Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Sylvia Gografe
I grew up in the countryside on a small farm in eastern Germany, about 30 miles south of Leipzig. All my ancestors were farmers, and my dad thought I could continue the tradition of animal care as a veterinarian. I certainly loved nature, science, and the animals I was surrounded by, including cats, collie dogs, poultry, pigs, and cattle.
After attending the University of Leipzig College of Veterinary Medicine, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. The government needed veterinarians in food surveillance, so I worked there full-time while studying for my PhD in the evenings. After earning that degree, I managed a diagnostic microbiology laboratory.
When I came to the U.S., I accidentally fell into my next position as a clinical research veterinarian while going through the U.S. licensing process. During my career in academia, I attended to a slew of species, including nonhuman primates, dogs, cats, sheep, goats, pigs, frogs, and rodents, in a few different research institutions. I always told the students who were interested in becoming veterinarians that the profession had endless possibilities, and I’ve enjoyed every aspect of it so far.
As a veterinarian, I wholeheartedly enjoy working with people, resolving problems, and helping them navigate difficult times. A pet is part of the family, and I know from experience that saying goodbye is overwhelming and sad. At Lap of Love, I support families through difficult decisions and help their pets transition with dignity in the comfort of their homes. I wish I had known about hospice care and Lap of Love when I lost one of my beloved cats of 9.5 years, as her transition would have been so much more peaceful.
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, knitting, and exercising. I also love spending time with my husband, two daughters, and three grandchildren. I maintain an active lifestyle so I can play with my grandkids, and I find pleasure in cooking, baking, and entertaining friends with my creations.
About Dr. Kimberly Moen
I grew up in California and Arizona. Along the way, I connected with many creatures, large and small, and they have been a core part of my life. Since I was old enough to walk, I played by butting heads with my goat Willie, rode horses with joy, and sneaked around the forest to catch a glimpse of wild deer. I even found a "secret" place for a new kitten amongst my stuffed animals so I could keep her inside the house. As a child, most of my conversations revolved around how my friends’ pets were doing.
I formed a strong bond with my childhood dog, Katie Mae. She was a Labrador/Husky mix who sang beautifully with the coyotes at night and befriended my guinea pig, Skittles, who shared veggies with her. We took care of each other for ten amazing years. When, Katie suffered from a systemic infection beyond treatment, it crushed me. I have endured the loss of many beloved companions over the course of my life, and deeply understand the strong the connection between an animal and a human.
It was inevitable that I would take the Veterinarian's oath to help animals, to prevent and relieve their suffering. So, I proudly graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine after doing my clinical rotations at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. I then went on to gain experience through general practice. Now, it is my desire to support and connect with people and their beloved animals alike. Through providing in-home hospice and peaceful transitions, I achieve this goal. For me, it is a beautiful thing to offer comfort and guidance to people during their most challenging and selfless gift to their furry family members.
About Dr. Meagan Meador
I was born and raised in Roanoke Virginia, which sits in the Blue Ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. It is breath-taking, and you can see mountains in every direction. While I've moved from my childhood town, I take pride in coming from such a beautiful and hospitable city.
I don’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a veterinarian. Like most vets-to-be, I had a love for all animals, as well as a fascination for science and nature. I remember reading the James Herriot novels (over, and over, and over) and thinking what an awesome job he had. There is a big difference between early 20th century farm animal medicine and the type of medicine I practice, and I like today’s methods better!
After high school, I earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, then went on to attend veterinary school at Tufts University in Massachusetts. After deciding the snow just wasn’t for me, I moved to sunny Florida to pursue an internship in emergency medicine. Although my sojourn across the east coast was fun, the warm weather and beautiful beaches convinced me to finally put down roots in West Palm Beach.
During a decade of emergency work, I found that end-of-life care was just as important as the steps leading to that point. I’ve helped countless families with hospice and end-of-life decisions in emergency room and ICU settings. Many of these conversations are tragic, occurring in the aftermath of a fatal illness or serious trauma, but many others are with family members who have watched their pet decline over days, weeks, or months.
