I grew up in Burwell, a small central Nebraska town. With a population of roughly 1,200, it's the kind of place where everyone knows everyone!

I’ve always had a deep love for animals. As a child, I could often be found nursing stray cats back to health or bottle-feeding calves on my grandpa’s farm. But the moment that sparked my passion for veterinary medicine was when I helped deliver a newborn lamb. Watching the lamb take its first breath, I knew I’d found my calling.

I earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Nebraska at Kearney and my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree through the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine. This was a unique cooperative program between the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Iowa State University.

My goal as a veterinarian is to be the kind of person pet owners can trust with their beloved companions. One of the most meaningful moments of my career was when a grieving pet owner embraced me after her pet had passed. At that moment, I realized how much trust owners place in us. We become like family, and I never take that responsibility lightly.

Part of what drew me to end-of-life care was my childhood cat, Sally. In college, I had to make the difficult decision to put her down. Taking her to the vet was so stressful and I regret not being able to give her a calmer, more peaceful goodbye. That experience shaped my drive to improve how we care for pets in their final moments. Knowing I can help animals pass with dignity and as little pain as possible is so fulfilling. It's important to me that no other pet goes through what Sally did, and that they get the peaceful and loving end they deserve.

Outside of veterinary medicine, I love spending time outdoors. I’m particularly passionate about kayaking, wake surfing, and surfing, but I also enjoy hiking and camping. I love to travel and explore. When I’m at home, you’ll find me reading a good book or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.

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