I was born in Michigan, raised in Ohio, and now live in Pittsburgh, so I suppose you could call me a midwestern girl through and through. I was blessed to grow up with an amazing family of doctors, with some farmers and pilots thrown in too. My childhood was spent catching frogs, snakes, and salamanders by the creek, bringing home box turtles from the corn fields, riding horses, and swimming in Lake Cumberland. My two dearest friends were my cats, and the three of us were inseparable.

I developed a love for medicine and animals at a young age, and as I grew, my sense of adventure sent my cats and I all the way to the University of Miami, where I received my bachelor’s degree in marine science and biology. After graduation, I returned home to attend the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where I earned my veterinary degree.

I discovered a passion for exotic animal medicine and pursued many advanced training opportunities to serve all our wonderful and weird pet species. Variety has always been the spice of life for me! As much as I loved my work and learning new, complex drug therapies, treatment modalities, and surgical techniques, I realized my ultimate purpose in life is simply to ease the suffering of animals.

Sometimes, easing an animal’s suffering doesn’t mean more treatments, trips to the vet, or pills, but rather finding comfort and peace at home. Through my role at Lap of Love, I hope to support pet owners, help them recognize suffering, and understand that aging and death is not something to fear. A dignified, pain-free passing is one of the greatest gifts we can give our animal companions, and I consider it a complete honor to witness the love between families and pets in their final moments at home.

When I’m not working, I find my own peace through gardening, reading, ballroom dancing, and flying. I hope to follow in the family footsteps and earn my private pilot’s license soon. Then, life’s adventures can continue ever onward!