Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Sarah Wratten
I was born and raised in a very remote part of Zimbabwe, Africa, and I grew up in the National Parks where my father dedicated his life to wildlife conservation. I initially followed in his footsteps, working alongside him to protect endangered species such as elephant, rhinos, sable, and roan antelope and many others. After his accidental passing in 2003, I moved to the U.S. to pursue higher education, earning my undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky before completing my veterinary degree at Washington State University in 2012. As a second-career student, I was one of the oldest in my class, but I embraced the journey wholeheartedly.
My veterinary career has continued to take me across the globe. I’ve been involved in non-profit veterinary work throughout Central and South America, Greece, Asia, and Africa, providing free veterinary care to local communities. In the U.S., I’ve primarily worked as a shelter veterinarian in both Florida and Colorado. Over the past five years, I lived in New Zealand, where I worked as an emergency and orthopedic vet for working dogs on the North Island, later transitioning to a mixed-animal practice on the South Island. In February 2025, my husband and I returned to Florida to be closer to my sister and her family.
This past year, we lost both of our beloved dogs to age-related illnesses. That experience deeply reminded me of what my clients go through when they say goodbye to their cherished companions. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to be able to support people and their pets through these difficult moments.
As Psalm 36:6 beautifully states: "Your righteousness is like the highest mountains; Your judgements like the deepest sea. Lord, you preserve man and beast" This verse resonates deeply with me, as it reflects both my faith and my lifelong dedication to caring for animals and those who love them.
About Dr. Annie Dion-Byrd
Being a veterinarian has been my calling since I was around 7 years old. I was lucky enough to have three very close neighbours who were veterinarians working in different fields of veterinary medicine. I spent my childhood volunteering at our local humane society, helping farmers to care for their animals and improving their quality of life, and also working at a family owned pet store. Then, I became a veterinary technician and worked in small animal veterinary hospitals for several years.
I received my degree in Veterinary Medicine from University of Montreal in Quebec, Canada in 2005. I have been practicing in small animal hospitals in Florida ever since and enjoy caring for pets and helping them feel better day after day.
I feel privileged to help pets and their family every day, but I also think that I am blessed to have the opportunity to end a pet's suffering. I believe that pets are appreciative, like most of us would, to be able to go in peace where there is no more pain, in the comfort of their home and in the arms of their beloved family members.
This Lap of Love location is owned and operated by Dr. Annie Dion-Byrd.
About Dr. Matt Renaker
The day my parents brought me home from the hospital for the very first time, the first thing my dad did was to lay me down next to our family dog, Chief. For years after, Chief and I shared many a boyhood adventure and even shared the doghouse from time to time when I was in trouble. Chief taught me many things about the special relationship, that makes an “animal” a companion. Losing him was my first experience with the loss of a cherished companion. I remember my dad comforting me, knowing the right things to say as a dad should.
In 2008, I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Throughout my career as a veterinarian, I have been faced with several end of life decisions both at work and in my personal life, as my wonderful pets have lived and gone. Each experience helps me to better understand what my dad started all those years ago. My aspiration is to pass along some of these comforting words to those who have these special companions as part of their lives. The end of life decisions are very emotional, but we have the opportunity to show true compassion when our pets need it most and provide them a peaceful transition and honor their memory.
I hope that as each person who experiences this loss knows that our sympathies are with them. “Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.”
About Dr. Stacy Blake
I was born and raised in Decatur, IL, the “Soybean Capital of the World”. One of my fondest childhood memories is from my eleventh birthday, when a gray kitten wearing a pink bow jumped out of a box and into my heart. Being my first pet cat, Hilary (named after a character on "All My Children" in the 80s) was a gift that would pave my road to veterinary medicine. Through the years, she gave me comfort and made me laugh. I couldn’t imagine life without her. I’d always loved animals, but I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I “grew up”. Then one day, I honestly had one of those “aha moments" while standing in a pet store at the local mall. I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to caring for animals!
While in veterinary school at the University of Illinois, I gained experience with horses, cows, pigs and goats, but cats and dogs were still my favorites. I graduated with my DVM degree in 1999, and could not wait to escape the cold Midwestern winters to start my career in sunny Orlando, FL. Of course, Hilary moved along with me. She was starting to show signs of her advancing age. A few years later, while battling several chronic illnesses, I could see a decline in her quality of life and I knew it was time to say "goodbye". I loved Hilary for 18 years, and she taught me first-hand, the strength of the human-animal bond.
