My enthusiasm for animals has been a part of me for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories are of animals. We started out with an unforgettable black cat named Pizza, and a couple of rabbits and fish. I always found going to the zoo more fun than a trip to the park or the movies. I was fascinated at an early age, and geared my education around them, so that I could always be near them. I majored in Biology at Cal Poly, and then pursued veterinary medicine at Louisiana State University, graduating in 2005.

I started out working for a small zoo, where they trained me in animal husbandry for a variety of hoof-stock, including antelope, zebra and giraffe. I also got to work with other interesting animals including ostrich, warthogs, hippos, and secretary birds. I spent four summers working as a seasonal park ranger in Sequoia National Park. After getting a job as a biologist for the state, I worked at a veterinary clinic on the side, gaining experience in kennel duties and assisting the veterinary nurses and doctors. While in veterinary school, I spent one summer working at the Tulane Primate Research center, learning and caring for macaques, rabbits, and rodents. While in school, I worked for the school in the barn where we took care of mostly equine patients. During my senior year, I externed at both large and small animal hospitals.

As an integral member of the LACC team, I will treat every person and every animal with as much respect and care as I would to a family member, because outside of my own immediate family, these are the people and pets I spend the most time with.

Degrees and Memberships:

• B.S. Ecology and Systematic Biology, Cal Poly SLO 1999
• D.V.M. Louisiana State University 2005
• Member - San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association
• Member - American Veterinary Medical Association

Outside interests:
bird watching, hiking, gardening - any activity that takes me outside, but I also love football, baseball, reading, and playing board games with friends, and I'll never pass-up good barbecue.