I was born and raised in a rural area of northern Florida, just south of Tallahassee, where my parents fostered dogs from the local animal shelter. We housed and cared for many pets as they waited for their forever home. This was my first source of inspiration that made me realize that I wanted to be a veterinarian. My hands-on experiences continued with volunteering through the shelter. I would take the dogs up for adoption out on walks and provide the cats with enrichment by playing with them. In high school I began working at the local veterinarian clinic as a kennel technician. I graduated and started attending Florida State University (Go Noles!) at which time I was promoted to veterinarian technician. During this time my first of many mentors provided countless opportunities for me to learn and allow my passion for patient care to grow. I graduated from FSU and attended Midwestern University’s College of Veterinarian Medicine with a focus on feline and canine medicine. During my four years at MWU I realized how deeply I care about client education. There are countless illnesses that affect our companion animals, but it’s been proven that the patient’s outcome is weighed heavily by their owner’s comprehension of the disease and treatment. My goal for all client interactions is that the owner leaves with a good grasp of what was discussed and recommended during their visit. 
In my spare time I love to watch college football, hike, and read mystery and suspense novels.
I could not be happier to be working at VCA University Animal Hospital and I can’t wait to meet you and your pets!

Personal Pets:
Currently I have a Maltipoo named Harrison and a senior Golden Retriever mix named George. A fun story about George is that when he was younger he escaped his yard and went missing for two months, even though he had a collar with identification tags and a microchip. When I finally accepted that he wasn’t coming home I adopted Harrison. Of course, that’s when George was found and returned. Now the boys are inseparable!

Education:
Florida State University: Bachelor’s degree in biologic sciences with a minor in chemistry
Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine: Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine      

Veterinary Areas of Interest:
Preventative Medicine   
Dentistry
Soft tissue surgery