I have worked in small-animal, general practice now for over fifteen years, and I enjoy seeing excited “new parents” with puppies & kittens, but I find the challenges of caring for older companion animals to be much more rewarding. I have such respect for my aging patients, and I have had the privilege of seeing many of them through their entire lives. Our pets are living longer, and I strive to make their “golden years” the best they can be. And when it’s time, I want to make the end-of-life process less stressful and more peaceful for these beloved animals.
About Dr. Amanda Buerk
As a child, animals always had a special place in my heart. From my first dog, a Newfoundland named Nantucket, who was my shadow, my friend and protector as I grew, to the Polish street dog, Dexter, who chose to stay with me during my stint as a Peace Corps Volunteer and came home with me to the states - I have always known that animals would play an important role in my life, my family, and my career.
I first started my veterinary journey as a veterinary technician in Denver, Colorado. I quickly realized that veterinary medicine was my calling and I began working toward my goal of becoming a veterinarian. I was accepted to Ross University, and I completed my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. I followed up my studies with an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City.
Following my internship, I moved to North Carolina. I started working in general practice for the next 7 years treating many wonderful dogs and cats. During that time, I shared in the joy my clients had with their new puppy or kitten, but I spent many a sleepless night worrying about the sick ones. My heart wept as I helped my clients say goodbye to their beloved pets and I understood what a privilege it is to help guide families through such difficult moments.
It is truly my honor to provide support, care and comfort for families and their beloved pets through Lap of Love.
About Dr. Mimi Pintado
I’m originally from Puerto Rico. I am fluent in both English and Spanish. When I was about 10 years old, I was given the calling to become a doctor for animals. This calling led me to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology. My undergrad education and calling then led me to the United States where I continued to pursue my career in the veterinary field. I became the Registered Veterinary Technician for the Exotic-Zoological Medicine Department, Dermatology Department, and ICU-ER Department at Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine (KSU-CVM).
After a few years of employment, I applied to become a student at KSU-CVM where I earned my degree as a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine. My first job as a veterinarian was in Texas where I worked as an overnight emergency veterinarian. Then, in 2018 my path led me to the Sunshine State where I furthered my career as an associate veterinarian in a general practice in Apopka, Florida.
Providing the gift of a peaceful transition is incredibly important to me and it is an absolute honor to help families in the comfort of their own home. Joining Lap of Love has given me the opportunity to serve families like yours during these difficult times.
Besides my career in veterinary medicine, I enjoy spending time with my fur-babies, friends, and family. I also love exercising, reading, painting, and listening to music.
About Dr. Rhaysa Feliciano
I am originally from Puerto Rico and relocated to Alabama in 2011 to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian. In 2015, I proudly earned my veterinary degree from Tuskegee University. Prior to embarking on my career as a general practice veterinarian, I completed a comprehensive year-long small animal rotating internship. This experience exposed me to various veterinary specialties, allowing me to become a well-rounded veterinarian. It was this opportunity that initially brought me to Florida.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my profession is the profound connections I forge with my patients and their devoted owners. Together, we collaborate to provide the best possible care for their beloved pets. Having been a lifelong dog owner myself, I have navigated through the heartache of loss and grief, experiences that have deeply reinforced the significance of the human-animal bond.
In my role at Lap of Love, I aspire to honor and preserve this unique bond, offering comfort and solace to families during challenging times.
Outside of my professional life, I find joy in watching movies and TV shows, as well as cherishing quality moments with my toddler son and family. Additionally, I have the privilege of being the loving caregiver to two extraordinary Chihuahuas, who I consider to be the epitome of perfection.
About Dr. Brandi Lunsford
As a very young person, I knew I wanted to help care for animals even before I knew what a veterinarian was. The only other calling I ever felt as powerfully was to be a parent. Once our sons were born, I decided that I wanted to stay at home to care for them. However, being a veterinarian was something that called so strongly to me that in my thirties I returned to school. Despite being a very non-traditional student (and the oldest in my class!) I graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. Over the next 10 years, I experienced many different facets of veterinary care as a general practitioner.