My childhood dog, an English setter named Katie, was my world, and everything I do—to this day—is to honor her. Katie’s body began failing when she was 15, while I was still in veterinary school. Over the next two years, I moved her across the country to manage her weight loss, poor appetite, incontinence, dementia, and other problems. With the experience I have gained since then, I look back on that time and feel I did her a disservice by not keeping her overall quality of life in mind. When I finally made the decision to let Katie go, I sat with her for a long time afterwards, holding her in my lap and petting her silky fur. I took solace in the fact that she was more peaceful than at any point in the previous years. That is the feeling I hope pet families feel when they are with their pets during their last moments. This experience also taught me important lessons about knowing when it is okay to say goodbye.
Outside of veterinary medicine, I love kayaking, and taking my dogs to the beach. At home, I spend a lot of time in my garden—although my thumb is more gray than green. I can also often be found attempting to fix something in my house, when I probably should have called a professional.
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Mary Danley
I grew up in San Diego, California, and have always loved animals. While I was completing my undergraduate degree in Evolution, Behavior, and Ecology Biology from the University of California, San Diego, I also had the opportunity to participate in local wildlife volunteer and small animal rescue work that extended down to Baja California. Then, I attended Onderstepoort Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, where I was able to learn to treat and handle local wildlife in addition to domestic animal species.
I am passionate about providing good client communication and patient care. I value the veterinary-patient-client relationship and I have been excited to further enhance the quality and success of the medicine and services that I provide with fear-free veterinary certification.
I am honored to have the privilege to help families during their pet's time of greatest need. I strive to provide the pets and their families as much comfort as possible during such a difficult time.
About Dr. Janna Schneiberg
I grew up in Stamford, Connecticut—after immigrating to America from the former USSR—where I attended a Jewish day school, learning English and Hebrew simultaneously. I spent much of my childhood going to horseback riding camps and boating since the town was on the water, and when we arrived in America, we rescued a dog named Lady, who I adored.
I’ve always had a special place in my heart for all animals and an innate curiosity and interest in medicine, so becoming a veterinarian was the perfect choice. I completed my undergraduate studies at Tufts University before attending the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where I received my veterinary degree.
Throughout my career, I have practiced internal medicine, endocrinology, and dermatology, all of which I enjoy. I have also worked at an exotic pet veterinary clinic treating birds, reptiles, and pocket pets, and I’ve spent time working in emergency veterinary medicine.
What I enjoy most about veterinary medicine is the connection I make with people as I treat their pets and help them understand the importance of an accurate diagnosis and consistent treatment.
Losing a pet is very much like losing a family member or close friend, and I enjoy providing guidance and support to families throughout the end-of-life process. Sometimes people feel guilty choosing euthanasia, and I remind them that they are acting selflessly for their pet. It's a gift to allow a pet to pass away without pain and further suffering, and I am grateful to be able to provide this service for pets and their families.
When I am not working, I like to stay active. I play on a tennis team, horseback ride, play pickleball, snow and water ski, attend concerts, read, socialize, travel when I can, and spend time boating.
About Dr. Andi Kohler
I grew up in the Midwest—Illinois and Northern Michigan. I loved the lazy summer days playing with friends, riding bikes, and picking berries while walking to neighborhood swim lessons. I grew to love horses while learning to ride and jumped competitively until I was 21. There were always cats and dogs sleeping at the barn, and observing and learning about these animals’ behaviors and personalities awoke my soul. I developed a passion for understanding their voice and advocating for a better quality of life.
I completed my undergraduate in equine science at Colorado State University, a master's degree in veterinary immunology studying equine respiratory pathogens at Washington State University, and then returned to Colorado State University for veterinary school. I owned a mobile practice in Steamboat Springs and performed many peaceful euthanasias, enabling families and their beloved pets to be in the comfort of their homes. I enjoyed mobile practice because I loved making house calls and developing meaningful relationships with pet owners. I find pain management consults the most rewarding—acupuncture, chiropractic, and medical care often result in immense gratitude that makes my heart sing!
Our 11-year-old Great Pyrenees, Luna Lou, recently crossed the rainbow bridge after eight months of hospice care. Watching a member of your family slowly die is one of the hardest experiences anyone can go through. However, I feel it is our great honor as humans to relieve pet suffering and aid in a peaceful, painless passing for our furry family members.
I have much empathy and respect for this process and the people who serve as stewards for their pets when it becomes time to humanely euthanize. Supporting and guiding people through the decision to euthanize their beloved furry family member is rewarding for me.
Outside of veterinary medicine, I love wildlife and landscape photography, growing orchids, cooking, playing in the ocean, staying physically fit, and spending time with my cats and my daughter, Clara Moon.
