I love being a veterinarian.  Becoming a veterinarian is the best decision I've ever made.  What could be a better fit for a science nerd with a deep-rooted passion for animal welfare?

I have a combined 33 years of experience. I began working as a technician in 1992, then graduated from Oregon State University in 2008.

I've had the pleasure of working with animal shelters, private practices, research projects, and wildlife rehabilitation facilities.  My main focus is canine and feline medicine and surgery.  Birds also hold a special place in my heart.

After growing up in Chicago, I attended Southern Illinois University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology.  After my undergraduate studies, I moved home, and started working as a veterinary technician.  I later moved to Oregon and led a "double life": graduate school to study wildlife ecology, and continued veterinary work.  I served a year with AmeriCorps as a volunteer coordinator for urban habitat restoration projects.  I also volunteered with projects focusing on wildlife rehabilitation, habitat restoration, feral cat, and veterinary care for homeless people.

Since graduation, I have worked with small animal private and shelter practices in Oregon, and North and South Carolina. 

I love teaching and the day to day interaction with pet owners. Everyone really wants to help their pets, and I try to offer the best and be flexible.   Every time I see a sick animal, I'm challenged to advance my knowledge, skills, and even stretch my comfort level. I strongly believe in taking care of those who have come to me for help.

Home veterinary care

I began offering end of life home care in Oregon in 2009.  With my own cat "Rhen" of 17 years, I had the horrible experience of an emergency clinic euthanasia.  That inspired me to start offering home care.  I've found it to be bittersweet work, though it's such a wonderful final gift for a loved one.  I just recently expanded my services to include palliative and hospice care, to help people avoid making the final weeks or days full of stressful trips to the vet.  There is so much basic veterinary care that can be performed in the comfort of hom

What else do I do?

I'm a big fan of work-life balance.  Outside of veterinary practice, I spend a lot of time gardening, hiking, sampling the region's great cuisine, indulging my addiction to thrift and antique shopping, taking road trips, and just plain relaxing.