A Little About Me

I initially went to Coastal Carolina University to study shark behaviorism. While I was there, my first pet (a leopard gecko named Geico) became very ill.  His prognosis was very poor, but I wasn't ready to give up on him. I ended up sneaking him into my dorm room to continue his daily antibiotic injections and his weekly force feeding. During this time, I began turning to internet forums where reptile owners discuss their animals and share secrets that worked for their animals. In talking to them I found out how difficult it is for people to find vets willing to treat reptiles. Some people I spoke with must drive 4 hours each way to seek care. I continued treating Geico for 6 months and he continued on to live another 6 years. I decided at that point to transfer back to the University of Tennessee to pursue veterinary medicine.

After graduating with my BS in 2007, I worked at Lenoir City Animal Clinic, a local small animal clinic, where I learned the basics of veterinary medical care. The veterinarians took me under their wing and began teaching me about veterinary medicine in order to prepare me to eventually go to vet school. I am eternally grateful for all that they did because it helped to make me the vet that I am today. I and a PhD program. I am still working on finishing up my PhD.

I was lucky enough to be accepted into vet school at the University of Tennessee. And, because one doctorate wasn't enough, I decided to do a dual DVM/ PhD program. I am currently working on finishing up this PhD.

My home is currently shared with 2 shelties (Kinta and Naiah), a border collie mutt (Pepper), an affenpinscher (Dudley), a California kingsnake (Saphira), a black pastel ball python (Aithusa), 2 shorthair cats (Cali and Tubby), and the not-so-grown-up man than I married (Christian). When I have free time I usually spend it exercising (I am currently training for my first 5K), hiking, fishing, scuba diving, working around the house or yard, and occasionally even make time for painting and sketching. I love getting out to help with local animal events around town such as UT-CAIT's Feral Fixin' program.