Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Rachael McCorkle
I grew up in a small rural town in southern New Jersey and have wanted to be a veterinarian since second grade. As a kid, I enjoyed training our dogs, riding horses, and caring for a number of family pets, which always included a mix of dogs, cats, horses, goats, hamsters, and fish. I loved animals and was interested in science and medicine. I always accompanied our dogs and cats on trips to our family veterinarian and made sure I was in the barn when the veterinarian came to see our horses and goats.
I completed my undergraduate studies in biological sciences at Rowan University in New Jersey, before attending the University of Missouri where I received my veterinary degree and a master’s degree in public health.
Since graduation, I have enjoyed working as a veterinarian in low-cost general practice and shelter medicine. My work in general practice and my own experience with in-home euthanasia made me passionate about providing a peaceful, dignified experience for pets at the end of their life while supporting families during a difficult and emotional time
Before starting veterinary school, a mentor of mine helped my family say goodbye to our dog, Shadow, in the comfort of our home. Our peaceful experience was much different than the typical end-of-life appointment in a clinic setting and helped me realize that I want to give that to other families and their pets, which is what I strive to do in my role at Lap of Love.
When I’m not working, I enjoy riding horses, kayaking, hiking, reading, and spending time with my family and pets.
About Dr. Ashley Cottingham
Growing up in the suburbs of Orlando, Florida—a stone’s throw away from Disney World—I was surrounded by tourists hailing from all parts of the world. I learned to appreciate others' unique cultures and perspectives, as well as how to power walk through a crowd of people and stand in ridiculously long lines without losing my patience.
During my junior year of high school, I found a sweet pitbull wandering around my neighborhood who was clearly lost. My family and I brought her to the local animal shelter, and seeing her fear and confusion when we had to leave her absolutely shattered my heart. Thankfully the sweet dog was reunited with her family, and I was inspired to begin volunteering at the shelter. It was not long before I realized that my desire to help animals could be my calling in life. A simultaneous knack for the biological sciences was my sign that veterinary medicine was where I belonged.
I attended the University of Florida, where I received my bachelor’s degree in biology and my veterinary degree. I discovered a passion for oncology and clinical pathology during veterinary school, as well as for helping families through the emotional journey of saying goodbye to a pet. After graduation, I worked at a general practice in Tabernacle, New Jersey where I continued to feel called to end-of-life-care. Every living creature deserves to depart this life with dignity, surrounded by their loved ones, and free from pain or discomfort. As a veterinarian, I have the privilege of being able to provide pets with this peaceful ending, and helping their families find peace in this goodbye.
I was led to veterinary medicine because of my love for animals, but along my journey I discovered how much I love people. At one point or another, every human who has experienced love will also experience the pain of loss. End-of-life care allows me to express my compassion for people at the time when they need love most desperately—when they are grieving.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons with my best friends, reading, exploring new places, and spending time with my partner and our three mischievous pets. I have also been known to partake in “procrasti-baking,” during which I produce some of my tastiest work!
About Dr. Rachael McCorkle
I grew up in a small rural town in southern New Jersey and have wanted to be a veterinarian since second grade. As a kid, I enjoyed training our dogs, riding horses, and caring for a number of family pets, which always included a mix of dogs, cats, horses, goats, hamsters, and fish. I loved animals and was interested in science and medicine. I always accompanied our dogs and cats on trips to our family veterinarian and made sure I was in the barn when the veterinarian came to see our horses and goats.
I completed my undergraduate studies in biological sciences at Rowan University in New Jersey, before attending the University of Missouri where I received my veterinary degree and a master’s degree in public health.
Since graduation, I have enjoyed working as a veterinarian in low-cost general practice and shelter medicine. My work in general practice and my own experience with in-home euthanasia made me passionate about providing a peaceful, dignified experience for pets at the end of their life while supporting families during a difficult and emotional time
Before starting veterinary school, a mentor of mine helped my family say goodbye to our dog, Shadow, in the comfort of our home. Our peaceful experience was much different than the typical end-of-life appointment in a clinic setting and helped me realize that I want to give that to other families and their pets, which is what I strive to do in my role at Lap of Love.
When I’m not working, I enjoy riding horses, kayaking, hiking, reading, and spending time with my family and pets.
About Dr. Ashley Cottingham
Growing up in the suburbs of Orlando, Florida—a stone’s throw away from Disney World—I was surrounded by tourists hailing from all parts of the world. I learned to appreciate others' unique cultures and perspectives, as well as how to power walk through a crowd of people and stand in ridiculously long lines without losing my patience.
During my junior year of high school, I found a sweet pitbull wandering around my neighborhood who was clearly lost. My family and I brought her to the local animal shelter, and seeing her fear and confusion when we had to leave her absolutely shattered my heart. Thankfully the sweet dog was reunited with her family, and I was inspired to begin volunteering at the shelter. It was not long before I realized that my desire to help animals could be my calling in life. A simultaneous knack for the biological sciences was my sign that veterinary medicine was where I belonged.
I attended the University of Florida, where I received my bachelor’s degree in biology and my veterinary degree. I discovered a passion for oncology and clinical pathology during veterinary school, as well as for helping families through the emotional journey of saying goodbye to a pet. After graduation, I worked at a general practice in Tabernacle, New Jersey where I continued to feel called to end-of-life-care. Every living creature deserves to depart this life with dignity, surrounded by their loved ones, and free from pain or discomfort. As a veterinarian, I have the privilege of being able to provide pets with this peaceful ending, and helping their families find peace in this goodbye.
I was led to veterinary medicine because of my love for animals, but along my journey I discovered how much I love people. At one point or another, every human who has experienced love will also experience the pain of loss. End-of-life care allows me to express my compassion for people at the time when they need love most desperately—when they are grieving.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing Dungeons & Dragons with my best friends, reading, exploring new places, and spending time with my partner and our three mischievous pets. I have also been known to partake in “procrasti-baking,” during which I produce some of my tastiest work!
About Dr. Rachael McCorkle
I grew up in a small rural town in southern New Jersey and have wanted to be a veterinarian since second grade. As a kid, I enjoyed training our dogs, riding horses, and caring for a number of family pets, which always included a mix of dogs, cats, horses, goats, hamsters, and fish. I loved animals and was interested in science and medicine. I always accompanied our dogs and cats on trips to our family veterinarian and made sure I was in the barn when the veterinarian came to see our horses and goats.
I completed my undergraduate studies in biological sciences at Rowan University in New Jersey, before attending the University of Missouri where I received my veterinary degree and a master’s degree in public health.
Since graduation, I have enjoyed working as a veterinarian in low-cost general practice and shelter medicine. My work in general practice and my own experience with in-home euthanasia made me passionate about providing a peaceful, dignified experience for pets at the end of their life while supporting families during a difficult and emotional time
Before starting veterinary school, a mentor of mine helped my family say goodbye to our dog, Shadow, in the comfort of our home. Our peaceful experience was much different than the typical end-of-life appointment in a clinic setting and helped me realize that I want to give that to other families and their pets, which is what I strive to do in my role at Lap of Love.
When I’m not working, I enjoy riding horses, kayaking, hiking, reading, and spending time with my family and pets.