During this time at home, our family continued to grow when we adopted a daughter and we have enjoyed many trips to Florida enjoying all it has to offer. We love it so much that we made it our new home. This relocation provided the opportunity to join Lap of Love in the Orlando area. The humans share our home with 7 dogs, 4 cats, 3 parrots and Dave the bearded dragon.
Helping guide clients through the hardest parts of being a pet parent is something that I have always felt is the most important thing that veterinarians do. I feel it is truly an honor to be able to offer help within the sacred bonds of family.
About Dr. Sarah Ballentine
I grew up in a very animal friendly household. If there was an animal in need, my family were the people who our community called. We took care of bunnies, rats, dogs, cats, cockatiels, parakeets, a bearded dragon, hamsters, and guinea pigs (there were many others, too!). I have always been familiar with caring for animals and have a great deal of experience losing them as well. Many of our beloved furry family members came to us broken and providing them with immense care helped spark a genuine love and kindness in me that I am grateful to be able to provide to my patients currently. I became very interested in the rehabilitation of different species and the relationships humans forged with different animals. Observing beautiful relationships blossom between humans, animals and the environment pushed me into this career to support these bonds in a unique way.
I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, part of the University of London in 2022. Being able to study abroad has increased my range of knowledge in different welfare standards across the world and the many approaches to veterinary medicine regarding a plethora of species. Several of my greatest passions are working with farm animals and large exotic mammals, specifically utilizing a one health approach to enrich my patients lives through medicine, their environment and diet. Welfare is extremely important regarding my patients’ health, which can positively impact their owners as well. Helping to provide a calm and peaceful transition for pets and animals at the ends of their lives is an aspect of our practice that I value greatly. There is an appreciation for in-home hospice and euthanasia that has lasting impacts on how clients will grieve and remember their loved ones.
Over the years I have had to say goodbye to many loved fur-babies. Each loss hit me and my family in different ways from shock to despair. One thing that was consistent was the wish that each of our family members could have been home when they passed. Our most previous loss of our 13 year-old angel Lily was extremely difficult because of the stress and discomfort she felt being taken to a different environment. Watching her change her behavior from snoring gently on the couch to pacing in the clinic was disheartening and made us question if we were making the right choice. Being able to reduce any fear, nervousness, and anxiousness that we can by supporting our patients and clients in the familiarity of their homes is a genuine gift.
About Dr. Sarah Kinney
I grew up in rural upstate New York on 10 acres of land, and I spent most of my time as a child outside in the woods or with the family dogs and cat. My childhood instilled a love for the created world and the creatures in it in me, and it was with the intent of learning as much as possible about creation. I attended Calvin College, earning a B.S. in Environmental Science in 2000, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning an M.S. in Conservation Biology in 2003. During my studies, I participated in bat research in Belize and Black-footed Ferret research in Wyoming. However, in order to care for animals on a more individual level, I then pursued a degree in veterinary medicine and graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010.
I moved to Florida following graduation in order to be closer to family and worked in the Orlando area as an Associate Veterinarian in small animal general practice until 2025 when I felt the call to provide even more individual care to pets by providing them the gift of a peaceful passing in the comfort of their own homes. Having experienced not only the blessing of human hospice care during the passing of my own mother at home, but also for the passing of my own cats at home, it is truly a priceless treasure to be in the calm and safety of one's own home during some of life's most devastating losses. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to be present with and come alongside people when they make the difficult decision to say goodbye to their beloved companions.
About Dr. Sarah Wratten
I was born and raised in a very remote part of Zimbabwe, Africa, and I grew up in the National Parks where my father dedicated his life to wildlife conservation. I initially followed in his footsteps, working alongside him to protect endangered species such as elephant, rhinos, sable, and roan antelope and many others. After his accidental passing in 2003, I moved to the U.S. to pursue higher education, earning my undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky before completing my veterinary degree at Washington State University in 2012. As a second-career student, I was one of the oldest in my class, but I embraced the journey wholeheartedly.
My veterinary career has continued to take me across the globe. I’ve been involved in non-profit veterinary work throughout Central and South America, Greece, Asia, and Africa, providing free veterinary care to local communities. In the U.S., I’ve primarily worked as a shelter veterinarian in both Florida and Colorado. Over the past five years, I lived in New Zealand, where I worked as an emergency and orthopedic vet for working dogs on the North Island, later transitioning to a mixed-animal practice on the South Island. In February 2025, my husband and I returned to Florida to be closer to my sister and her family.
