I graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005.  I received my undergraduate degree (B.S. Music) at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 1993.  Between these two degrees I taught piano and voice lessons, took graduate courses in Piano Pedagogy, and worked at Polaris and Prudential.

While growing up in Elk River, Minnesota, I was active in 4-H, showing beef, sheep, rabbits and poultry, and also rode and showed my Arabian gelding.  I trained and showed my golden retrievers in hunt tests and obedience and rally trials until the birth of my daughter.  These days I enjoy running, playing piano for Sunday services and riding my horse.

I live north of Princeton with my husband, Joel (also a veterinarian) and our daughter, Julia.  Our pets include 3 golden retrievers, 1 english setter, 2 cats, 4 horses, 18 chickens and assorted koi.