I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and attended the University of Missouri with a major in animal science and a minor in chemistry.  I chose to stay at Mizzou, and graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994.  I have spent time in feline-only practices and conventional dog/cat practices in Boston, Knoxville, TN, and LaCrosse, WI, prior to making my home on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. 

After many sleepless nights, gallons of Coke, and years of work, I achieved Diplomate status by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners.  Following a rigorous certification process and extensive exam, veterinarians are recognized for their intense commitment to providing a superior level of care for their patients.   I can now call myself a feline specialist, and I work very hard to continue to maintain the ABVP’s high standards. 

Professionally, my interests include geriatrics, endocrinology, and surgery.  I love all of my patients, but there is definitely an extra soft spot for my senior kitty friends.  There are so many considerations in taking care of older cats, and I find it very rewarding to improve the older cat’s quality of life.  There are several endocrine problems that arise in cats that are different from other species, including hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus.  The challenges that face our patients who are diagnosed with these diseases can be overwhelming and confusing to pet owners, and I look forward to trying to make the process easier for both client and cat.  Finally, ever since I can remember,  I have wanted to be a surgeon.  I take great pride in the different types of surgical procedures I am able to offer my patients, and I’m constantly updating my techniques to stay as current as possible.

 My personal interests are as varied as the cats I see.  When I’m not working (when is that?) I enjoy biking, hiking, kayaking, gardening, softball, basketball, triathlons and anything else outside. I am also the assistant coach of the US Naval Academy Women's Rugby team.

I currently share my home with several beasts:

Crunch was found on the side of Rt 50 as a small kitten with a broken leg and tail. The injuries couldn't be repaired so now he's short one leg and a tail, but he's as fast any of the other cats.

Truman is a very self confident orange cat who thinks he rules the house. He is named after the always exuberant University of Missouri mascot.

Summitt is my senior aged small female beagle, who is always with me.   She also enjoys hiking and kayaking, but gets bored gardening. 

Click the thumbnails to the left to zoom in on the pictures of my pets.