Empowering leaders to achieve success through purpose, planning, and process.

Once upon a time, I was not a very good boss. As a new practice owner fresh from school, I was a micromanaging perfectionist who thought my way was the right way and the only way. Deep in debt and motivated by a fear of failure, I wasn’t sure I had what it took to be a good vet or practice owner.

15 years later, we didn’t only survive, but thrived. The practice had grown by over 400% and was filled with loyal clients and an empowered team. Delivering care wasn’t just about me anymore, it was about us - the whole team - because I had learned over the years what good leadership meant.

After selling my practice, I joined Banfield Pet Hospital as a leader coaching doctors and developing managers and loved it. During my time there, I was responsible for hospital and medical operations at a district, regional and then national level. I oversaw the development of patient quality and safety programs as well as the national rollout of telehealth and veterinary technician utilization. I received numerous leadership awards including medical director of the year, and was recognized twice as a Mars Make the Difference regional and global finalist, and served as a Mars Ambassador to Goa, India with Mission Rabies.

As much as I loved my work, as my corporate role evolved, I lost that direct touch with the hospital teams and leaders so I chose a new but familiar path, and in 2022 I started Reality Vet Coaching & Consulting and went back to small animal practice to reacquaint myself with the daily experiences of practicing in today’s world.

I live in Oregon City, Oregon with my husband, four aging cats and a chi-weenie-weiler named Nugget. I volunteer on the Council on Veterinary Services for the AVMA and am past president of the Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association. I enjoy weight lifting, swimming and walking for fitness, and love gardening, travel and scuba diving.

While I wish I could go back in time and teach my younger self all the lessons I’ve learned about the realities of practice life and working with people, I can’t. Instead, I’m here to help you on your leadership journey.