Meet the veterinarians
About Dr. Bethany Hurley
I grew up in the Golden Isles of Southeast Georgia - coastal barrier islands known for their beautiful beaches, marshlands, and oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The outdoors and wildlife there helped shape my sense of wonder and responsibility for living creatures. Growing up, my family had cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and the occasional exotic animal. This unique opportunity allowed me to cherish the unique bonds I formed with each one.
I decided to become a veterinarian to advocate for animals and support pet owners and their families. I earned both an associate's degree and a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, with a minor in chemistry, from the College of Coastal Georgia. This was followed by earning my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the historic Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine.
For me, being a veterinarian is about connection, trust, and compassion. I’m grateful to walk alongside families through both joyful and difficult moments. While I value all aspects of veterinary medicine and have a strong interest in specialty care, I am particularly drawn to end-of-life care. Supporting families during this time is one of the most meaningful things I do.
A few moments along my journey have been instrumental in directing my focus on the importance of those last moments of life and the memories we collect. I was devotedly by my grandmother’s side as she passed in a sterile hospice facility, and I also have had to say goodbye to my beloved childhood cat in a local veterinary emergency clinic with unexpected urgency. Reflecting back, neither environment was what I would have chosen for them in those last moments. I often think of how comforting it would have been to say goodbye in a warm and familiar place. These experiences largely inspired my current work with Lap of Love and shaped my compassionate approach to companion animal care.
Outside of work, my sweet dog, Jeno, and playful cat, Jody, bring love and laughter into my days. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, laughing, listening to music, and creating. I also love traveling, discovering new restaurants and taking walks on the beach to collect seashells and shark teeth, which remind me of home.
About Dr. Kamrae Elliott
I grew up in sunny Southern California surrounded by animals, including pigs, chickens, horses, rabbits, dogs, and cats. I spent most of my time horseback riding in the riverbed close to my home with the Quarter horses my family raised and bred. When I wasn't horseback riding, I enjoyed sunning at the beach and kayaking in the bay. I loved everything about animals, and I knew my career would involve working with them in some way. One night, one of our foals managed to slice his lip open. I was fascinated by the veterinarian’s ability to help repair his wound, and that was the moment I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian.
I completed my veterinary degree at Ross University in the Caribbean, and did my clinical studies at The Ohio State University, which is where I met my fiancé. The best part of being a veterinarian is the ability to provide the best care possible to allow a pet to live a long, happy life with their family.
I enjoy helping families with end-of-life care because I am able to play a large role in providing peace and comfort during a difficult time. Saying goodbye is the hardest part of owning a pet, and often comes with doubt, stress, and fear. I feel honored to have the opportunity to make a family feel more at ease during one of the hardest parts of their life. I value the importance of ensuring a pet has a peaceful transition over to the rainbow bridge, which is what every animal deserves.
When I am not working, I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. My favorites are horseback riding—I currently do not have my own horses, but I hope to change that soon—kayaking, hiking, and camping. When I am not outdoors, I enjoy painting and reading a good thriller.
About Dr. Erica Fenton
I grew up in a small town in New Jersey about 40 minutes outside of New York City. I received a bachelor of science degree in biology from Davidson College in North Carolina. During college, I spent a semester abroad studying marine ecology and biology in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Part of the learning experience involved daily SCUBA diving. I also spent a summer in a rural village in Zambia working at the local school and human hospital. While there, I was able to travel to Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania, including a trip to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I spent two years after college as an English teacher in a small village in Japan and lived in Washington, DC for several years prior to veterinary school.
I attended veterinary school at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia. After veterinary school I completed a one year rotating internship in internal medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine at Carolina Veterinary Specialists. I relocated to Nashville in 2013 after completing the internship, and have been in small animal general practice since. My areas of interest include dentistry, pain management, internal medicine, and feline medicine.
I chose to become a veterinarian because it fulfilled my desire to serve others while using love of and aptitude for science and medicine. Veterinary medicine allows me to help animals and their families at all life stages. Being a veterinarian means a lifelong commitment to learning and caring for animals.
