I grew up in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee—a once-small town that has grown to be a fairly large suburb of Nashville. I have wanted to be a veterinarian since the age of 5, and never changed my mind. I was able to shadow a local veterinarian during middle and high school, and I found providing healthcare for animals inspiring—I couldn't imagine doing anything else.

I completed my undergraduate studies and veterinary school at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. After graduating, I moved to Eagle, Colorado to practice small-town mixed animal medicine. I mainly focused on dogs, cats, and pocket pets and I quickly gained experience in every aspect of medicine, including emergency, internal medicine, oncology, dentistry, and surgery. The practice provided mobile services to local clients, and most of the house-call appointments I saw were for hospice and euthanasia. I came to respect this service, and I believe that every pet deserves to spend their final moments in the peace and comfort of their own home if possible.

Our family’s outdoor cat, OJ, was about 15 years old when I came home for a visit and felt a mass in his abdomen. He had lost a significant amount of weight and muscle mass and was barely able to get around. OJ was terrified of riding in the car, and although he passed peacefully with the help of the wonderful veterinary team at our local clinic, I wish we had been able to help him pass in our backyard where he was most comfortable.

Walking alongside a family as we escort their beloved pet over life’s threshold with respect and dignity is a unique honor and a privilege. I believe that retaining the quality of the human-animal bond throughout all aspects of end-of-life care is such an important part of helping families show love and affection to their pet in those final days.

Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and skiing with friends and my dog, Reese. I play the violin/fiddle and enjoyed playing gigs with a local bluegrass band as well as local church services during my time in Colorado. My significant other, Nick, and I enjoy cooking (and eating) meals we create together, and traveling to new places to experience different cultures and meet new friends.