About Dr. Catherine Knight
I am originally from Wonder Lake, Illinois, a small rural town dotted with farms and grazing horses. I grew up in the house my grandfather built, overlooking the town’s namesake, Wonder Lake, a man-made beauty that he also helped create. My dad has lived in that same house for 92 years, a testament to his father’s craftsmanship and our love of tradition and family.
As a child, you could always find me outside exploring and dreaming of becoming an “animal doctor.” In college, I shadowed our hometown veterinarian and became captivated by the trust and bond between veterinarians and pet parents. I was inspired to love people by loving their pets. I earned my undergraduate degree at Trinity International University and completed my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois.
As a lifelong pet owner, I’ve lost many beloved animal companions and know it is a tender time. The passing of my favorite cat, Rosie, was excruciatingly painful. But in my grief, a colleague’s comforting shoulder and compassionate presence helped me realize that I wanted to do the same for others. Helping pets pass in complete peace, in the comfort of their homes, and surrounded by people who love them is a true gift and an honor.
When I’m not caring for pets, I’m a busy mom of four beautiful children. I cherish our time together, which we spend reading books together, crafting, visiting the pool or beach, and exploring the fauna and flora of sunny Florida. Yes, I still like to play outside!
About Dr. Sylvia Gografe
I grew up in the countryside on a small farm in eastern Germany, about 30 miles south of Leipzig. All my ancestors were farmers, and my dad thought I could continue the tradition of animal care as a veterinarian. I certainly loved nature, science, and the animals I was surrounded by, including cats, collie dogs, poultry, pigs, and cattle.
After attending the University of Leipzig College of Veterinary Medicine, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. The government needed veterinarians in food surveillance, so I worked there full-time while studying for my PhD in the evenings. After earning that degree, I managed a diagnostic microbiology laboratory.
When I came to the U.S., I accidentally fell into my next position as a clinical research veterinarian while going through the U.S. licensing process. During my career in academia, I attended to a slew of species, including nonhuman primates, dogs, cats, sheep, goats, pigs, frogs, and rodents, in a few different research institutions. I always told the students who were interested in becoming veterinarians that the profession had endless possibilities, and I’ve enjoyed every aspect of it so far.
As a veterinarian, I wholeheartedly enjoy working with people, resolving problems, and helping them navigate difficult times. A pet is part of the family, and I know from experience that saying goodbye is overwhelming and sad. At Lap of Love, I support families through difficult decisions and help their pets transition with dignity in the comfort of their homes. I wish I had known about hospice care and Lap of Love when I lost one of my beloved cats of 9.5 years, as her transition would have been so much more peaceful.
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, knitting, and exercising. I also love spending time with my husband, two daughters, and three grandchildren. I maintain an active lifestyle so I can play with my grandkids, and I find pleasure in cooking, baking, and entertaining friends with my creations.
About Dr. Kimberly Moen
I grew up in California and Arizona. Along the way, I connected with many creatures, large and small, and they have been a core part of my life. Since I was old enough to walk, I played by butting heads with my goat Willie, rode horses with joy, and sneaked around the forest to catch a glimpse of wild deer. I even found a "secret" place for a new kitten amongst my stuffed animals so I could keep her inside the house. As a child, most of my conversations revolved around how my friends’ pets were doing.
I formed a strong bond with my childhood dog, Katie Mae. She was a Labrador/Husky mix who sang beautifully with the coyotes at night and befriended my guinea pig, Skittles, who shared veggies with her. We took care of each other for ten amazing years. When, Katie suffered from a systemic infection beyond treatment, it crushed me. I have endured the loss of many beloved companions over the course of my life, and deeply understand the strong the connection between an animal and a human.
It was inevitable that I would take the Veterinarian's oath to help animals, to prevent and relieve their suffering. So, I proudly graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine after doing my clinical rotations at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. I then went on to gain experience through general practice. Now, it is my desire to support and connect with people and their beloved animals alike. Through providing in-home hospice and peaceful transitions, I achieve this goal. For me, it is a beautiful thing to offer comfort and guidance to people during their most challenging and selfless gift to their furry family members.
About Dr. Meagan Meador
I was born and raised in Roanoke Virginia, which sits in the Blue Ridge of the Appalachian Mountains. It is breath-taking, and you can see mountains in every direction. While I've moved from my childhood town, I take pride in coming from such a beautiful and hospitable city.
