South Shore

Both of my parents were in the military, and we were stationed in Virginia and Hawaii while I was growing up. Living in a tropical climate as a kid was great, and we learned a lot about the Polynesian culture in school. 

I remember always being close to animals. I would be the one to find injured wildlife, such as a bird, and care for it or take it to a wildlife center. Growing up in Hawaii surrounded by nature further contributed to my love of animals. 

I went to Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, where I studied biology, and then studied veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, I worked in general practice. While I did get to help pets stay healthy every day, I realized that we also have to help pet parents. I've learned to like the dynamic of helping both pets and people at the same time. 

Growing up in the military, the number of pets we could have was limited, so I didn’t get my first dog until I was in veterinary school. Nash was a yellow lab and border collie mix who was part of our spay and neuter program, and I lost him to cancer, which was extremely difficult. But, he was there when my wife and I got married—as the ring bearer! The process of losing him made me a better veterinarian, as I realized that grieving families needed empathy and compassion to help them get through a difficult time. 

Euthanasia is a large part of general practice. You help your patients throughout their lives right up until the end, and that final time is a gift. Euthanasia in the pet’s home environment where they are comfortable and surrounded by family is much more special. 

Outside veterinary medicine, I consider myself a tech geek. I like building computers, using electronics, and 3D printing. I also do photography and enjoy taking pictures of nature and animals. My wife and I try to spend a lot of time exploring the outdoors.