I lost my own heart dog, Finnegan, a chocolate Labrador retriever, in 2015 from end stage kidney failure and lymphoma. Prior to her passing, our whole canine and human family had a photo shoot at Centennial Park. We then spoiled Finnegan at home with all her favorite forbidden treats (McNuggets, hamburgers, ice cream) and let her pass peacefully in her favorite spot in our backyard surrounded by her favorite humans. Letting her pass peacefully and with dignity was one of the best decisions I made as her owner and friend.
About Dr. Lucy Thomason
I am a native Nashvillian, and I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian since kindergarten. As the daughter of an attorney, I once told my mom that I would gladly get up in the middle of the night to help an animal in need, but NOT to bail someone out of jail!
While my interest in veterinary medicine was long-standing, I did not take a linear path to veterinary school. I obtained my undergraduate degree in natural resources from Sewanee—The University Of The South in Tennessee.
After graduation, I moved to the Atlanta area where I worked as a construction subcontractor. One day, while working on a job site, I realized time was running out to pursue my dream of being a veterinarian. So, I took additional courses needed for veterinary school while working full time, and applied to the University of Georgia—and the rest is history.
Upon graduating with my DVM, I moved back to Atlanta, where I worked in emergency medicine, general practice, and relief work before answering my father’s pleas of “come home, Lucy” and returning to my native Tennessee to raise my family. I spent time working at a mobile spay-neuter clinic providing services to low-income families in underserved areas, and it was some of the most rewarding work I have done.
I developed an interest and passion for end-of-life care after "hospicing" both of my parents. Through that process, I came to understand what a rare gift veterinarians have to be able to alleviate end-of-life suffering for animals humanely and with dignity. The last kind thing we can do for our devoted companions, who love us unconditionally, is to ease their suffering gently in a comfortable place with the people they love. It is an honor and a privilege to do this work.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband—we met in vet school and have been married for more than 30 years—and our three adult children. I am an avid reader and love hiking, knitting, being outside, landscaping my tiny urban yard into a pollinator haven, and—my newest hobby—beekeeping with my husband.
About Dr. Nora Sloan
I grew up in Chicago, Illinois, but my family moved to Northwest Indiana when I was a teenager. Like many vets, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I went to Regis University in Denver, Colorado for my undergraduate classes, and then attended Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
I completed a small animal rotating internship and then worked as an emergency veterinarian. I enjoy the fast pace of emergency medicine and being able to help families during the stressful and scary times of an emergency.
I have lost two of my own dogs—one during vet school and the other during my internship. While I initially felt guilty about the timing of my first dog's euthanasia, over time I’ve come to believe it was the right decision. This experience shapes some of the conversations I have with owners about their choices and possible guilt over making such a tough decision. I have also helped my sister make the decision to euthanize our shared cat when he became sick. I was happy to give her information about Lap of Love in her city to facilitate an in-home euthanasia, which was important to her.
It’s always a tough decision to let a family member go. I am honored to help pet owners navigate difficult end-of-life choices and provide them comfort.
When I’m not working, I love riding horses and spending time with my retired horse, four cats (Friday, Wednesday, Tuesday, and Thursday), and three Labradors. I also enjoy cross-stitching.
About Dr. Steve Doerr
I am from a rural area in West Tennessee, and I grew up around farm animals of all kinds. Having so many animals, I was always involved in their care. My first interaction with a veterinarian was when we had to euthanize a horse, and I had additional exposure later with our family pets. I was so impressed while watching and helping the veterinarian and learning what they did to help our animals. This sparked my interest in a veterinary career.
I obtained my BS in Animal Science at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. I lived on campus and was heavily involved with the day to day care of animals at the farm. I worked as a technician for 2 years in a small animal practice before going on to get my DVM at Oklahoma State University. Go Pokes!
I have 28 years of general practice experience and have cultivated several professional interests, including preventive care, surgery, wound care, and dermatology. I love the variety that general practice brings—no two days are the same, and something exciting is always just around the corner. I also enjoy getting to know families and helping support their unique human-animal bonds.
I joined Lap of Love because I have lost many pets over the years, and vividly remember each one's passing. I have memories of the happy times, too, but I’ll never forget the moment I lost each one. It’s not something you’ll ever forget, so I strive to make the experience and memory of saying goodbye as positive as possible for my clients and help them understand that their decision to euthanize is not only appropriate but also a final gift to their beloved pet.
