I consider Las Vegas, Nevada to be my hometown, though I moved frequently as a child—living in Georgia, Nevada, Idaho—before finally settling in Washington during my senior year of high school. Through all those moves, one constant remained: my beloved cat, Dracula. He was my best friend and greatest source of comfort, and he ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

I attended Washington State University for both my undergraduate degree in psychology and veterinary school (Go Cougs!). During my first year of veterinary school I volunteered for the Pet Loss Hotline and quickly realized how meaningful it is to support pets and their people through the tough end-of-life chapter. That’s when I discovered my passion for helping preserve the special bond we share with our pets.

This became even more personal in my second year when my cat, Dracula, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Despite my education and knowledge of grief resources, I still feel I waited too long to say goodbye—and I have carried that regret with me. Yet the gentle, peaceful euthanasia provided by one of my favorite instructors profoundly shaped how I view this final act of love. What I once saw as only loss, I came to understand as a true gift we can give our cherished companions: comfort, peace, and freedom from suffering.

Before joining Lap of Love I spent my career in general practice; first in brick and mortar clinics and then as a mobile veterinarian. I have always been passionate about helping my patients be as comfortable as possible. This led me to becoming Fear-Free Elite certified which taught me techniques for providing care to patients that otherwise would have not been (or were not) able to access veterinary care due to their aggression or anxiety. Today, I am devoted to supporting families through their pets’ final chapter of life. I strive to help reframe the way pet parents see euthanasia—showing that this difficult decision can also be the greatest act of love. Providing that gift in a pet’s own home, surrounded by the people who love them most, is something I consider an incredible privilege.

When I’m not caring for my patients, you’ll find me reading, crocheting, or traveling with my family. Most of all, I treasure my time at home with my husband, our daughter, and our two senior pets—a dog named Brutus and a cat named Caesar.