In-Home Pet Euthanasia in The Greater Hampton Roads Region of Virginia

Born in New York with a father in the military, my family moved to the Hampton Roads area when I was 3, and—unusual for a military family—stayed there until my dad retired 12 years later. I cannot recall a time in my life when I didn’t want to be a veterinarian. I’m sure once I understood that veterinarians take care of animals, that was it for me. I completed my undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech before attending veterinary school abroad at St. George University in Grenada, West Indies. Living on a tropical island for three years was a fantastic experience—even if it spoiled me when it comes to beaches!

I spent my first year as a veterinarian working at a shelter, providing low-cost veterinary care to the public. I then transitioned into general practice, which allows me to form lifelong relationships with families and see the animals I work with from their first months through adulthood. I can’t imagine doing anything else. I enjoy focusing on geriatric care and hospice, and always learning something new, such as acupuncture or rehabilitation. My job is never boring! 

Losing a family member—human or animal— is never easy. My stepfather passed away at home two years ago after being on home hospice care. Seeing how human end-of-life care is handled, I wanted to be able to do better for my pets. I’ve always been drawn to providing senior pets the care they need to enjoy a comfortable life for as long as possible and providing a peaceful passing in a comfortable setting when the time comes. I was my dog’s veterinarian and had to make the decision to stop her suffering once it became obvious her condition was not treatable. Her experience was as peaceful as I could make it for her, and I want to be able to provide that same experience for other families and their pets. 

Outside of work, I am an avid reader—mostly fantasy and science fiction, and enjoy spending time with my dog, Kenzie. My main hobby is World of Warcraft—I have played as a healer for many years.

Pronouns: She/Her

I grew up on an island in the Chesapeake Bay near Kent Island, Maryland. The Eastern Shore is known for its seafood, waterman lifestyle, boating, and farming. We grew up with a menagerie of pets, including dogs, cats, horses, parrots, a potbelly pig, a snake, and fish. I was inspired to become a veterinarian  by Steve Irwin. Following my childhood dream, I attended Virginia Tech and then went on to graduate from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine.

As a veterinarian, I particularly enjoy urgent care, surgery, and geriatric care. I like being able to help those who can’t speak for themselves. I find it incredibly rewarding to provide medical care that improves my patients' quality of life and leads to positive outcomes. 

I’ve lost several pets myself, with the most difficult being my heart horse, Libby. Though it was a difficult time in my life, I was at peace knowing she was no longer in pain. I understand what it is like to establish a close bond with animals. Saying a final goodbye can sometimes be the kindest option we can provide for them, knowing we are preventing further suffering from a poor quality of life. 

I like helping families provide comfort for their pets, especially senior pets who start to develop age-related conditions. We also have the opportunity to provide a peaceful end-of-life experience when other options have been explored or exhausted. Sometimes the most difficult decisions are also the kindest for our family members, and I am honored to provide comfort for both humans and pets during these challenging times.

Outside of work, I enjoy horseback riding, going to the beach, and painting designs on my nails.