I love working with people and their animals in Mukwonago. Growing up, my dream was to become a veterinarian and help animals live better lives. In Mukwonago, where I have lived and worked for the past 22 years, I have discovered the joy of building relationships within the community through my work and the various organizations I have become involved in with my family. We have been very active in our church, Vernon Presbyterian, Scouts, and many of the fine arts groups at the high school. I love finding ways to support the things my family is passionate about! I am a veterinarian at Mukwonago Animal Hospital, working as an associate there for 15 years and then as one of the owners for the past 7 years. My business partners, Tom Herlugson and Danielle Bittner and I are very committed to supporting the community through events like our Veterans Day event where we provide veterinary care to Veterans' pets and scholarships that we provide to graduating seniors at the high school.
My husband Steve and I have raised our three children, 2 sons and a daughter here in Mukwonago. Our youngest just graduated from MHS in 2021. We currently share our home with a menagerie of pets-4 dogs, 3 cats and a tortoise!
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
As a small animal veterinarian, I have the best job in the world. I get to work with an amazing team of other doctors, technicians, receptionists and other support staff to help make the lives of people and their pets happier and healthier.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Shanahans Coffee House and Fork in the Road. We love to bring in breakfast, lunch or coffee for our staff and help support another local business!
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
It's hard for me to believe, but it's been 22 years!!!
Q: Who is the most interesting person you've met here in our community?
This is such a hard question! We just had our Veterans Day event at our hospital and I love talking to the veterans who bring in their pets and hearing their stories. The one that blew me away this year was a woman who served as a Military Intelligence linguist in Germany specializing in Russian at the time that the wall came down. Everyone has an amazing story to share if we just take the time to listen!
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Another very difficult question, as anyone who knows me knows how much I love to travel with my family! I think the next place on my list is Australia. I would really love to snorkel on the great barrier reef and see the unique animals of Australia.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My family loves the Harry Potter movies. In fact we have a Yuletide Ball where we dress as Harry Potter characters every year! The original NCIS is my favorite TV show
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Build meaningful relationships with people by really listening to them and respecting what makes them unique, even if they have significantly different beliefs from you.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Visiting the Galapagos Islands
Q: What is your go to band when you can't decide what to listen to?
Not really a band, but currently-the soundtrack from the Broadway Musical "Hadestown"
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y'all meet for this lunch?
Dame Maggie Smith-I love everything I've seen her act in and I think she has a wickedly funny sense of humor. I'm sure she'd love to meet me at Fork in the Road!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the small town feel of Mukwonago with the ability to take advantage of the opportunities that living close to Milwaukee offers.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Still working as a vet at Mukwonago Animal Hospital and traveling as much as possible
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don't know about you?
I played trombone in high school and college and absolutely loved being in band!
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The Mountains on the Southern Island of New Zealand
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
I love Thanksgiving-I love any opportunity to reconnect with family
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Cuddling with my cat, Dumbledore
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom, who lived with my family until she passed away 2 years ago. She was the most loving, accepting and supportive person. She constantly amazed me with her ability to love and learn throughout her life.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
apple cinnamon and vanilla
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, pets, laughter
