At the age I could finally properly pronounce the word veterinarian, I dreamed of being one.  Roughly 2 decades later, after receiving two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Genetics and Bacteriology, I finally walked across the commencement stage to receive my DVM from Oklahoma State University in May 2006.  What an extraordinary day that was!

I was born and raised in Morristown, New Jersey.  While I was growing up, I engaged myself in various animal activities.  My mother willingly drove me to dog shows, agility and obedience classes.  I also worked and volunteered for animal boarding facilities and veterinary establishments.

While I pursued my Bachelor’s degrees I wanted to explore my interests in orthopedics and research.  For 2 years, I worked in the Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory.  While I was there I worked on several studies exploring specific aspects of hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament laxity. 

During veterinary school, I found the opportunity to participate in some volunteer programs.  As a high school student I first became interested in giving back to the community as I volunteered for a program for disabled children that used horses as a physical therapy tool.  I had also spent the summer working for the Seeing Eye.  In veterinary school, my dog became a certified therapy dog, which allowed us to visit nursing homes on a weekly basis.  I also founded a program entitled, Lean Dogs Happy Owners, Healthy Lives that motivated pet-owners to take an active role in their pet’s health through weight loss, exercise, and education.

In 2004, I married my long time college sweet heart Nathan, a computer programmer.  As a wedding gift for each other, we adopted an orange tabby kitten who we affectingly call Oscar.   I am also the proud mom of Mason, a 12 year old golden retriever and Harry, a Russian tortoise.  My 12 year old yellow Labrador resides in New Jersey to provide companionship to my parents.

Once you are Badger you will always be a Badger, so following graduation we moved back to Wisconsin and I joined the Care Animal Staff.  I feel extremely fortunate to be part of a Hospital that provides all of its clients with informed, compassionate, and high quality care.  My special interests in veterinary medicine include dentistry, orthopedics, behavior, and nutrition. When I am not at work I enjoy scrap booking, photography, reading, and the outdoors.