I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, also known as the City of Fountains since it’s said to have more fountains than Rome! My childhood love of animals, along with an affinity for math and science, led me to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.

I attended the University of Missouri Columbia—Go Tigers!—where I completed my undergraduate studies and veterinary school. After receiving my veterinary degree, I practiced emergency medicine for twelve years before transitioning to general practice, and then becoming the practice’s medical director. I love being a veterinarian because I get to help animals and people—caring is one of my superpowers! I enjoy forming relationships with families while practicing emergency medicine.

I have lost many pets over the years, and my last three pets were able to pass at home. The goodbye process is much more personal, private, calm, and peaceful when done at home, especially for senior and geriatric pets. I really enjoy providing quality end-of-life care because it is the most important time of that pet's life. Being there for a grieving family gives me a sense of making a difference in this world, and reminds me that what I do matters. Grief is a common language that allows us to connect deeply with others.

I currently live in Vancouver, Washington with my husband, two children, our twin kitties, Kiera and Watney, and our feisty chinchilla, Chewbacca Flash. I have many interests outside of work and acquire new ones almost weekly. I enjoy camping in our pop-up trailer, traveling, vegetable gardening, reading, and playing video games—no thanks to my kids for enabling this addiction. More recent pursuits include astronomy, playing the ukulele, birdwatching, photography, and volunteering at the local science museum.

Pronouns: She/Her

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