I was born and raised here on the west valley of Phoenix, Arizona, and this area has always felt like home to me. I remember the hot summers spent cooling off in the pools, walking to the local library for more books to read, playing little league sports, visiting the Wildlife World Zoo, and riding horses near the White Tanks. In high school, I played Badminton and Softball (I was even part of a state championship badminton team!). My family had season tickets to the Arizona Diamondbacks, and I still remember the moment when we won the 2001 World Series.

With both of my parents as veterinarians, I spent a lot of time around this field at a young age. My brother and I were exposed to all sorts of animals growing up. We had dogs, cats, a desert tortoise, fish, guinea pigs, and lizards for household pets at different points in our lives. Family dinner conversations always involved a small discussion of the animal patients from the day. Our form of babysitting was riding around in my Dad's mobile equine business truck and keeping ourselves out of trouble while he worked. I remember always being fascinated by the work. I had decided at a young age that vet medicine was the career I wanted, and I have never wavered.

I ventured out of the state for college, where I attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, CA. There I received my bachelor's degree in Biology. While at PLNU, I spent a lot of time studying and enjoying the beach life, of course! I also met my husband, Alec, at PLNU. We married in July 2014. In August 2014, we moved to Fort Collins, CO, where I started veterinary school at Colorado State University. Alec started his career as a Clinical Specialist for a medical device company, specifically servicing pacemakers and defibrillators. During our time in Colorado, we acquired two "doodles" and became obsessed! Murphy is our Labradoodle, who loves to snuggle and sunbathe. Dory is our Goldendoodle, who always has a toy in her mouth. They have such great personalities and bring such joy to our lives.

When I graduated with my DVM in 2018, we moved to Tucson, where I started my career as a small animal veterinarian. However, Alec and I never felt like it was the perfect fit for us. When the opportunity arose to return to the west valley, we took it! It is great to be back home after nearly 10 years!

Now-a-days, when I am not working or snuggling with my dogs, I enjoy many hobbies. This includes activities such as reading and watching great movies. I also love staying healthy and fit with hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, long-distance running, and Orange Theory Fitness workouts. I have even been active in local adult kickball leagues! To cool off after it all, I enjoy meeting up with friends at a local brewery and making new memories.

I am so excited to be a part of the VCA El Mirage Animal Hospital team, where high quality medicine and patient care is our top priority. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the health and wellbeing of your pet's long and happy life.