This past year, we lost both of our beloved dogs to age-related illnesses. That experience deeply reminded me of what my clients go through when they say goodbye to their cherished companions. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to be able to support people and their pets through these difficult moments.
As Psalm 36:6 beautifully states: "Your righteousness is like the highest mountains; Your judgements like the deepest sea. Lord, you preserve man and beast" This verse resonates deeply with me, as it reflects both my faith and my lifelong dedication to caring for animals and those who love them.
About Dr. Annie Dion-Byrd
Being a veterinarian has been my calling since I was around 7 years old. I was lucky enough to have three very close neighbours who were veterinarians working in different fields of veterinary medicine. I spent my childhood volunteering at our local humane society, helping farmers to care for their animals and improving their quality of life, and also working at a family owned pet store. Then, I became a veterinary technician and worked in small animal veterinary hospitals for several years.
I received my degree in Veterinary Medicine from University of Montreal in Quebec, Canada in 2005. I have been practicing in small animal hospitals in Florida ever since and enjoy caring for pets and helping them feel better day after day.
I feel privileged to help pets and their family every day, but I also think that I am blessed to have the opportunity to end a pet's suffering. I believe that pets are appreciative, like most of us would, to be able to go in peace where there is no more pain, in the comfort of their home and in the arms of their beloved family members.
This Lap of Love location is owned and operated by Dr. Annie Dion-Byrd.
About Dr. Matt Renaker
The day my parents brought me home from the hospital for the very first time, the first thing my dad did was to lay me down next to our family dog, Chief. For years after, Chief and I shared many a boyhood adventure and even shared the doghouse from time to time when I was in trouble. Chief taught me many things about the special relationship, that makes an “animal” a companion. Losing him was my first experience with the loss of a cherished companion. I remember my dad comforting me, knowing the right things to say as a dad should.
In 2008, I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. Throughout my career as a veterinarian, I have been faced with several end of life decisions both at work and in my personal life, as my wonderful pets have lived and gone. Each experience helps me to better understand what my dad started all those years ago. My aspiration is to pass along some of these comforting words to those who have these special companions as part of their lives. The end of life decisions are very emotional, but we have the opportunity to show true compassion when our pets need it most and provide them a peaceful transition and honor their memory.
I hope that as each person who experiences this loss knows that our sympathies are with them. “Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.”
About Dr. Stacy Blake
I was born and raised in Decatur, IL, the “Soybean Capital of the World”. One of my fondest childhood memories is from my eleventh birthday, when a gray kitten wearing a pink bow jumped out of a box and into my heart. Being my first pet cat, Hilary (named after a character on "All My Children" in the 80s) was a gift that would pave my road to veterinary medicine. Through the years, she gave me comfort and made me laugh. I couldn’t imagine life without her. I’d always loved animals, but I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to be when I “grew up”. Then one day, I honestly had one of those “aha moments" while standing in a pet store at the local mall. I realized that I wanted to dedicate my life to caring for animals!
While in veterinary school at the University of Illinois, I gained experience with horses, cows, pigs and goats, but cats and dogs were still my favorites. I graduated with my DVM degree in 1999, and could not wait to escape the cold Midwestern winters to start my career in sunny Orlando, FL. Of course, Hilary moved along with me. She was starting to show signs of her advancing age. A few years later, while battling several chronic illnesses, I could see a decline in her quality of life and I knew it was time to say "goodbye". I loved Hilary for 18 years, and she taught me first-hand, the strength of the human-animal bond.
I have worked in small-animal, general practice now for over fifteen years, and I enjoy seeing excited “new parents” with puppies & kittens, but I find the challenges of caring for older companion animals to be much more rewarding. I have such respect for my aging patients, and I have had the privilege of seeing many of them through their entire lives. Our pets are living longer, and I strive to make their “golden years” the best they can be. And when it’s time, I want to make the end-of-life process less stressful and more peaceful for these beloved animals.
