Although I grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, I have always felt more like a small-town gal. I left Philadelphia to join the Army when I was 17, returned in 2002, moved to a smaller suburb in 2005, and recently moved to Florida. I have always loved animals and wanted to help them in some way. As a teenager, my career choices included veterinarian, a police officer (but only if I could work with the dogs or horses), or a marine biologist.

I obtained my bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in combined sciences from New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico, and then attended veterinary school at Colorado State University. I love general practice—the mix of internal medicine, preventive medicine, and surgery keeps things interesting. However, over the past several years, I have found my calling with hospice work and euthanasia. I love being able to assist animals who are old, ill, or suffering as well as the people who love them.

Over the years, I have found that more pet owners are interested in hospice. I have often spent hours on the phone with clients who have gone as far as they could for their pets, and who want to keep their pets happy and comfortable for as long as they can. I enjoy not only advising these clients, but also listening to stories about how special their pets are to them. I started attending more lectures about hospice and end-of-life care during veterinary conferences, and I was able to incorporate much of what I learned into caring for pets at the clinic where I worked. I then realized that working with Lap of Love would be the perfect next step.

I have lost many pets over the years, and the experience never gets easier. I had to let go of my heart cat two years ago, and I still miss him every day. I can relate to people in similar situations because I have gone through such loss myself. I am honored to provide compassion and gentleness at the end of a pet's life, and enjoy really connecting with people during such an emotional time.

When I am not working, I love horseback riding, reading, walking, and spending time with my own pets—currently four cats and two dogs.