In-Home Pet Euthanasia in Raleigh & Surrounding Neighborhoods

I grew up in a small rural town in upstate New York called Youngsville. When most people think of New York, they picture the big city, but I grew up playing in the woods, riding four-wheelers, and spending time with friends on dairy farms. 

My 15-year-old cat, Shadow, and his talented veterinarian were the ones who set me on the path to becoming a veterinarian. When Shadow was diagnosed with diabetes, we took him to an amazing veterinarian who compassionately cared for Shadow while supporting my family. I was in awe of her communication and client education skills and realized that someone like that can make the biggest difference in the life of pets and their families. It was then that I decided I wanted to become a vet and help families like mine when they need it most.

Inspired by my experience with Shadow, I  completed my undergraduate studies at Elmira College in New York, where I majored in biology and minored in chemistry. I received my veterinary degree from the University of Tennessee. During my time at UT, I became a devoted Rocky Top Fan, and discovered my love for NCAA football—I still bleed orange. 

As a veterinarian, I have worked in general practice and high-quality, high-volume spay-neuter (HQHVSN) clinics. I enjoy helping animals and families who are most in need, particularly shelter pets and pets nearing the end of their life. My time working in shelter medicine with geriatric pets has shaped me into the veterinarian I am today and led me to my role at Lap of Love. I feel honored to be able to give pets the gift of a peaceful passing at home with their family where they are comfortable and calm.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature,  gardening, hiking, camping, skiing, and especially golfing. I also enjoy reading, drawing, painting, and woodworking.

I grew up in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky — in the middle of the Bourbon Trail. Although there are no other veterinarians in my family, that is all I have ever wanted to be. While I never got a horse or chickens, like I wanted, my parents conceded by allowing my sister and I to have Labrador retrievers, guinea pigs, gerbils, and rabbits.  

I completed my undergraduate studies at Western Kentucky University where I was a member of the Sigma Alpha agricultural sorority and Pre-Vet Club. I also taught a chemistry lab and worked on the WKU farm. I received my veterinary degree from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where I worked in the small animal and equine intensive care units. 

After veterinary school, I completed an internship focused on emergency medicine before taking a position at an emergency hospital in Raleigh. I love emergency medicine because I get to treat a wide variety of illnesses. While I know I can’t fix everything, I enjoy helping animals in need and being there to support clients when they need it most.

Years ago, I had the difficult but meaningful honor of helping one of our family pets be put to rest. I'll never forget the overwhelming peace I felt as he let go, and of course, the emptiness I felt as I walked out of the hospital without him. It is a unique honor to be able to help family pets pass peacefully at home where they are most comfortable with the people who love them. I look forward to providing families and pets with support and compassion during one of life’s most challenging times.  

When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my two Labs, Gauge and Archer, and my cat, Odin. My hobbies include dog training, Krav Maga (i.e., martial arts/self-defense), hiking, and anything outdoors. I also enjoy caring for my house plants, frequenting local coffee shops, and studying American history. 

I was born in Dayton, Ohio, but moved with my family to the South when I was 6 years old. I have always loved animals and science. I knew I wanted to find a way to combine my passions that would benefit animals and people, and veterinary medicine was the clear choice. 

I completed my undergraduate studies in biology and animal science at Alcorn State University, a historically black university (HBU) in Lorman, Mississippi, before attending veterinary school at Mississippi State University. After receiving my veterinary degree, I completed a residency at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. 

For 25 years, I worked as a laboratory animal veterinarian, providing care and support for animals used in biomedical research. I advocated for the care and humane treatment of animals while contributing to life-saving therapies and treatments for animals and people. I have also worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Boehringer Ingelheim, a major developer of pet medicines and vaccines, and—most recently—a leading pharmaceutical company based out of Massachusetts. 

I’ve lost many pets over the years, and it’s never easy to say goodbye to a cherished member of your family. However, I find comfort in knowing I can give pets a peaceful and pain-free passing. Families and pets deserve to say their final goodbyes in the quiet, familiar comfort of their home, and I am honored to use my role at Lap of Love to provide this experience for pets and help families through this difficult process. 

When I am not working, I enjoy gardening. My home is filled with all kinds of plants, and I love to see them bloom and thrive. Watching the butterflies in my yard warms my heart, and the hummingbirds always let me know when their feeders need refilling. I also enjoy hiking and caring for my three dogs and cat as well as my many “grandcats” and “granddogs.”