Home: Campton Hills, IL. Age: No longer 25. Birthplace: Chicago, IL. Profession: Veterinarian. Organization: Riverwest Animal Hospital. Title: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Alma mater: Benedictine; College of DuPage; University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.
Current project: Mink or Cheribum Ragdolls. Recent recognition: AP press article about Midwest Ragdolls. Hobbies: Riding horses. Recent travel or adventure: Family trip to Disney. Last book read: Red Mountain, by Boo Walker. Recently viewed and recommended: Stranger Things. Recent unique acquisition: A Cherubim mitted male Ragdoll I’m super excited about.
Personality profile: Honest and decisive. Moral compass: I sleep well at night. What is your greatest joy? My children. What is your greatest fear? Disease. What word or phrase do you use far too often? In a perfect world. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Oncologists. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? A tack store. What is at the top of your bucket list? Compete in a one-day riding event.
What was your first paying job? At Niles Animal Hospital. What book have you repeatedly read? Emotional Intelligence. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Dr. Peter Sakas from Niles Animal Hospital. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Never give up. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? The internet is a blessing and a curse. What is your favorite app? AccuWeather. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Graduating veterinary school.
What message do you want to send out into the world?
Don’t judge anyone until you walk in their shoes.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Being more tolerant and less judgmental. What change would you like to see in the world? Just the same.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Taking Your Own Path. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Jennifer Beals. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Jane Goodall. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Veterinarian. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Riding with my family. What advice would you give your younger self? Allow yourself to fail. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day my daughter was born.
Personal mission: Pets. Favorite quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” (Wayne Gretzky). Desired epitaph: There better be pets in heaven or I’m not going.
