I grew up on a small farm in Upstate New York. We had pigs, cows, cats, dogs, vegetable gardens and lots of beautiful, dense woods surrounding it all. As a young girl I worked alongside my sisters and parents caring for our animals. Hard work, kind animal care, and being outdoors was my childhood, and I learned important and valuable life lessons which I carry with me today.
Caring for animals became my passion, so Veterinary School was the next step after high school and college. Believe it or not, I was told by many people that a woman couldn’t become a Vet – too much heavy equipment and scary work with large, dangerous animals. Despite these attempts to dissuade me, I knew I could be a Veterinarian, I was STRONG and determined! I was thrilled to be accepted into the Animal Science (Pre-Vet) Animal Science Program at The University of Rhode Island. When I had my first trip to the University’s small farm, it felt like I was home!
A few years later, Veterinary School took me to Ross University on the beautiful Caribbean Island of St. Kitts, followed by a final year of clinical training at Kansas State University. Upon graduation, I moved to Nassau County for my first associate veterinary position. Long Island has become my beloved adopted home, and I have been in practice here since 1998.
When I am not hard at work with my patients, I love cooking for my family, spending time with my dog getting sun burn and poison ivy in my garden, or traveling back upstate to visit with family, smell the sweetness of freshly cut hay, and look at the clear night sky full of stars.