I don’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a veterinarian. Like most vets-to-be, I had a love for all animals, as well as a fascination for science and nature. I remember reading the James Herriot novels (over, and over, and over) and thinking what an awesome job he had. There is a big difference between early 20th century farm animal medicine and the type of medicine I practice, and I like today’s methods better!
After high school, I earned a bachelor’s degree in biology at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, then went on to attend veterinary school at Tufts University in Massachusetts. After deciding the snow just wasn’t for me, I moved to sunny Florida to pursue an internship in emergency medicine. Although my sojourn across the east coast was fun, the warm weather and beautiful beaches convinced me to finally put down roots in West Palm Beach.
During a decade of emergency work, I found that end-of-life care was just as important as the steps leading to that point. I’ve helped countless families with hospice and end-of-life decisions in emergency room and ICU settings. Many of these conversations are tragic, occurring in the aftermath of a fatal illness or serious trauma, but many others are with family members who have watched their pet decline over days, weeks, or months.
My childhood dog, an English setter named Katie, was my world, and everything I do—to this day—is to honor her. Katie’s body began failing when she was 15, while I was still in veterinary school. Over the next two years, I moved her across the country to manage her weight loss, poor appetite, incontinence, dementia, and other problems. With the experience I have gained since then, I look back on that time and feel I did her a disservice by not keeping her overall quality of life in mind. When I finally made the decision to let Katie go, I sat with her for a long time afterwards, holding her in my lap and petting her silky fur. I took solace in the fact that she was more peaceful than at any point in the previous years. That is the feeling I hope pet families feel when they are with their pets during their last moments. This experience also taught me important lessons about knowing when it is okay to say goodbye.
Outside of veterinary medicine, I love kayaking, and taking my dogs to the beach. At home, I spend a lot of time in my garden—although my thumb is more gray than green. I can also often be found attempting to fix something in my house, when I probably should have called a professional.
Pronouns: She/Her
About Dr. Mary Danley
I grew up in San Diego, California, and have always loved animals. While I was completing my undergraduate degree in Evolution, Behavior, and Ecology Biology from the University of California, San Diego, I also had the opportunity to participate in local wildlife volunteer and small animal rescue work that extended down to Baja California. Then, I attended Onderstepoort Faculty of Veterinary Science at the University of Pretoria in South Africa, where I was able to learn to treat and handle local wildlife in addition to domestic animal species.
I am passionate about providing good client communication and patient care. I value the veterinary-patient-client relationship and I have been excited to further enhance the quality and success of the medicine and services that I provide with fear-free veterinary certification.
I am honored to have the privilege to help families during their pet's time of greatest need. I strive to provide the pets and their families as much comfort as possible during such a difficult time.
About Dr. Janna Schneiberg
I grew up in Stamford, Connecticut—after immigrating to America from the former USSR—where I attended a Jewish day school, learning English and Hebrew simultaneously. I spent much of my childhood going to horseback riding camps and boating since the town was on the water, and when we arrived in America, we rescued a dog named Lady, who I adored.
I’ve always had a special place in my heart for all animals and an innate curiosity and interest in medicine, so becoming a veterinarian was the perfect choice. I completed my undergraduate studies at Tufts University before attending the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, where I received my veterinary degree.
Throughout my career, I have practiced internal medicine, endocrinology, and dermatology, all of which I enjoy. I have also worked at an exotic pet veterinary clinic treating birds, reptiles, and pocket pets, and I’ve spent time working in emergency veterinary medicine.
What I enjoy most about veterinary medicine is the connection I make with people as I treat their pets and help them understand the importance of an accurate diagnosis and consistent treatment.
Losing a pet is very much like losing a family member or close friend, and I enjoy providing guidance and support to families throughout the end-of-life process. Sometimes people feel guilty choosing euthanasia, and I remind them that they are acting selflessly for their pet. It's a gift to allow a pet to pass away without pain and further suffering, and I am grateful to be able to provide this service for pets and their families.
When I am not working, I like to stay active. I play on a tennis team, horseback ride, play pickleball, snow and water ski, attend concerts, read, socialize, travel when I can, and spend time boating.
