Dr. Olken grew up between Upstate New York and Vermont and graduated from Skidmore College near Albany, New York with a bachelor's degree in theater and political science, planning to pursue law school. After working as a paralegal in Manhattan after college, she decided to pursue the passion she had as a child, working with animals. She graduated with honors from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022 and also holds a master's degree in animal welfare. Dr. Olken lives in Los Angeles with her pit bull mix, Lou, and her husband, Dan. She enjoys the outdoors, the cello, volunteering to help people experiencing homelessness and their pets, and spending time with her family in the LA area.