In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Delaware County

I grew up on Long Island, NY, surrounded by pets big and small since childhood. I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian for as long as I could remember. My lifelong passion to pursue a career in veterinary medicine led me to get my biology degree from Emory University in Atlanta, GA, before traveling to New England to attend the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Following graduation, I began practicing in Delaware and then Pennsylvania - not quite as cold as the New England winters, but still close to my roots in New York. I entered a fast-paced general practice, but found myself longing for a deeper and more personal connection with clients and their pets. I discovered I loved house call appointments because they gave me the opportunity to understand a family’s goals, as well as the pet’s day-to-day life and home environment. I loved knowing that when I entered a home, pets viewed me as a friend and not an intimidating doctor. 

Whenever I tell people that I'm a veterinarian, one of the most common stories I hear is that of their pet’s final moments. Initially, I found this surprising, but after years of practicing, I have discovered that this moment is of the utmost importance in both a pet’s life as well as a family’s. I realized that if I could make those moments absolutely perfect, I could bring both peace and relief to pets and their families. I am honored to have the opportunity to be welcomed into your home to help you through difficult decisions, and, when it’s time, help your pet pass with grace and dignity surrounded by loved ones (and hopefully with lots of tasty snacks they're normally not allowed to have).

When I’m not practicing medicine, I enjoy hiking, thrifting, hosting game nights, making charcuterie boards, drawing and painting, and of course spending time with my family. My husband, daughter, and I share our home with a sweet black and white boxer mix named Juno (who is a bit of a nervous Nellie), a fluffy attention-seeking street dog named Winston Furchill Longbody IV, and a mischievous tabby cat named Catrick Swayze.

Pronouns: She/Her

I grew up in Concord, North Carolina, a suburb of Charlotte. I’ve always felt more comfortable around animals than people. Working as a veterinary assistant during college, my calling was clear. On my very first day, while helping a parrot breathe under anesthesia, I knew this was what I was meant to do.

Once my path was set, I attended North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine, where I earned my doctorate and the title of veterinarian.

Since veterinary school, I’ve worked in the non-profit veterinary sector as a spay and neuter surgeon for over two decades—including at one of the country’s largest spay and neuter clinics. In addition to performing surgeries, I helped launch new clinics and train veterinarians across the country. When the organization announced a new location near Philadelphia, I decided to stay. I became their surgeon and medical director and met my husband. I’m still grateful every day that I decided to stay.

After 20-something years and countless spays and neuters, I longed to help animals differently. I  am so grateful to now care for and support these beloved pets and their devoted families during an incredibly difficult time.

Pet loss is deeply personal for me. After relocating to Pennsylvania, I lost my beautiful 14-year-old Great Pyrenees rescue, Freya. When the time came, a veterinarian friend came to the house to perform the euthanasia. I realized then how special it is for pets to spend their last moments at home surrounded by their families.

In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, going to rock and metal concerts, crocheting, watching horror movies, celebrating Halloween, and spending as much time as possible with my 7-year-old son.

I grew up in downtown Chicago, on Lake Shore Drive, in one of the Mies van der Rohe buildings that are part of the famous skyline. In third grade, I moved to Winnetka, a northern suburb of Chicago. (Fun fact: Home Alone was filmed in Winnetka while I was in elementary school!)

I have been an animal lover for as long as I can remember. When I was in kindergarten, I wanted to be a zookeeper because we were frequent visitors to Lincoln Park Zoo. As I got older, I realized that I could combine my love of the biological sciences and my heart for animals to become a passionate veterinarian.

I graduated from Villanova University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. I attended the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine for my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM).

My favorite part of being a veterinarian is combining science, medicine, and creative problem-solving to improve an animal’s quality of life while strengthening the human-animal bond. In addition to my clinical work, I have written and published two books on mental health using techniques such as CBT, DBT, and ACT. This makes me especially adept at supporting pet owners who are navigating grief and the difficult decisions surrounding pet loss. I believe that offering my veterinary skills, combined with empathetic, non-judgmental listening, is a meaningful way to support families during one of their hardest days.

As a pet owner myself, I have experienced various euthanasia circumstances, including a negative experience with my childhood dog. Fortunately, the dignified and gentle passing of our beloved family mutt, Kunu, was a completely different experience. When it was time to say goodbye to Kunu, we called Lap of Love. Instead of taking Kunu to a stressful clinic filled with strangers, we said goodbye to him in his favorite spot: the end of our bed. Our cats also got to say goodbye, including Kunu’s favorite cat, Callie, who curled up beside him after he passed, purring her goodbyes.

Outside of veterinary medicine, I am an avid knitter, having been taught by my grandmother at age 9. I also love baking desserts, tending to my vegetable garden, birdwatching, and playing board games.