San Fernando Valley and Surrounding Areas

I grew up in the Santa Clarita Valley (California), and traveled away for both my Undergraduate Degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. After finishing college, I returned to my hometown to raise my own family, and with the desire to give back to the same wonderful community I was raised in. I wanted to use the knowledge and skills I acquired as a veterinarian to make a meaningful impact on those around me. 

I will never forget my first experience with an in-home euthanasia and the impact it made on my life over 20 years ago. He was my first love and heart dog, Zacky. The moment was quiet, peaceful and beautiful, the exact opposite of what I had anticipated it would be. The veterinarian who helped Zacky maintained an impeccably calm demeanor and devotion throughout the entire visit, leaving an everlasting imprint that I’ve carried with me all throughout my career, and ultimately leading me down the path of veterinary end of life care. To this day, the memories of those final moments with Zacky inspire me to assure that each family receives the same attentiveness, dedication, and care we felt that day. It is an honor to provide this gift to families and their beloved pets.  

In addition to my passion for veterinary medicine, I can be found enjoying my own (two-legged and four-legged) family, and exploring the beautiful world around us through camping, hiking, and boating.  

I grew up in Spring Hill, Florida, where I developed a love for animals at a young age. I attended college in Miami, and veterinary school in North Carolina. After obtaining my veterinary degree, I moved back to Florida, where I worked in general practice. I relocated to California in 2009 with my husband, and love enjoying all The Golden State has to offer. 

During my career as a veterinarian, I have found that I most enjoy interacting and working with new veterinarians, and the personal connection I am fortunate to form with my clients and patients. I remember a client once tried to tip me—I refused, of course—for getting down on the floor to examine her elderly, arthritic Labrador. Apparently, her previous veterinarian had always examined him on a table. 

I feel our job is to provide our patients and their families the best quality of life possible, and to safeguard the human-animal bond. This includes helping patients remain comfortable during their later years. When that is no longer possible, it is an honor to help provide a peaceful passing. 

Outside of veterinary medicine, I enjoy California’s diversity, including people, food, and the environment, from the beaches, to the mountains, to the city and the countryside. I love traveling, experiencing new wines, and playing online video games and board games with friends and family. 

Growing up in Thousand Oaks, California, I spent a lot of time reading about animals in Zoobooks magazine and watching nature shows on TV. I enjoyed learning about science in school and always had an interest in animals. We got our first family dog, Lucky, when I was 7 years old, and I’d never felt such devotion and love. That’s when I knew I could join my love for animals and my love for science by becoming a veterinarian! 

I was the first person in my family to go to college, and I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go—I just knew that I wanted to be a veterinarian. I stopped at a booth for the University of California, Davis at my high school career fair because I saw a picture of a pig that caught my eye, and I learned they had an animal science program and veterinary school—exactly what I was looking for. I completed my undergraduate studies and veterinary school at the University of California, Davis, and have been practicing small animal medicine for the past 10 years. 

What I love most about being a veterinarian is using my skills for the betterment of society by helping animals. I get the most satisfaction from providing low-cost animal care for the community. I see and feel such gratitude from the people and their animals, and doing this work is meaningful and grounding for me. 

I used Lap of Love to assist with the passing of my senior Westie, Max, and I deeply appreciated that he could be in the comfort of his home and how peaceful and painless the experience was for us both. 

Veterinarians are some of the only medical professionals that can actively end the pain and suffering of another being, and that is a profoundly moving responsibility. I feel honored to be able to help families and their pets when they are at their most vulnerable. 

When I’m not working, I like to stay active by hiking and running. I've recently started participating in 5K and 10K runs, and I’m training for a half marathon. I also enjoy trying new foods and restaurants, and someday soon, I hope to start traveling again.