Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice & In-Home Euthanasia

I grew up in Walnut, California, which is a very diverse area in the San Gabriel Valley of Los Angeles county. I have always loved animals and am fascinated by physiology and medicine. I started working as a veterinary assistant in a small animal hospital when I was 17. After attending a large public high school, I wanted to try something different, so I moved to Upstate New York to pursue a bachelor’s degree at Cornell University. While there, I volunteered with the Cornell Pet Loss Support Hotline, which helped me understand how to support people dealing with grief and loss. I loved the animal science and biology curriculum, and met a lot of interesting people, but I never got used to the cold.

After college, I spent time as a scientific diver, and also did marine mammal rehabilitation. I considered a number of career options, but my passion for medicine ultimately drew me to the veterinary field. I came back to California, and went to veterinary school at the University of California in Davis. 

I have spent the majority of my veterinary career in emergency medicine, with a focus on trauma, hemorrhage, bleeding disorders, transfusion medicine, and feline urinary tract disease. I love being a veterinarian because I love helping families in need, even in times of crisis when emotions are high. I strive to be an advocate for my patients, and want to provide solutions that help the pet and their family. 

The first pet I lost was my cat, Mozart. I got him as a kitten for my 14th birthday and he was with me from high school through the early part of my veterinary career. He was incredibly special, and he shaped how I cared for my patients and how I treated clients—I always want my patients to be cared for as if they are my own pets, and I want my clients to be treated as if they are family members. Mozart had a chronic disease, and deciding when it was time was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever had to make. When the time came, another veterinarian came to my house and my family and I were able to say goodbye to Mozart while he was on my lap, surrounded by his loved ones. 

I love helping families enjoy their senior pets and brainstorm ways to make life better for these special family members. And when the time comes to say goodbye, I want to be able to provide a comforting and stress-free experience for pets and their owners by helping them pass in the comfort of their own homes, as I have been able to do for my pets.

When I am not working, I love being outside, and especially enjoy anything related to the ocean! I love to hike and scuba dive and am learning to sail. I also enjoy cooking and baking. 

Pronouns: She/Her