animal welfare advocacy and enforcement.
I particularly enjoy geriatric medicine and caring for senior pets' unique needs. I am also pursuing additional training to become a specialist in rescue and animal welfare through the American College of Animal Welfare’s residency program.
Being a veterinarian with Lap of Love allows me to provide the best care for pets during the challenging end-of-life stages. I enjoy offering families a positive experience and the chance to comfort their beloved pets in their final moments. These are critical elements in honoring the human-animal bond and providing a peaceful goodbye.
Outside of work, I enjoy trail running and exploring the neighborhoods of D.C. with my husband and our super-senior pup, Charlie.
About Dr. Karen Meyers
For as long as I can remember, animals have always been one of my most favorite things in life, and they still are to this day. After growing up in South Florida and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, I spent my 20’s going to college, working, and moving around the country until finally settling in Northern Virginia. Along the way, I have enjoyed the company of a wide variety of pets and have grown to greatly appreciate the strength and depth of the human-animal bond.
Following graduation from the Michigan State University - College of Veterinary Medicine, I enjoyed working in a private animal hospital in Northern Virginia, where, in addition to the rewarding practice of general medicine, I found it very fulfilling to help families navigate their way through the difficult time faced when a furry loved one is nearing the end of life. Having been there myself, I know it can be a huge struggle to know when and how to say goodbye. I was first drawn to Lap of Love because it seemed a great idea to put more emphasis on hospice and end of life care for pets, a specialty that had not existed in veterinary medicine previously. The extremely high-quality care and devotion that exists at Lap of Love is what led me to join their team. It is an honor to help families through these difficult times, and to help a beloved pet transition with peacefulness, caring and respect.
When enjoying free time, I can usually be found relaxing with my husband and two teenagers, doing needlework, reading, dining out, or caring for my menagerie, which currently consists of 4 dogs (2 Collies, a Cavalier, and a Rat-Chi), 4 angora rabbits, 1 mini-lop rabbit, and a feisty parrot.
About Dr. Maura Wade
Although I have loved and enjoyed the company of animals since as far back as I can remember, I wasn't set on becoming a veterinarian until late in college. I was fortunate from a young age to essentially grow up with my two family dogs, Yoshi and Mario (my older brother was obviously a Nintendo fan), but letting both of them go only a few months apart when I was 18 years old was easily one of the most difficult things I've been through in my life. It wasn't until I was in veterinary school that I fully appreciated everything Yoshi and Mario did for me, and everything my family did for them in return.
I attended veterinary school at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, where I continued to be fascinated by animal physiology and where I founded a committee for sustainability and environmental responsibility for our veterinary campus. After graduation, I moved to the DMV area and have greatly enjoyed the mix of city, coast, and mountains that it readily offers.
I joined Lap of Love because I very much believe that euthanasia is the final act of love that we can do for our non-human family members. As much as it is in my power, I wish all of my patients peace and respite from suffering at the end of their lives and I wish their families comfort as they say goodbye to their loved one.
About Dr. Daniella Yaakov Lilach
My father was a diplomat, so we moved around a lot. We represented Israel, though I was born in Ottawa, Canada. I spent my childhood living in Canada, England, Israel and the Washington DC/Maryland area. At 5 years old I declared that I wanted to be a vet as I have always loved animals and the special bond we share with them.
Upon graduation from high school, I served in the Israeli Army. I then completed my undergraduate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and received my Veterinary degree from the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine. During my undergraduate studies, I spent time working at the Jerusalem Zoo (as a camp counselor and volunteer in high school, and then as a relief keeper during university). I practiced in two small animal clinics in Jerusalem then moved to the states to complete my residency in special species (exotics) at the University of Pennsylvania. I later returned to the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine and ran their exotics department.
I enjoy working with exotic pets and educating both students and clients and have a passion for helping all pets by implementing ways to keep them comfortable. I have worked in mixed small animal practices, university settings, and exotic pet practices.
