I was born and raised in Queens, New York, where my family owned and ran a luncheonette. I developed a strong work ethic helping at the family business, but I knew that was not my future—I wanted to be a veterinarian. At four years old, I visited family in Manhattan, Kansas. I remember reaching out and touching a cow for the first time, and I knew that was my destiny.

My goal to become a veterinarian took hard work, and after graduating high school in the Big Apple, I moved to the “Little Apple”—Manhattan Kansas—where I earned my undergraduate degree in animal science and industry, followed by my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine.

After graduating from veterinary school, I was able to explore a lot of our beautiful country by working at various practices across the United States, including in Montana, Pennsylvania, and finally back home, on Long Island, New York.

Over the years, I’ve learned a lot from the greatest teachers—my pets and kids. My senior dogs—Trucker, the Australian shepherd who lived to 18 years old, and Montana, the Australian cattle dog who lived to 19 years old—taught me about the beauty of life and death and inspired my special interest in senior and end-of-life care. My boys—now preteens—have taught me patience and strength. I can't wait to share my gifts and all of the lessons I’ve learned to provide support for families and pets during a difficult time.

Outside of work, you can find me running—I have completed 3 marathons—bicycling, fishing, and gardening. I also help coach baseball and transport my boys—I refer to myself as Ubermom—to basketball, karate, football, and soccer. I currently have a home full of senior pets, including Frank, the Siamese funny man, Forest, the 12-year-old old Australian shepherd who keeps me walking daily and four fish. My life is full and blessed, and I look forward to my role at Lap of Love.

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