I grew up with a menagerie of pets, including rough collies, hermit crabs, saltwater fish, hamsters, guinea pigs, and even a chameleon. My love of animals, science, and medicine drew me to a career in veterinary medicine.

After completing my undergraduate studies in biological sciences and psychology at Virginia Tech, I attended St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine in Grenada, West Indies. Island life and culture were distinctly different from my upbringing in the U.S., and I was lucky to train with classmates and professors from around the world. Living in the Caribbean also offered me unique opportunities, such as assisting with sea turtle research, exploring snake species on night hikes, and earning PADI Divemaster and Master Scuba Diver certifications. After completing my pre-clinical studies, I spent my clinical year at North Carolina State University.

Upon graduating from veterinary school, I completed a small animal rotating internship followed by a residency in emergency and critical care medicine to become a board-certified

emergency and critical care specialist (DACVECC). I have practiced in a variety of emergency and inpatient management care settings. Although every day of clinical practice is different, at the core of veterinary medicine are the animals and the people who love them most. I am passionate about honoring and preserving this bond, however possible.

I’ve always felt a strong pull to help others. Having recently experienced the loss of my own best friend, Sampson, an Australian shepherd mix, to cancer in 2023, and beloved family dogs Milo and Lacey (rough collies) in 2025, it has become clear to me how meaningful and important end-of-life care and dignity are to our furry friends and their families. Sampson and I were extremely bonded before his cancer diagnosis, but our journey through cancer, although horrible, was also incredibly special. It is my honor to share kindness, compassion, empathy, and care with families and to provide peace, comfort, respect, and dignity to the pets whose suffering I ease.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my dog, Evie the Australian Shepherd, and my family and friends. I also enjoy practicing yoga, spending time at the beach (exploring both above and below the water), cooking, baking, reading, and crocheting amigurumi.

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