My hardest loss was my first dog who was not a family pet. He was a rescued boxer, found emaciated on the street with no background information. He was my vet school dog, and a blood donor. When I moved to the US for my residency, I left him with a friend until I could find an apartment and bring him over. Unfortunately, while I was gone, he developed a brain tumor. I could not be there for him in the end, and it broke my heart. End of life care is a special and sensitive time. I like witnessing the human animal bond, hearing stories about a pet’s life, and seeing the spark in their family's eyes when talking about them, which truly shows how special every pet is. Providing this service makes a difficult situation a more peaceful experience for everyone.
Outside of my work in veterinary medicine, I enjoy reading, travelling, cooking (and eating).
About Dr. Kamilah Mustapha
Growing up on a farm in Adams County, Ohio, I spent much of my childhood caring for our animals, including dogs, cats, cows, horses, pigs, goats, poultry, and a llama! I developed a love and passion for animals at an early age and it sounds cliche, but I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 5 years old.
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Alice Lloyd College, a small, community-oriented, work-study college in Kentucky. I worked at the college and a nearby veterinary clinic while I completed my undergraduate degree, after which I attended Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where I received my veterinary degree.
After graduation, I worked as an Army Veterinary Corps Officer for four years, where I had the honor of witnessing the bond between working dogs and their handlers. It was my favorite part of my time in the Army Corps and one of the most special experiences of my veterinary career.
What I enjoy most about working as a general practice veterinarian are the relationships and trust that form with clients over time and watching my pet patients grow from the time they are puppies and kittens through their senior golden years. I also enjoy practicing medicine at shelters and community vaccine clinics because it allows me to provide care for pet and people populations that may not have otherwise been served.
The impact that animals—especially companion animals—have on us is like no other, and their passing feels like a monumental loss. My family's 12-year-old dog passed away while I was at veterinary school, and I wasn’t able to be there. Through my role at Lap of Love, I hope to give families the peace and closure they need when saying goodbye to their furry loved ones. I understand the human-animal bond and feel honored to be able to provide pets with a dignified passing.
When I’m not working, I love being outdoors, working on my parents' farm, hiking, camping, and kayaking. I also enjoy traveling and exploring new places, cooking, baking, reading, and gardening.
About Dr. Craig Lewis
I grew up in a rural area of Lockport, New York near Buffalo and Niagara Falls. I was drawn to veterinary medicine due to an interest in medicine, a love for animals, and a desire to help people and their pets. I considered human medicine, but after working with physicians, I found more personal fulfillment in veterinary medicine.
I completed my undergraduate degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and then went to veterinary school at Cornell University. After veterinary school, I moved to Missouri, where I worked in a mixed animal practice and completed a food animal production residency. I also earned a master’s degree in public health. From there, I moved to Maryland and worked as a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) science policy analyst and as a risk analyst and math modeler. I then transitioned to clinical practice to help local people and their pets in a more hands-on way.
As a veterinarian, I most enjoy connecting with pet parents and helping them provide the best possible quality of life for their pets.
I have lost several pets during my life. Most recently, I had to make the decision to euthanize my 15-year-old cat who I adopted as an 8-week-old kitten. It was a blessing to help her have a peaceful passing, and I think she would have been even more comfortable if we could have kept her at home for the process.
The end of a pet’s life is almost certainly the most emotionally challenging part, and being able to provide in-home care during this difficult time is often the greatest opportunity to help people and their beloved pets.
In my spare time, I enjoy quietly observing nature, drawing, reading, light exercise, and spending time with my kids.
About Dr. Ashley Etue
I am a Washington D.C. and Maryland native. I have always had a special love for animals, and my family had a small cadre of cats, dogs, pocket pets, and fish during my childhood. Growing up alongside animals and experiencing their care fostered my interest in the human-animal bond and led to my career in veterinary medicine.
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree locally from Virginia Tech, and then attended Massey University College of Veterinary Medicine in beautiful New Zealand to earn my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduating from vet school, I have worked in various settings, including small animal private practice, shelter and community medicine, public health, and animal welfare advocacy and enforcement.
I particularly enjoy geriatric medicine and caring for senior pets' unique needs. I am also pursuing additional training to become a specialist in rescue and animal welfare through the American College of Animal Welfare’s residency program.
Being a veterinarian with Lap of Love allows me to provide the best care for pets during the challenging end-of-life stages. I enjoy offering families a positive experience and the chance to comfort their beloved pets in their final moments. These are critical elements in honoring the human-animal bond and providing a peaceful goodbye.