I enjoy spending time with my family outside of work—whether it be at a travel volleyball game or on a beach somewhere. I have two beautiful, bright daughters, a loving wife, and a brood of pets: two pittie rescues named Bonnie and June, a Soft-coated Wheaten terrier named Wesley, a tabby cat named Slippers, and a sulcata tortoise named Rupert. In my spare time, I enjoy golfing and my classic pickup.
About Dr. Ken Salleng
I grew up in the small Kentucky town of Mt. Washington, which had one traffic light and a population of 1,500. I was raised on a farm, with the many different animals we took in as strays. Fortunately, my father loved animals as much as I did and encouraged my passion. I went on to work at the town’s only veterinary clinic from the age of 13 until I went to college.
I graduated from Berea College, a small liberal arts college in Kentucky, where I made lifelong friendships and had some of the best times of my life. I then attended the University of Missouri, Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine, because it offered two year-long clinical rotations, allowing more hands-on training.
After veterinary school, I worked in companion animal practice for six years. I then completed a laboratory animal medicine and pathology residency program and worked in that field for many years before finally returning to clinical medicine.
My ex-wife and I adopted a small, days-old tuxedo kitten found in a garage. The tiny kitten, whom we named Puddy Tat, became part of the family and went everywhere with us. He eventually developed diabetes, requiring twice-daily insulin injections for many years. When Puddy was 17, I moved from North Carolina to Nashville, Tennessee, and his diabetes became difficult to regulate. He started having seizures on Christmas Eve, and—having not started a new job yet—I had to take him to an emergency hospital. The veterinarians were extremely kind and helpful and allowed me to stay with Puddy during his euthanasia. I want to provide a similarly helpful experience for other pet owners navigating difficult end-of-life situations.
Outside of work, I love spending time in nature, especially hiking and photographing birds. I also like to travel internationally, particularly to South America.
About Dr. Jacqueline Fountain
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, a city known for its diverse culture and history. In high school, I worked as a kennel assistant and receptionist at a veterinary hospital. I have always liked animals, but my story differs from many others who have gone into the veterinary field. I didn’t know from a young age that I would become a vet and was not expecting to fall in love with the profession, but I did. I realized my path after developing a close bond with a pet that was not my own.
I attended Tulane University in New Orleans—my favorite city in the world—for my undergraduate degree, and then Oklahoma State University for veterinary school. Since graduating, I’ve worked in general practice at clinics in Los Angeles and Nashville.
My favorite aspects of veterinary medicine include soft tissue surgery, radiology, preventive care, and geriatric medicine. I became interested in end-of-life care after my pet, Layla Danger Mittens, passed away. She was my heart animal and constant companion through my most formative years. Her needs toward the end gave me a new perspective on the experiences of my patients and their families.
I have also experienced the loss of human family members. My father was in hospice care at the end of his life, and the nurses provided exceptional support to him and our family. I want to give that same support to family members saying goodbye to their pets. Through Lap of Love, I allow pets to pass with dignity and grace, surrounded by loved ones and in their own homes, which is a gift I feel truly privileged to provide.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, traveling, hiking, metalworking, and keeping up with my busy toddler and two crazy cats.
About Dr. Bethany Hurley
I grew up in the Golden Isles of Southeast Georgia - coastal barrier islands known for their beautiful beaches, marshlands, and oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The outdoors and wildlife there helped shape my sense of wonder and responsibility for living creatures. Growing up, my family had cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and the occasional exotic animal. This unique opportunity allowed me to cherish the unique bonds I formed with each one.
I decided to become a veterinarian to advocate for animals and support pet owners and their families. I earned both an associate's degree and a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, with a minor in chemistry, from the College of Coastal Georgia. This was followed by earning my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the historic Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine.
For me, being a veterinarian is about connection, trust, and compassion. I’m grateful to walk alongside families through both joyful and difficult moments. While I value all aspects of veterinary medicine and have a strong interest in specialty care, I am particularly drawn to end-of-life care. Supporting families during this time is one of the most meaningful things I do.
