I received my education at Michigan State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology in 1978 and my veterinary degree in 1981. After graduation, I practiced conventional medicine for the first 8 years of my career, initially in Florida, and then in Virginia.    

Searching for my role in veterinary medicine, and curious about public service, I joined the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services in 1990. I held several positions within Veterinary Services, including leading a division that developed and implemented policies and regulations governing the import and export of animal products. During this time, I also completed a Master of Public Administration degree from American University in Washington, DC. 

While working for Veterinary Services, I realized that I wanted to return to clinical practice, but wanted to do so with an augmented set of skills, as I had been previously frustrated by the limits of conventional medicine. In 1996, I began to take some courses in alternative therapies and returned to private practice in 1998.

And the rest is history, as they say. I became an International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) certified acupuncturist in 1999, studied Chinese herbal medicine for 2 years at the Tai Sophia Institute for the Healing Arts, and completed chiropractic coursework offered at Tufts University. I continue to study at every opportunity!

In developing a holistic companion animal practice, I’ve finally come home—I can’t imagine doing anything else. Wellspring is the culmination of my journey. I simply love what I do, and am so grateful to my staff, who lifts me up, allowing me to do what I do best, and to my clients, and patients, for all that you teach me.