I am a veterinarian in the Philadelphia area working with a variety of species. I have a special interest in exotics surgery, avian orthopedics (especially with birds of prey that wildlife rehabilitators bring in), and advanced diagnostic imaging such as CT scans and Endoscopy. I am fortunate to see the beauty of creation every day while helping the individuals who bring the animals to our hospital.

This beauty struck me to my core during my time in Tanzania. I was not prepared for the awe and wonder that would pierce my heart, as I spent the summer leading into my senior year as an undergrad at Cornell University looking out at the endless Savannah of the Serengeti. I was at a crossroads for my career and life: do I apply to veterinary school or change career paths? I loved being outside and was enchanted by the diversity of life found in the wilds, yet how did that fit in with working as a veterinarian?

While a student at SFS, I was deeply impacted by how there was a natural and beautiful emphasis on the people of Tanzania living in harmony with their livestock and the surrounding wild creatures. This niche of human-wildlife-conflict resolution resonated very deeply inside me and gave me the push to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine. What is a veterinarian if not someone who resolves conflict that animals have within themselves or with people? It was in Tanzania that I further deepened my love for animals and an even greater love for people.

I graduated from The University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in 2024 and am currently in my first year as a practicing veterinarian. Every day I encounter a chance to help in the healing of this conflict between humans, animals, and the world. My experience in Tanzania was important to my interior life as well, as it served as a great moment of recognizing that my desire for harmony between humans and animals stems from my Catholic faith, which explores the reality that all of creation is inherently yearning to be reconciled with their Creator. My time in Tanzania served as a bridging point for my love of the created world and my budding faith.

Even almost 6 years out, I still catch myself daydreaming of returning to such an epic place, but until then, the Northeast USA will have to do!

Favorite SFS Memory: Seeing an elephant in the wild for the first time.