AZPETVET - Key Persons

Coming from a military family, I was born in Germany and, shortly thereafter, moved to northern Phoenix where I was raised. I graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor's degree in 2013 and went on to earn my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2018 from Washington State University. Following graduation, I completed a year-long equine internship, and am now focusing on small animal practice. I have a strong interest in internal medicine and supporting patients with complicated disease processes.

Though I was born and raised in the little town of Idaho Falls, ID, I am no stranger to Arizona! Tucson was my first Arizona home where I obtained my Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Arizona (Bear Down!). Next, I traveled back to the Pacific Northwest and Washington State University where I completed my veterinary training. After four years of long, grey winters, I am grateful to be returning to the land of sunshine! I've spent the majority of my life in a veterinary hospital in one capacity or another. Though my goal was always to become a veterinarian, I have served many different roles within the veterinary healthcare team. From kennel attendant to receptionist to general practice technician to emergency technician, each role has afforded me invaluable experience and skills. Now, I am thrilled to be fulfilling my dream by joining the North Buckeye Animal Hospital family as a veterinarian. Professionally, I have a particular interest in soft tissue surgery, dentistry, pain management, internal medicine and emergency medicine.

I grew up in Southern California, where I earned my Bachelor in Biological Sciences from the University of California Irvine. While in college, I worked as a laboratory intern studying developmental and behavioral biology of several bird species. Before I moved to Arizona, I worked as a veterinary technician at a small animal and exotics practice for 7 years, where I fell in love the veterinary field. I earned my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Midwestern University Glendale, AZ. Throughout all the time I've spent in the veterinary field, I've come to love so many different aspects of it but found I particularly enjoy preventative care, exotic animal medicine, internal medicine, and animal behavior. Family is very important to me and I moved to Arizona to be closer to my family, who have been living here for a while. I currently have a pomeranian named Kimi, who is the light of my life and quite energetic in her old age! She's loving her new life here in Arizona, along with my 22-year-old cockatiel named Sunny. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my pets and going to different escape rooms with friends, I love the challenge of all the unique puzzles they have to offer! I'm looking forward to meeting you and your pets!

I was born and raised in southern Illinois and attended University of Illinois for veterinary school. Although I am an Illinois native, I couldn't be happier with my decision to join the North Buckeye family (and to get away from those Illinois winters!). I began my work in the Veterinary field as a kennel assistant at a local shelter and a receptionist at a small animal practice. While in veterinary school, I volunteered pretty much all of my free-time at my school's Wildlife Medical Clinic which cultivated my interest in all sorts of exotic pets. I also spent most of my clinical year in school with a focus on exotic pets as I believe that all animals, great and small, should have access to good, personalized health care. At home, I have accumulated quite the zoo: 3 dogs (a great dane, border collie mix, and cattle dog mix), a carpet python, and 2 ferrets. I love to spend my free-time hiking, trying new foods, and practicing the aerial arts (think circus- Trapeze, silks, and lyra).

Originally a California native, my first job ever was at the San Diego Zoo. I worked at a food stand across from the monkey exhibit and was known for being able to make the most ice cream cones at one time! Being around the animals every day fueled my love for animal care, and in 1985 I moved to northern Arizona and began my veterinarian journey. As a licensed Veterinarian Technician, I found the real joy in caring for and helping animals. Once I moved to Kingman, Arizona my first job was an Animal Control officer due to the three veterinary clinics being fully staffed. After 6 months I was offered a full-time position as a certified veterinary technician. While working, I continued taking college classes to complete a bachelor's degree. I decided in 1998 that I wanted to advance my career in veterinary medicine and applied to veterinary school. I did not get in the first year I applied but became more determined than ever and applied again the next year at which time I was accepted into the starting class of 2000. In August of 2000 I left my practice manager position at the local animal hospital and moved to Washington to attend veterinary school. I graduated from Northern Arizona University in 2001 Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree, and in 2004 I received my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Washington State University. Since graduation, I have been practicing in Arizona for close to ten years. Life at home includes my four-legged family of 4 dogs and 5 cats. My animals are family to me, and I understand how important our four-legged friends are to us! In my free time - when I have some - I enjoy reading, spending time with my family and horseback riding. I look forward to helping you keep your four-legged family healthy!

I grew up in Albuquerque, NM, but left the southwest for Stillwater, and attended Oklahoma state where I earned both an undergrad degree in wildlife biology and ecology in 2018 and my DVM in 2021. I began gaining experience working as an assistant at a local clinic throughout most of my time in high school. During undergrad I volunteered at a local animal shelter and a wildlife rehab facility and worked part-time in a research lab at the vet school. While in vet school I completed externships at exotic animal clinics in TX and OK and did externships at the Oklahoma City Zoo as well as Zoo Miami! As you may be able to tell from my past experience, my passion lies in exotic animal medicine, especially avian and reptile medicine and ophthalmology. I love being able to treat a wide variety of animals and the challenges and intuitiveness that comes along with it in addition to building relationships with clients. I also love opportunities to be involved in research and help make contributions to bettering our field! My husband and I are both from NM and have been together since I was an undergrad in college. We have two dogs, Sadie and Zia who are our brindle babies. They are both female brindle Pittie mixes that we adopted while living in Stillwater, OK. We recently welcomed a kitten into our home who we got through the student surgery program at Midwestern University during the final week of my internship there. His name is Mac. Outside of the office I enjoy Birding, herping (like birding but looking for reptiles and amphibians), hiking with my dogs, and kayaking.

I was born in Chandler, and my wife and I are native Arizonans. Growing up surrounded by the desert landscape and vibrant culture of the Southwest instilled a love for nature and animals within me, and I set my sights on veterinary school. While pursuing undergraduate studies in Rexburg, Idaho, I volunteered at the local animal shelter and interned at two local veterinary clinics. During veterinary school in Fort Collins, Colorado, I worked at low-cost urgent care facilities and animal shelters and as a veterinary technician at a nearby clinic on weekends, sharpening my skills and gaining practical expertise. My interests within the field include surgery and dentistry. On a personal note, my wife and I tied the knot in 2017, and soon after, our sweet pup Molly joined the family. In 2021, during our time in Fort Collins, we welcomed our incredible baby boy. Outside work, I love camping, fly fishing, visiting national parks, and playing board and video games. Making a difference in animals' lives and helping people in the community drives me.