I grew up in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, a small suburb in the northern part of the state. As a child, I loved science, animals, and being outdoors, and often visited the Bronx Zoo.

I’ve had pets since I was 4 years old, and caring for them—and saying goodbye when the time came—taught me many life lessons and helped me grow up to understand saying goodbye to loved ones is part of life. My love of science and animals naturally led me to a veterinary career and I always wanted to be a zoo veterinarian.

I finished my undergraduate studies at Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a bachelor's degree in biology and went to veterinary school at Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine. I also completed an exotics and avian specialty internship at the University of Georgia and a zoological medicine residency at the University of Wisconsin College of Veterinary Medicine.

After a few years in emergency medicine, I entered zoological medicine and had an amazing career over the past 23 years. I enjoy the challenges presented by both fields, which involve combining critical thinking and intuition to find the best way to help each patient, to listen to your gut, to think creatively, and to always be keeping the animal's welfare first and foremost.

I love being a veterinarian because it allows me to help animals and the people who care about them. The joy and unconditonal love I receive from my own pets and many foster pets (I've had over 55 to date) inspire me to ensure every pet and owner can get the help they need, especially for compassionate end-of-life care. It is important to me that a good life ends with a good death.

Having said goodbye to many of my own animals, I’m grateful to have the skills and empathy to help ensure pets pass with dignity and as painlessly as possible.

During my free time, I am passionate about fostering dogs. I also play the drums in a band with friends and former colleagues, and you can often find me enjoying live events around town, whether it be music, comedy, trivia, or bingo.