Growing up in Tucson AZ I was surrounded by animals both big and small. 4-H and raising my own animals gave me an appreciation of the human-animal bond and sparked my interest in veterinary medicine. The natural beauty and weather brought me to the Pacific Northwest to attend the University of Portland. I then went on to Washington State University for veterinary school, graduating in 2006. Since then I have worked in the Portland area with interests in dermatology, geriatric care, and building trusting relationships with both animals and their owners. Outside of work I enjoy gardening, cooking, and traveling. My husband and I have two young sons and a yellow lab named Dutch who keep us on our toes in a very busy house!