A few moments along my journey have been instrumental in directing my focus on the importance of those last moments of life and the memories we collect. I was devotedly by my grandmother’s side as she passed in a sterile hospice facility, and I also have had to say goodbye to my beloved childhood cat in a local veterinary emergency clinic with unexpected urgency. Reflecting back, neither environment was what I would have chosen for them in those last moments. I often think of how comforting it would have been to say goodbye in a warm and familiar place. These experiences largely inspired my current work with Lap of Love and shaped my compassionate approach to companion animal care.
Outside of work, my sweet dog, Jeno, and playful cat, Jody, bring love and laughter into my days. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, laughing, listening to music, and creating. I also love traveling, discovering new restaurants and taking walks on the beach to collect seashells and shark teeth, which remind me of home.
About Dr. Kamrae Elliott
I grew up in sunny Southern California surrounded by animals, including pigs, chickens, horses, rabbits, dogs, and cats. I spent most of my time horseback riding in the riverbed close to my home with the Quarter horses my family raised and bred. When I wasn't horseback riding, I enjoyed sunning at the beach and kayaking in the bay. I loved everything about animals, and I knew my career would involve working with them in some way. One night, one of our foals managed to slice his lip open. I was fascinated by the veterinarian’s ability to help repair his wound, and that was the moment I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian.
I completed my veterinary degree at Ross University in the Caribbean, and did my clinical studies at The Ohio State University, which is where I met my fiancé. The best part of being a veterinarian is the ability to provide the best care possible to allow a pet to live a long, happy life with their family.
I enjoy helping families with end-of-life care because I am able to play a large role in providing peace and comfort during a difficult time. Saying goodbye is the hardest part of owning a pet, and often comes with doubt, stress, and fear. I feel honored to have the opportunity to make a family feel more at ease during one of the hardest parts of their life. I value the importance of ensuring a pet has a peaceful transition over to the rainbow bridge, which is what every animal deserves.
When I am not working, I enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. My favorites are horseback riding—I currently do not have my own horses, but I hope to change that soon—kayaking, hiking, and camping. When I am not outdoors, I enjoy painting and reading a good thriller.
About Dr. Erica Fenton
I grew up in a small town in New Jersey about 40 minutes outside of New York City. I received a bachelor of science degree in biology from Davidson College in North Carolina. During college, I spent a semester abroad studying marine ecology and biology in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Part of the learning experience involved daily SCUBA diving. I also spent a summer in a rural village in Zambia working at the local school and human hospital. While there, I was able to travel to Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Tanzania, including a trip to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I spent two years after college as an English teacher in a small village in Japan and lived in Washington, DC for several years prior to veterinary school.
I attended veterinary school at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine in Blacksburg, Virginia. After veterinary school I completed a one year rotating internship in internal medicine, surgery, and emergency medicine at Carolina Veterinary Specialists. I relocated to Nashville in 2013 after completing the internship, and have been in small animal general practice since. My areas of interest include dentistry, pain management, internal medicine, and feline medicine.
I chose to become a veterinarian because it fulfilled my desire to serve others while using love of and aptitude for science and medicine. Veterinary medicine allows me to help animals and their families at all life stages. Being a veterinarian means a lifelong commitment to learning and caring for animals.
I lost my own heart dog, Finnegan, a chocolate Labrador retriever, in 2015 from end stage kidney failure and lymphoma. Prior to her passing, our whole canine and human family had a photo shoot at Centennial Park. We then spoiled Finnegan at home with all her favorite forbidden treats (McNuggets, hamburgers, ice cream) and let her pass peacefully in her favorite spot in our backyard surrounded by her favorite humans. Letting her pass peacefully and with dignity was one of the best decisions I made as her owner and friend.
About Dr. Lucy Thomason
I am a native Nashvillian, and I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian since kindergarten. As the daughter of an attorney, I once told my mom that I would gladly get up in the middle of the night to help an animal in need, but NOT to bail someone out of jail!
While my interest in veterinary medicine was long-standing, I did not take a linear path to veterinary school. I obtained my undergraduate degree in natural resources from Sewanee—The University Of The South in Tennessee.
