I grew up on a small dairy farm in Little Falls, New York, which is a small town in the Mohawk Valley that is home to Lock 17 along the Erie Canal and many fun festivals, including Canal Days, Garlic Festival, and Cheese Festival.

I have always loved working with animals. I got my undergraduate degree in marine science from Stony Brook University on Long Island and briefly worked at a local community college in the marine science lab while volunteering at the local aquarium and marine mammal rehabilitation center. After deciding I wanted to be more directly involved with treating animals and the medical side of things, I applied to vet school and attended Ross University on the Caribbean island of St Kitts. This was such an amazing and unique experience, and St. Kitts has become like my second home!

Since becoming a veterinarian I have worked mostly with small animals and really enjoy solving each patient’s "puzzle.” I enjoy working with each pet family to formulate an individualized treatment plan specific to their pet and I love performing soft tissue surgery.

I recently lost my heart dog, Ferdinand, to a rare aggressive form of leukemia. I rescued Ferdinand while I was on St. Kitts and he traveled with me over the years and was my best friend and wingman. I elected to euthanize him in the privacy of my own home which helped me realize what a gift that is. That experience was the defining factor in my decision to join the Lap of Love family. Helping to ease each pet’s passing and helping their families navigate the experience in a way that makes them most comfortable are gifts that I feel honored to offer.

When I’m not working, I read a lot! I’m also passionate about music—I always have music playing and enjoy playing the guitar, singing, and dancing whenever I get the opportunity. I am currently renovating my big 1800s farmhouse and enjoy spending as much time as possible outside hiking, gardening, and working in my yard.

Local and emergency resources