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

My journey from small-town, independent, mixed-animal veterinary practice owner to an award-winning corporate leader has taught me invaluable lessons about effective veterinary leadership. I've owned and grown a successful practice, built high-performing teams, developed national programs, and implemented complex initiatives. Now, as the founder of Reality Vet Coaching & Consulting, I combine my corporate experience with independent veterinary practice realities to help owners navigate today's veterinary leadership and business challenges.

Two weeks out of veterinary school, I found myself running a practice, with little business or leadership knowledge or experience. One year later, I bought that practice. My path wasn't always smooth. As a recent graduate and new owner deep in debt, I struggled with perfectionism and a fear of failure. But over time, I learned to move past those fears to develop leadership skills and strategies that empowered my team, fostering loyalty among both staff and clients and driving profitable business growth. This growth led to leadership roles at Banfield Pet Hospital, where I coached doctors, developed leaders, and led medical operations at district, regional, and national levels.

In 2022, I launched Reality Vet Coaching & Consulting to help new veterinary practice owners navigate the complex world of business and leadership. My purpose is to give them the confidence and skills needed to be and feel successful. I also returned to my first love, small animal practice in an independent veterinary clinic. This hands-on experience, coupled with my expertise, allows me to offer practical, tested solutions to everyday leadership challenges.

Based in Oregon with my family (including three aging cats and a chi-weenie powerhouse named Nugget), I’m an active volunteer in the veterinary community through an AVMA Council and as a member of VetPartners. When I’m not coaching, teaching or seeing patients, I enjoy gardening, scuba-diving, and planning my next adventure.