My childhood was spent in the California Bay Area and Knoxville, Tennessee, where my father worked as a scientist at national laboratories. Both regions feature beautiful forests and water for swimming and boating, and I have always enjoyed spending time outdoors hiking or biking.

I earned dual undergraduate degrees in chemistry—following in my father’s footsteps—and legal studies from the University of California at Santa Cruz, and a PhD in chemistry from the University of Washington in Seattle.

I grew up with several cats and dogs, and I volunteered with a large animal shelter during graduate school. I initially worked with the animal advocacy department, and then moved into the shelter’s veterinary clinic and wildlife hospital. I enjoyed being able to help animals heal and have a better life, and the experience ignited my passion for veterinary medicine. I soon went back to school to earn my Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota. I love that being a veterinarian is a way that I can use my science background to help animals.

I most enjoy practicing in underserved areas, where I can fulfill unmet needs. Palliative and geriatric care are traditionally underserved, but their roles are thankfully increasing. I have become certified in companion animal pain management and hospice and palliative care.

I have lost several pets over the years, and have experienced euthanasia under a variety of circumstances. The most comfortable experiences have been when my pets could be at home with family and receive palliative care until the end. I think the opportunity for this comfortable end-of-life option should be more widely available, and I enjoy being able to provide this service for families and their pets.

In my free time, I enjoy hiking at the parks and trails around the area where we now live in the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) of Georgia and South Carolina. I also enjoy spending time with my devoted husband, two fabulous children, and several interesting cats.