I have wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I can remember. Growing up on the South Shore of Long Island, New York, I was fascinated with all animals, and at 3 years old, my parents got me my first cat. Over the years, my love for taking care of animals grew, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

I became a licensed veterinary technician after completing my first two years of college, and finished my undergraduate studies at Stony Brook University on Long Island. During that time, I worked at a small animal clinic before attending veterinary school at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies. The Caribbean was an amazing place to live while studying to be a veterinarian! I spent my final clinical year of veterinary school at Ohio State University, where I learned to really hone my skills.

After vet school, I moved to Santa Clarita, California and worked at a small animal clinic for eight years. I enjoyed performing surgery, dental procedures, and internal medicine, but I also loved working with the community and providing low-cost affordable care for families and their pets.

I’ve learned to view euthanasia in a different way while working in general practice over the years. Some people think it’s the hardest part of being a veterinarian, but I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to use my skills and knowledge to help families during the hardest part of being a pet owner. Losing a beloved pet is something all of us will go through at some point in our lives, and providing a calm and peaceful environment for families and their loved ones is so special. The connections I’ve made with families during these hard times have been very rewarding.

Outside of veterinary medicine, I spend much of my time with my rescue pitbull, Kismet, hiking, exploring new parks, and going to the beach. I enjoy working on my home by learning new skills with power tools and restoring furniture. I also love being outside, swimming, cooking, and spending time with my family.