I attended Gettysburg College for 3 years, and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1982 with a B.S. in animal psychology with concentrations in biology and economics. Still finding my way, I then worked as a research technician at the university, and knew I loved medicine and working with animals. I also knew that lab animal science was not for me.

After moving to North Carolina in 1986, I accepted a job at Catawba Heights Animal Hospital in Gastonia, first as a receptionist then working my way into an available technician slot. In 1995 a vet tech program was developed at the local community college, and I immediately applied for it and proudly became part of the first graduating class in 1997. I was promoted to head technician at the same hospital, and later practice manager. In 2001 I moved back to my home state of NJ and joined Andover Animal Hospital as head technician and practice manager. In 2010 I began working for SonoPath very part time. In 2014, looking for a new challenge, I trained under Dr. Lindquist’s SDEP program in abdominal and cardiac ultrasound. Following this training, I performed all of the ultrasounds at Andover. My role at SonoPath gradually expanded to include compiling case studies for the website, hosting SonoPath exhibit tables at conferences that include ACVC, NJVMA, PVMA, and ACVIM, and whatever else is needed. I am one of the instructors for the SonoPath abdominal, cardiac and orthopedic ultrasound wet labs, and also an instructor for veterinary hospital staff learning the SDEP program. On September 1st, 2015, I was excited and proud to join SonoPath full time as a SDEP certified clinical sonographer, instructor and research associate.

My husband and I love to ride our mountain bikes on all of the rail trails we can find, and we also love to “go adventuring” – just get in the car and go somewhere we’ve never been, usually involving antiquing /junk shopping /photography /exploring /wineries /whatever. I love vegetable gardening on my deck, and rarely go anywhere without my kindle loaded with books. Trail riding with my horse Candy is my greatest escape. And our nine wonderful cats tend to keep us close to home and are a constant source of chaos, love and entertainment!

Articles

Anesthesia

• Anesthetic guidelines part 1
• The pre-anesthetic evaluation part 2
• Our techician preferred sedation protocols

Surgery

• The Surgery Suite
• Suture Material
• Endotracheal Intubation

Laboratory

• Fungal Culture Technique
• Skin Cytology – slide prep
• Making a Great Blood Smear
• In-House PCV (HCT) and Total Protein
• Modified Knott’s Technique and Direct Blood Smear
• Urinalysis – The Golden Fluid

Physical Exam

• Taking a Medical History
• How to Perform a Physical Exam

Exotics

• Foraging
• Avian Ectoparasites and Endoparasites
• Avian Feather Picking
• Avian venipuncture
• Proper Cage for Avian Patients
• Avian Grooming
• Avian Physical Exam
• Avian History Taking
• Avian Inhalation Agents
• Avian Pre-Anesthetic Prep
• Avian Surgical Prep and Temperature Control
• Rabbit Facts
• Rabbit Endo- and Ectoparasites
• Rabbit Physical Exam
• Rabbit Venipuncture

Behavior

• Understanding the Difficult Canine Patient
• Crate Training
• Nothing in Life is Free
• Leave it/Take it
• Preventing Separation Anxiety
• Go To Place
• Ringing the Bell
• Look at Me
• Preventing Noise Phobia
• Puppy Socialization

Chemotherapy

• Introduction to Oncology
• Introduction to Chemotherapy
• Chemotherapy Flow Chart
• Vinblastine
• Vinblastine Home Care
• Mitoxantrone
• Mitoxantrone Home Care

Client Relations

• Creating a Treatment Plan
• Getting the Client to Commit

Emergencies

• The Color Purple
• I Need Valium STAT
• Preparing for Incoming Emergencies
• Know Your ABCs
• CPR Protocols

Professional Development

• Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Safety

• Safety in the Veterinary Hospital – Don’t Get Hurt
• Rabies, Ringworm and Parasites … Oh My!

In-Hospital Goodies

• Laser Therapy in the Companion Animal
• Heska Infusion Pump
• Homemade Harness

Logs to Download

• Intestinal Parasite Screen
• Fungal Culture
• Urinalysis

In-Hospital Forms/Checklists

• Treatment Flow Sheet
• Medical History checklist
• Physical Exam checklist
• Basic Anesthesia Machine checklist
• Patient Induction Supply checklist
• Prep Room and Surgical Room checklist
• Chemotherapy checklist
• Avian Exam checklist
• Avian Medical History checklist
• Rabbit Initial Medical History
• Rabbit Physical Exam checklist

Quick Tips

• Quick Tips

Technician Resource Links

• Anesthesia Tips and Tricks: Veterinary Team Brief

Resources

• Veterinary Technician Information Page (VTIP)