"From the Horse's Mouth"

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Why I'm a Vet

While I love my parents, my first word was our pet’s name. Our dog Gizmo would let me hold onto her fur to balance when I learned how to walk. She was my pillow when we were on the floor, and my protection against the monsters under my bed. I was known to sleep in her crate with her. Animals have always been, and continue to be, a crucial part of my life and identity.

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My Vet Journey

Like many veterinarians, I always wanted to be a veterinarian and was lucky enough to pursue and accomplish that dream. I was born in North Dakota but consider myself raised in Torrance, CA. At the age of 13, I was a volunteer at a vet office where I cleaned kennels and litter boxes, and bathed pets. I continued working when I wasn't in sports or at school. I graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in psychology. Then I was drawn back to the Midwest, where I completed my pre-veterinary prerequisites at the University of Illinois. I completed a dual degree program — a doctorate in veterinary medicine (Urbana-Champaign) and a master’s degree in public health (Chicago) focusing on epidemiology and biostatistics.

 

After graduation, I taught undergraduate courses in public health and practiced clinical medicine in the Chicagoland area. Realizing "it is difficult to shovel sunshine," I moved to Arizona, where I worked in private practice and supported multiple practices between Tucson and Phoenix.

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My Passions

Clinically, I loved educating families and helping solve problems pragmatically to help make lives better for families and their loved ones. I then returned to my high school alma mater to coach high school football (Go Tartars!) in my spare time, channeling my passions for mentoring, volunteering, and educating. I am proud and grateful to be able to return to Southern California to serve the area in such a meaningful way.

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