Owner & Veterinarian
At the age of nine I returned home from summer camp to find a new dog in our home, a 35 pound mutt, who had a strong resemblance to the dog in Annie. To say I was excited is putting it mildly. By the time I turned 12 I decided I wanted to be a veterinarian.
I remember quite vividly telling my father about the decision. He was a very learned man and placed a high priority on education. Dad looked at me seriously and that’s great, but I’d have to work very hard in school to get good grades. I’m not sure if I took his comment as a challenge, but I did take it to heart.
In 1983, I was accepted to Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 1987. Following graduation, I worked in several practices before purchasing the Layhill Animal Hospital in 1993. Owning a veterinary practice comes with mostly great joy and satisfaction, but also a myriad of challenges, and heartache.
What makes me the happiest and proudest, however, is being a father and grandfather. Spending time with my family is my favorite pastime.
Office Manager
Some of my earliest memories are of finding stray animals and bringing them home. I got my first job in the veterinary field in 1996 and joined Layhill Animal Hospital in 2002. My roles have changed over the years, but I still love seeing our patients and their owners come in for care. Outside of work I enjoy my family, our two feral cats, crocheting, and baking.
Born and raised in Maryland in a household rooted in care and empathy, I grew up surrounded by animals. When I look at an animal, I see personality, emotion, and intelligence. I hold a bachelor’s in psychology and am pursuing my Master’s in Social Work. When I’m not at work, you’ll find me curled up with a good fantasy book and my cat, Bruce Wayne.
I’m a devoted animal lover with a lifelong passion for caring for animals and supporting their well-being. I believe every animal deserves kindness, patience, and love, and I strive to reflect that in everything I do. Away from work, I enjoy time with family and friends, shopping, and — above all — my pampered shih-tzu, Lulu.
Growing up in the Silver Spring area taught me how much responsibility it takes to care for animals. Over the last four years I’ve learned the importance of compassion, patience, and being present. I’m most passionate about creating a calm, welcoming experience at the front desk — and while I love all our patients, I have a special soft spot for cats.
A dedicated member of the Layhill Animal Hospital team, here to help your pet feel comfortable and cared for at every visit.
I’ve loved animals since I was a little girl, and being their advocate is one of the most meaningful parts of my work. I love working hands-on with patients and making vet visits a little less stressful for pets and their people. Off the clock, I’m with my two daughters and fiancé, feeding the neighborhood feral cats, or tending my garden.
I grew up in a large family, always surrounded by dogs. I began as an intern at Layhill during my senior year of high school and was later hired on. A pet’s love is sacred — it makes any storm a little easier to weather. Working here helped me realize I want to be part of a community that keeps pets healthy and happy.
I found my love for animals growing up in a household full of dogs, and it taught me a compassion that’s part of who I am today. Animals bring so much love and joy into our lives, and I’m passionate about making a positive impact and creating meaningful connections. Outside of work I treasure time with my husband and three kids, and our cat, Marchie.
I felt a connection with animals early in life — bringing home stray cats and covering my walls with pictures of animals. College brought chances to lead trail rides, work as a camp naturalist, travel to the Galápagos, and train sled dogs in Alaska. At home I foster and board dogs and care for my five chickens, two cats, and two dogs.
Growing up in Silver Spring, I developed a love for pets from my mom, who had a lot of dogs. I joined the Layhill kennel staff in 2009 and enjoy seeing all the pets that come in for boarding. Taking care of our patients fills me with pride that I can keep them happy and healthy while their owners are away. At home you’ll find me with my cat, Scooby.
Whether you're new to the area or just ready for a change, we'd love to meet you and your pet.