Outside of work, I enjoy trail running and exploring the neighborhoods of D.C. with my husband and our super-senior pup, Charlie.
About Dr. Karen Meyers
For as long as I can remember, animals have always been one of my most favorite things in life, and they still are to this day. After growing up in South Florida and Cape Cod, Massachusetts, I spent my 20’s going to college, working, and moving around the country until finally settling in Northern Virginia. Along the way, I have enjoyed the company of a wide variety of pets and have grown to greatly appreciate the strength and depth of the human-animal bond.
Following graduation from the Michigan State University - College of Veterinary Medicine, I enjoyed working in a private animal hospital in Northern Virginia, where, in addition to the rewarding practice of general medicine, I found it very fulfilling to help families navigate their way through the difficult time faced when a furry loved one is nearing the end of life. Having been there myself, I know it can be a huge struggle to know when and how to say goodbye. I was first drawn to Lap of Love because it seemed a great idea to put more emphasis on hospice and end of life care for pets, a specialty that had not existed in veterinary medicine previously. The extremely high-quality care and devotion that exists at Lap of Love is what led me to join their team. It is an honor to help families through these difficult times, and to help a beloved pet transition with peacefulness, caring and respect.
When enjoying free time, I can usually be found relaxing with my husband and two teenagers, doing needlework, reading, dining out, or caring for my menagerie, which currently consists of 4 dogs (2 Collies, a Cavalier, and a Rat-Chi), 4 angora rabbits, 1 mini-lop rabbit, and a feisty parrot.
About Dr. Maura Wade
Although I have loved and enjoyed the company of animals since as far back as I can remember, I wasn't set on becoming a veterinarian until late in college. I was fortunate from a young age to essentially grow up with my two family dogs, Yoshi and Mario (my older brother was obviously a Nintendo fan), but letting both of them go only a few months apart when I was 18 years old was easily one of the most difficult things I've been through in my life. It wasn't until I was in veterinary school that I fully appreciated everything Yoshi and Mario did for me, and everything my family did for them in return.
I attended veterinary school at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, where I continued to be fascinated by animal physiology and where I founded a committee for sustainability and environmental responsibility for our veterinary campus. After graduation, I moved to the DMV area and have greatly enjoyed the mix of city, coast, and mountains that it readily offers.
I joined Lap of Love because I very much believe that euthanasia is the final act of love that we can do for our non-human family members. As much as it is in my power, I wish all of my patients peace and respite from suffering at the end of their lives and I wish their families comfort as they say goodbye to their loved one.
About Dr. Daniella Yaakov Lilach
My father was a diplomat, so we moved around a lot. We represented Israel, though I was born in Ottawa, Canada. I spent my childhood living in Canada, England, Israel and the Washington DC/Maryland area. At 5 years old I declared that I wanted to be a vet as I have always loved animals and the special bond we share with them.
Upon graduation from high school, I served in the Israeli Army. I then completed my undergraduate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and received my Veterinary degree from the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine. During my undergraduate studies, I spent time working at the Jerusalem Zoo (as a camp counselor and volunteer in high school, and then as a relief keeper during university). I practiced in two small animal clinics in Jerusalem then moved to the states to complete my residency in special species (exotics) at the University of Pennsylvania. I later returned to the Koret School of Veterinary Medicine and ran their exotics department.
I enjoy working with exotic pets and educating both students and clients and have a passion for helping all pets by implementing ways to keep them comfortable. I have worked in mixed small animal practices, university settings, and exotic pet practices.
My hardest loss was my first dog who was not a family pet. He was a rescued boxer, found emaciated on the street with no background information. He was my vet school dog, and a blood donor. When I moved to the US for my residency, I left him with a friend until I could find an apartment and bring him over. Unfortunately, while I was gone, he developed a brain tumor. I could not be there for him in the end, and it broke my heart. End of life care is a special and sensitive time. I like witnessing the human animal bond, hearing stories about a pet’s life, and seeing the spark in their family's eyes when talking about them, which truly shows how special every pet is. Providing this service makes a difficult situation a more peaceful experience for everyone.
