I've known since kindergarten I wanted to be a vet. My family rescued my first dog Jojo when we were 2 and he was with us for 15 great years. Jojo inspired me to become the veterinarian I am today.

I began working as a Veterinary Assistant in 1986 before transitioning to the Surgery Department of SIU School of Medicine. I worked closely with Dr. Perry Santos and honed my microsurgery skills until I was accepted into veterinary school.

I graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997 and was a Veterinary Information Network representative, a Central Illinois Veterinary Medical Association Secretary/Treasurer, Chair of the AAFP Informatics and AAFP Student Committees, led the monthly AAFP E-Mews and coordinated the online AAFP/VIN rounds and served a term on the Board of the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

I have worked in emergency veterinary medicine for the past 15 years, and although that afforded me a great wealth of experience and knowledge, I knew I wanted to return to general veterinary medicine and open my own practice.

I am very proud to announce the grand opening of our new general practice, Animal Hospital of Springfield. This new hospital will see cats and dogs exclusively. As we are located inside of Petsmart, we are easy to find and happy to meet you and your pet!