I grew up with horses and have dedicated my professional life to keeping horses healthy and happy. Since joining Mission Equine in early 2022, I have collaborated closely with our team and clients to deliver practical, compassionate care—ranging from soundness evaluations and emergency support to elective procedures, including acupuncture, so horses can feel and perform their best.
I’m a board-certified large animal surgeon (American College of Veterinary Surgeons) with a career that blends referral surgery, ambulatory practice, and teaching. Today I draw on that breadth to tailor plans that fit each horse and owner.
My path started in Nova Scotia, Canada, where I fell in love with horses through Standardbred racing. I earned my veterinary degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in 1990, then practiced general equine medicine (including racetrack work) at the Ottawa Valley Large Animal Clinic in Kemptville, Ontario. After five years, I completed a surgical internship at the Illinois Equine Hospital and Clinic (Naperville) and worked in ambulatory practice with the Illinois Equine Field Service (Elburn)—where I first met Dr. Kuesis.
I went on to Gainesville, Florida, for a large animal surgery residency and became ACVS-board certified, remaining four additional years as a clinical instructor in large animal surgery. In 2004, I joined Dubai Equine Hospital, a busy referral center, performing elective and emergency surgeries and providing lameness evaluations and scintigraphy interpretation.
I returned to the U.S. in 2014 as an associate veterinarian/surgeon at Pilchuck Veterinary Hospital in Snohomish, Washington, with a strong emergency caseload and continued surgical work, later adding more ambulatory responsibilities during the pandemic.
Those experiences inform my approach every day: clear communication, evidence-based medicine, and a steady, patient demeanor—so every horse gets the best chance to stay healthy, comfortable, and active.