After graduation, I moved to the Atlanta area where I worked as a construction subcontractor. One day, while working on a job site, I realized time was running out to pursue my dream of being a veterinarian. So, I took additional courses needed for veterinary school while working full time, and applied to the University of Georgia—and the rest is history.
Upon graduating with my DVM, I moved back to Atlanta, where I worked in emergency medicine, general practice, and relief work before answering my father’s pleas of “come home, Lucy” and returning to my native Tennessee to raise my family. I spent time working at a mobile spay-neuter clinic providing services to low-income families in underserved areas, and it was some of the most rewarding work I have done.
I developed an interest and passion for end-of-life care after "hospicing" both of my parents. Through that process, I came to understand what a rare gift veterinarians have to be able to alleviate end-of-life suffering for animals humanely and with dignity. The last kind thing we can do for our devoted companions, who love us unconditionally, is to ease their suffering gently in a comfortable place with the people they love. It is an honor and a privilege to do this work.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband—we met in vet school and have been married for more than 30 years—and our three adult children. I am an avid reader and love hiking, knitting, being outside, landscaping my tiny urban yard into a pollinator haven, and—my newest hobby—beekeeping with my husband.
About Dr. Nora Sloan
I grew up in Chicago, Illinois, but my family moved to Northwest Indiana when I was a teenager. Like many vets, I knew from a young age that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I went to Regis University in Denver, Colorado for my undergraduate classes, and then attended Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine.
I completed a small animal rotating internship and then worked as an emergency veterinarian. I enjoy the fast pace of emergency medicine and being able to help families during the stressful and scary times of an emergency.
I have lost two of my own dogs—one during vet school and the other during my internship. While I initially felt guilty about the timing of my first dog's euthanasia, over time I’ve come to believe it was the right decision. This experience shapes some of the conversations I have with owners about their choices and possible guilt over making such a tough decision. I have also helped my sister make the decision to euthanize our shared cat when he became sick. I was happy to give her information about Lap of Love in her city to facilitate an in-home euthanasia, which was important to her.
It’s always a tough decision to let a family member go. I am honored to help pet owners navigate difficult end-of-life choices and provide them comfort.
When I’m not working, I love riding horses and spending time with my retired horse, four cats (Friday, Wednesday, Tuesday, and Thursday), and three Labradors. I also enjoy cross-stitching.
About Dr. Steve Doerr
I am from a rural area in West Tennessee, and I grew up around farm animals of all kinds. Having so many animals, I was always involved in their care. My first interaction with a veterinarian was when we had to euthanize a horse, and I had additional exposure later with our family pets. I was so impressed while watching and helping the veterinarian and learning what they did to help our animals. This sparked my interest in a veterinary career.
I obtained my BS in Animal Science at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. I lived on campus and was heavily involved with the day to day care of animals at the farm. I worked as a technician for 2 years in a small animal practice before going on to get my DVM at Oklahoma State University. Go Pokes!
I have 28 years of general practice experience and have cultivated several professional interests, including preventive care, surgery, wound care, and dermatology. I love the variety that general practice brings—no two days are the same, and something exciting is always just around the corner. I also enjoy getting to know families and helping support their unique human-animal bonds.
I joined Lap of Love because I have lost many pets over the years, and vividly remember each one's passing. I have memories of the happy times, too, but I’ll never forget the moment I lost each one. It’s not something you’ll ever forget, so I strive to make the experience and memory of saying goodbye as positive as possible for my clients and help them understand that their decision to euthanize is not only appropriate but also a final gift to their beloved pet.
I enjoy spending time with my family outside of work—whether it be at a travel volleyball game or on a beach somewhere. I have two beautiful, bright daughters, a loving wife, and a brood of pets: two pittie rescues named Bonnie and June, a Soft-coated Wheaten terrier named Wesley, a tabby cat named Slippers, and a sulcata tortoise named Rupert. In my spare time, I enjoy golfing and my classic pickup.
About Dr. Ken Salleng
I grew up in the small Kentucky town of Mt. Washington, which had one traffic light and a population of 1,500. I was raised on a farm, with the many different animals we took in as strays. Fortunately, my father loved animals as much as I did and encouraged my passion. I went on to work at the town’s only veterinary clinic from the age of 13 until I went to college.
