Degrees:
D.V.M. - University of Minnesota, 2003 B.S. degrees in Zoology, Microbiology, and Veterinary Technology - North Dakota State University, 1991 A.S. degree in Veterinary Technology - North Dakota State University, 1989

Areas of Special Interest:
Avian and Exotic Medicine Emergency and Critical Care Medicine Orthopedic Surgery Human-Animal Bond Issues, Hospice care

Professional Memberships:
Association of Avian Veterinarians
Association of Small Mammal Veterinarians
Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians
Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society

My interest in veterinary medicine began when I was 6 years old on my grandpa's farm. I remember trying to save a newborn piglet that was having trouble. I also remember trying to save all of the injured wildlife that came my way. That interest never dwindled over the years. Before attending veterinary medical school, I became a licensed veterinary technician, worked as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator as the director of a wildlife rehabilitation program, and worked as a veterinary microbiologist in a state diagnostic laboratory. This background has provided me with much experience to bring to my veterinary career. I still maintain strong interest in these areas in many ways, including supporting wildlife rehabilitators and the general public through my web site "The Wildlife Rehabilitation Information Directory", and the computer listserv WLREHAB which has over 800 members worldwide. (The web site enables the public to find a local wildlife rehabilitator near them as well as to provide general information on wildlife rehabilitation.)

I feel very honored to be in a profession where we can help people through helping the companion animals that provide them with so much, and to be a caring voice for those who cannot speak. I love being able to support the human-animal bond and like the ability to provide compassionate options for clients. I previously ran a pet-loss support group and am very sensitive to our important role in helping clients through this difficult time.

I love the challenge of veterinary medicine, and the ability to work with all species of animals. In addition to dogs and cats, I am passionate about providing quality compassionate care to avian and exotic species. I enjoy helping clients care for birds, small mammals (such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and ferrets), reptiles, and other "exotic" species. I feel that they deserve the same quality of veterinary care and compassion as any other pet.

Another passion of mine is emergency and critical care medicine. I love the intricacy and technicalities of this field and the challenge of providing care for both the animal and the client during this difficult period. I have worked in this field for some time in both the intensive care setting as well as in multiple emergency clinics.

My hobbies include English riding (Hunt Seat and Dressage), SCUBA diving, tennis, skiing, sailing, music, bonsai, landscaping, water gardening, and spending time in the great outdoors. So far, I have traveled to every U.S. state except Hawaii and to multiple foreign countries including China.

Current Animal Companions:
Katie - 9 y.o. Golden Retriever (a.k.a. "Lady Kate Marie of Malvern") (We used to live on Malvern St. in Minnesota)

Holly – 4 y.o Golden Retriever (a.k.a. “Holly Grace Marie of Fox Valley”)

Sophie - 8 y.o. very affectionate cat who loves to watch the birds inside and outside! (from Pennsylvania)

Dakota - 8 y.o. Cockatiel (who got his name from North Dakota, where I used to live and where he's from)

Mr. Mealeon – 5 y.o. Veiled Chameleon

And multiple hermit crabs from Florida!

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