Outside of my work in veterinary medicine, I enjoy reading, travelling, cooking (and eating).
About Dr. Kamilah Mustapha
Growing up on a farm in Adams County, Ohio, I spent much of my childhood caring for our animals, including dogs, cats, cows, horses, pigs, goats, poultry, and a llama! I developed a love and passion for animals at an early age and it sounds cliche, but I’ve wanted to be a veterinarian since I was 5 years old.
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from Alice Lloyd College, a small, community-oriented, work-study college in Kentucky. I worked at the college and a nearby veterinary clinic while I completed my undergraduate degree, after which I attended Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where I received my veterinary degree.
After graduation, I worked as an Army Veterinary Corps Officer for four years, where I had the honor of witnessing the bond between working dogs and their handlers. It was my favorite part of my time in the Army Corps and one of the most special experiences of my veterinary career.
What I enjoy most about working as a general practice veterinarian are the relationships and trust that form with clients over time and watching my pet patients grow from the time they are puppies and kittens through their senior golden years. I also enjoy practicing medicine at shelters and community vaccine clinics because it allows me to provide care for pet and people populations that may not have otherwise been served.
The impact that animals—especially companion animals—have on us is like no other, and their passing feels like a monumental loss. My family's 12-year-old dog passed away while I was at veterinary school, and I wasn’t able to be there. Through my role at Lap of Love, I hope to give families the peace and closure they need when saying goodbye to their furry loved ones. I understand the human-animal bond and feel honored to be able to provide pets with a dignified passing.
When I’m not working, I love being outdoors, working on my parents' farm, hiking, camping, and kayaking. I also enjoy traveling and exploring new places, cooking, baking, reading, and gardening.
About Dr. Craig Lewis
I grew up in a rural area of Lockport, New York near Buffalo and Niagara Falls. I was drawn to veterinary medicine due to an interest in medicine, a love for animals, and a desire to help people and their pets. I considered human medicine, but after working with physicians, I found more personal fulfillment in veterinary medicine.
I completed my undergraduate degree at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and then went to veterinary school at Cornell University. After veterinary school, I moved to Missouri, where I worked in a mixed animal practice and completed a food animal production residency. I also earned a master’s degree in public health. From there, I moved to Maryland and worked as a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) science policy analyst and as a risk analyst and math modeler. I then transitioned to clinical practice to help local people and their pets in a more hands-on way.
As a veterinarian, I most enjoy connecting with pet parents and helping them provide the best possible quality of life for their pets.
I have lost several pets during my life. Most recently, I had to make the decision to euthanize my 15-year-old cat who I adopted as an 8-week-old kitten. It was a blessing to help her have a peaceful passing, and I think she would have been even more comfortable if we could have kept her at home for the process.
The end of a pet’s life is almost certainly the most emotionally challenging part, and being able to provide in-home care during this difficult time is often the greatest opportunity to help people and their beloved pets.
In my spare time, I enjoy quietly observing nature, drawing, reading, light exercise, and spending time with my kids.
About Dr. Ashley Etue
I am a Washington D.C. and Maryland native. I have always had a special love for animals, and my family had a small cadre of cats, dogs, pocket pets, and fish during my childhood. Growing up alongside animals and experiencing their care fostered my interest in the human-animal bond and led to my career in veterinary medicine.
I earned my Bachelor of Science degree locally from Virginia Tech, and then attended Massey University College of Veterinary Medicine in beautiful New Zealand to earn my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. Since graduating from vet school, I have worked in various settings, including small animal private practice, shelter and community medicine, public health, and animal welfare advocacy and enforcement.
I particularly enjoy geriatric medicine and caring for senior pets' unique needs. I am also pursuing additional training to become a specialist in rescue and animal welfare through the American College of Animal Welfare’s residency program.
Being a veterinarian with Lap of Love allows me to provide the best care for pets during the challenging end-of-life stages. I enjoy offering families a positive experience and the chance to comfort their beloved pets in their final moments. These are critical elements in honoring the human-animal bond and providing a peaceful goodbye.
Outside of work, I enjoy trail running and exploring the neighborhoods of D.C. with my husband and our super-senior pup, Charlie.