About Dr. Andi Kohler
I grew up in the Midwest—Illinois and Northern Michigan. I loved the lazy summer days playing with friends, riding bikes, and picking berries while walking to neighborhood swim lessons. I grew to love horses while learning to ride and jumped competitively until I was 21. There were always cats and dogs sleeping at the barn, and observing and learning about these animals’ behaviors and personalities awoke my soul. I developed a passion for understanding their voice and advocating for a better quality of life.
I completed my undergraduate in equine science at Colorado State University, a master's degree in veterinary immunology studying equine respiratory pathogens at Washington State University, and then returned to Colorado State University for veterinary school. I owned a mobile practice in Steamboat Springs and performed many peaceful euthanasias, enabling families and their beloved pets to be in the comfort of their homes. I enjoyed mobile practice because I loved making house calls and developing meaningful relationships with pet owners. I find pain management consults the most rewarding—acupuncture, chiropractic, and medical care often result in immense gratitude that makes my heart sing!
Our 11-year-old Great Pyrenees, Luna Lou, recently crossed the rainbow bridge after eight months of hospice care. Watching a member of your family slowly die is one of the hardest experiences anyone can go through. However, I feel it is our great honor as humans to relieve pet suffering and aid in a peaceful, painless passing for our furry family members.
I have much empathy and respect for this process and the people who serve as stewards for their pets when it becomes time to humanely euthanize. Supporting and guiding people through the decision to euthanize their beloved furry family member is rewarding for me.
Outside of veterinary medicine, I love wildlife and landscape photography, growing orchids, cooking, playing in the ocean, staying physically fit, and spending time with my cats and my daughter, Clara Moon.
About Dr. Catherine Knight
I am originally from Wonder Lake, Illinois, a small rural town dotted with farms and grazing horses. I grew up in the house my grandfather built, overlooking the town’s namesake, Wonder Lake, a man-made beauty that he also helped create. My dad has lived in that same house for 92 years, a testament to his father’s craftsmanship and our love of tradition and family.
As a child, you could always find me outside exploring and dreaming of becoming an “animal doctor.” In college, I shadowed our hometown veterinarian and became captivated by the trust and bond between veterinarians and pet parents. I was inspired to love people by loving their pets. I earned my undergraduate degree at Trinity International University and completed my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois.
As a lifelong pet owner, I’ve lost many beloved animal companions and know it is a tender time. The passing of my favorite cat, Rosie, was excruciatingly painful. But in my grief, a colleague’s comforting shoulder and compassionate presence helped me realize that I wanted to do the same for others. Helping pets pass in complete peace, in the comfort of their homes, and surrounded by people who love them is a true gift and an honor.
When I’m not caring for pets, I’m a busy mom of four beautiful children. I cherish our time together, which we spend reading books together, crafting, visiting the pool or beach, and exploring the fauna and flora of sunny Florida. Yes, I still like to play outside!
About Dr. Sylvia Gografe
I grew up in the countryside on a small farm in eastern Germany, about 30 miles south of Leipzig. All my ancestors were farmers, and my dad thought I could continue the tradition of animal care as a veterinarian. I certainly loved nature, science, and the animals I was surrounded by, including cats, collie dogs, poultry, pigs, and cattle.
After attending the University of Leipzig College of Veterinary Medicine, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next. The government needed veterinarians in food surveillance, so I worked there full-time while studying for my PhD in the evenings. After earning that degree, I managed a diagnostic microbiology laboratory.
When I came to the U.S., I accidentally fell into my next position as a clinical research veterinarian while going through the U.S. licensing process. During my career in academia, I attended to a slew of species, including nonhuman primates, dogs, cats, sheep, goats, pigs, frogs, and rodents, in a few different research institutions. I always told the students who were interested in becoming veterinarians that the profession had endless possibilities, and I’ve enjoyed every aspect of it so far.
As a veterinarian, I wholeheartedly enjoy working with people, resolving problems, and helping them navigate difficult times. A pet is part of the family, and I know from experience that saying goodbye is overwhelming and sad. At Lap of Love, I support families through difficult decisions and help their pets transition with dignity in the comfort of their homes. I wish I had known about hospice care and Lap of Love when I lost one of my beloved cats of 9.5 years, as her transition would have been so much more peaceful.
Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, knitting, and exercising. I also love spending time with my husband, two daughters, and three grandchildren. I maintain an active lifestyle so I can play with my grandkids, and I find pleasure in cooking, baking, and entertaining friends with my creations.