About Dr. Amanda Buerk
As a child, animals always had a special place in my heart. From my first dog, a Newfoundland named Nantucket, who was my shadow, my friend and protector as I grew, to the Polish street dog, Dexter, who chose to stay with me during my stint as a Peace Corps Volunteer and came home with me to the states - I have always known that animals would play an important role in my life, my family, and my career.
I first started my veterinary journey as a veterinary technician in Denver, Colorado. I quickly realized that veterinary medicine was my calling and I began working toward my goal of becoming a veterinarian. I was accepted to Ross University, and I completed my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2011. I followed up my studies with an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York City.
Following my internship, I moved to North Carolina. I started working in general practice for the next 7 years treating many wonderful dogs and cats. During that time, I shared in the joy my clients had with their new puppy or kitten, but I spent many a sleepless night worrying about the sick ones. My heart wept as I helped my clients say goodbye to their beloved pets and I understood what a privilege it is to help guide families through such difficult moments.
It is truly my honor to provide support, care and comfort for families and their beloved pets through Lap of Love.
About Dr. Mimi Pintado
I’m originally from Puerto Rico. I am fluent in both English and Spanish. When I was about 10 years old, I was given the calling to become a doctor for animals. This calling led me to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology. My undergrad education and calling then led me to the United States where I continued to pursue my career in the veterinary field. I became the Registered Veterinary Technician for the Exotic-Zoological Medicine Department, Dermatology Department, and ICU-ER Department at Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine (KSU-CVM).
After a few years of employment, I applied to become a student at KSU-CVM where I earned my degree as a Doctor in Veterinary Medicine. My first job as a veterinarian was in Texas where I worked as an overnight emergency veterinarian. Then, in 2018 my path led me to the Sunshine State where I furthered my career as an associate veterinarian in a general practice in Apopka, Florida.
Providing the gift of a peaceful transition is incredibly important to me and it is an absolute honor to help families in the comfort of their own home. Joining Lap of Love has given me the opportunity to serve families like yours during these difficult times.
Besides my career in veterinary medicine, I enjoy spending time with my fur-babies, friends, and family. I also love exercising, reading, painting, and listening to music.
About Dr. Rhaysa Feliciano
I am originally from Puerto Rico and relocated to Alabama in 2011 to pursue my dream of becoming a veterinarian. In 2015, I proudly earned my veterinary degree from Tuskegee University. Prior to embarking on my career as a general practice veterinarian, I completed a comprehensive year-long small animal rotating internship. This experience exposed me to various veterinary specialties, allowing me to become a well-rounded veterinarian. It was this opportunity that initially brought me to Florida.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my profession is the profound connections I forge with my patients and their devoted owners. Together, we collaborate to provide the best possible care for their beloved pets. Having been a lifelong dog owner myself, I have navigated through the heartache of loss and grief, experiences that have deeply reinforced the significance of the human-animal bond.
In my role at Lap of Love, I aspire to honor and preserve this unique bond, offering comfort and solace to families during challenging times.
Outside of my professional life, I find joy in watching movies and TV shows, as well as cherishing quality moments with my toddler son and family. Additionally, I have the privilege of being the loving caregiver to two extraordinary Chihuahuas, who I consider to be the epitome of perfection.
About Dr. Brandi Lunsford
As a very young person, I knew I wanted to help care for animals even before I knew what a veterinarian was. The only other calling I ever felt as powerfully was to be a parent. Once our sons were born, I decided that I wanted to stay at home to care for them. However, being a veterinarian was something that called so strongly to me that in my thirties I returned to school. Despite being a very non-traditional student (and the oldest in my class!) I graduated from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. Over the next 10 years, I experienced many different facets of veterinary care as a general practitioner.
During this time at home, our family continued to grow when we adopted a daughter and we have enjoyed many trips to Florida enjoying all it has to offer. We love it so much that we made it our new home. This relocation provided the opportunity to join Lap of Love in the Orlando area. The humans share our home with 7 dogs, 4 cats, 3 parrots and Dave the bearded dragon.
Helping guide clients through the hardest parts of being a pet parent is something that I have always felt is the most important thing that veterinarians do. I feel it is truly an honor to be able to offer help within the sacred bonds of family.