I graduated from Berea College, a small liberal arts college in Kentucky, where I made lifelong friendships and had some of the best times of my life. I then attended the University of Missouri, Columbia College of Veterinary Medicine, because it offered two year-long clinical rotations, allowing more hands-on training.
After veterinary school, I worked in companion animal practice for six years. I then completed a laboratory animal medicine and pathology residency program and worked in that field for many years before finally returning to clinical medicine.
My ex-wife and I adopted a small, days-old tuxedo kitten found in a garage. The tiny kitten, whom we named Puddy Tat, became part of the family and went everywhere with us. He eventually developed diabetes, requiring twice-daily insulin injections for many years. When Puddy was 17, I moved from North Carolina to Nashville, Tennessee, and his diabetes became difficult to regulate. He started having seizures on Christmas Eve, and—having not started a new job yet—I had to take him to an emergency hospital. The veterinarians were extremely kind and helpful and allowed me to stay with Puddy during his euthanasia. I want to provide a similarly helpful experience for other pet owners navigating difficult end-of-life situations.
Outside of work, I love spending time in nature, especially hiking and photographing birds. I also like to travel internationally, particularly to South America.
About Dr. Jacqueline Fountain
I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, a city known for its diverse culture and history. In high school, I worked as a kennel assistant and receptionist at a veterinary hospital. I have always liked animals, but my story differs from many others who have gone into the veterinary field. I didn’t know from a young age that I would become a vet and was not expecting to fall in love with the profession, but I did. I realized my path after developing a close bond with a pet that was not my own.
I attended Tulane University in New Orleans—my favorite city in the world—for my undergraduate degree, and then Oklahoma State University for veterinary school. Since graduating, I’ve worked in general practice at clinics in Los Angeles and Nashville.
My favorite aspects of veterinary medicine include soft tissue surgery, radiology, preventive care, and geriatric medicine. I became interested in end-of-life care after my pet, Layla Danger Mittens, passed away. She was my heart animal and constant companion through my most formative years. Her needs toward the end gave me a new perspective on the experiences of my patients and their families.
I have also experienced the loss of human family members. My father was in hospice care at the end of his life, and the nurses provided exceptional support to him and our family. I want to give that same support to family members saying goodbye to their pets. Through Lap of Love, I allow pets to pass with dignity and grace, surrounded by loved ones and in their own homes, which is a gift I feel truly privileged to provide.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, traveling, hiking, metalworking, and keeping up with my busy toddler and two crazy cats.
About Dr. Bethany Hurley
I grew up in the Golden Isles of Southeast Georgia - coastal barrier islands known for their beautiful beaches, marshlands, and oak trees draped in Spanish moss. The outdoors and wildlife there helped shape my sense of wonder and responsibility for living creatures. Growing up, my family had cats, dogs, birds, reptiles, and the occasional exotic animal. This unique opportunity allowed me to cherish the unique bonds I formed with each one.
I decided to become a veterinarian to advocate for animals and support pet owners and their families. I earned both an associate's degree and a bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, with a minor in chemistry, from the College of Coastal Georgia. This was followed by earning my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the historic Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine.
For me, being a veterinarian is about connection, trust, and compassion. I’m grateful to walk alongside families through both joyful and difficult moments. While I value all aspects of veterinary medicine and have a strong interest in specialty care, I am particularly drawn to end-of-life care. Supporting families during this time is one of the most meaningful things I do.
A few moments along my journey have been instrumental in directing my focus on the importance of those last moments of life and the memories we collect. I was devotedly by my grandmother’s side as she passed in a sterile hospice facility, and I also have had to say goodbye to my beloved childhood cat in a local veterinary emergency clinic with unexpected urgency. Reflecting back, neither environment was what I would have chosen for them in those last moments. I often think of how comforting it would have been to say goodbye in a warm and familiar place. These experiences largely inspired my current work with Lap of Love and shaped my compassionate approach to companion animal care.
Outside of work, my sweet dog, Jeno, and playful cat, Jody, bring love and laughter into my days. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, laughing, listening to music, and creating. I also love traveling, discovering new restaurants and taking walks on the beach to collect seashells and shark teeth, which remind me of home.