About Dr. Sarah Ballentine
I grew up in a very animal friendly household. If there was an animal in need, my family were the people who our community called. We took care of bunnies, rats, dogs, cats, cockatiels, parakeets, a bearded dragon, hamsters, and guinea pigs (there were many others, too!). I have always been familiar with caring for animals and have a great deal of experience losing them as well. Many of our beloved furry family members came to us broken and providing them with immense care helped spark a genuine love and kindness in me that I am grateful to be able to provide to my patients currently. I became very interested in the rehabilitation of different species and the relationships humans forged with different animals. Observing beautiful relationships blossom between humans, animals and the environment pushed me into this career to support these bonds in a unique way.
I graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, part of the University of London in 2022. Being able to study abroad has increased my range of knowledge in different welfare standards across the world and the many approaches to veterinary medicine regarding a plethora of species. Several of my greatest passions are working with farm animals and large exotic mammals, specifically utilizing a one health approach to enrich my patients lives through medicine, their environment and diet. Welfare is extremely important regarding my patients’ health, which can positively impact their owners as well. Helping to provide a calm and peaceful transition for pets and animals at the ends of their lives is an aspect of our practice that I value greatly. There is an appreciation for in-home hospice and euthanasia that has lasting impacts on how clients will grieve and remember their loved ones.
Over the years I have had to say goodbye to many loved fur-babies. Each loss hit me and my family in different ways from shock to despair. One thing that was consistent was the wish that each of our family members could have been home when they passed. Our most previous loss of our 13 year-old angel Lily was extremely difficult because of the stress and discomfort she felt being taken to a different environment. Watching her change her behavior from snoring gently on the couch to pacing in the clinic was disheartening and made us question if we were making the right choice. Being able to reduce any fear, nervousness, and anxiousness that we can by supporting our patients and clients in the familiarity of their homes is a genuine gift.
About Dr. Sarah Kinney
I grew up in rural upstate New York on 10 acres of land, and I spent most of my time as a child outside in the woods or with the family dogs and cat. My childhood instilled a love for the created world and the creatures in it in me, and it was with the intent of learning as much as possible about creation. I attended Calvin College, earning a B.S. in Environmental Science in 2000, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning an M.S. in Conservation Biology in 2003. During my studies, I participated in bat research in Belize and Black-footed Ferret research in Wyoming. However, in order to care for animals on a more individual level, I then pursued a degree in veterinary medicine and graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2010.
I moved to Florida following graduation in order to be closer to family and worked in the Orlando area as an Associate Veterinarian in small animal general practice until 2025 when I felt the call to provide even more individual care to pets by providing them the gift of a peaceful passing in the comfort of their own homes. Having experienced not only the blessing of human hospice care during the passing of my own mother at home, but also for the passing of my own cats at home, it is truly a priceless treasure to be in the calm and safety of one's own home during some of life's most devastating losses. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to be present with and come alongside people when they make the difficult decision to say goodbye to their beloved companions.
About Dr. Sarah Wratten
I was born and raised in a very remote part of Zimbabwe, Africa, and I grew up in the National Parks where my father dedicated his life to wildlife conservation. I initially followed in his footsteps, working alongside him to protect endangered species such as elephant, rhinos, sable, and roan antelope and many others. After his accidental passing in 2003, I moved to the U.S. to pursue higher education, earning my undergraduate degree at the University of Kentucky before completing my veterinary degree at Washington State University in 2012. As a second-career student, I was one of the oldest in my class, but I embraced the journey wholeheartedly.
My veterinary career has continued to take me across the globe. I’ve been involved in non-profit veterinary work throughout Central and South America, Greece, Asia, and Africa, providing free veterinary care to local communities. In the U.S., I’ve primarily worked as a shelter veterinarian in both Florida and Colorado. Over the past five years, I lived in New Zealand, where I worked as an emergency and orthopedic vet for working dogs on the North Island, later transitioning to a mixed-animal practice on the South Island. In February 2025, my husband and I returned to Florida to be closer to my sister and her family.
This past year, we lost both of our beloved dogs to age-related illnesses. That experience deeply reminded me of what my clients go through when they say goodbye to their cherished companions. I consider it both an honor and a privilege to be able to support people and their pets through these difficult moments.
As Psalm 36:6 beautifully states: "Your righteousness is like the highest mountains; Your judgements like the deepest sea. Lord, you preserve man and beast" This verse resonates deeply with me, as it reflects both my faith and my lifelong dedication to caring for animals and those who love them.