I have been an animal lover since I was a child and have always known that I wanted to spend my life helping and healing them. While growing up we were not able to have pets so I turned to horseback riding. I took lessons for many years and progressed to showing and training and had so much fun. While in high school I had the opportunity to volunteer at a therapeutic riding program and witnessed first hand how animals can have a role in healing people. It was also around that time that I learned about veterinary technology as a career option. I graduated from Parkland College and became a Certified Veterinary Technician in 1997. I spent my first few years in a general practice and then jumped at the chance to work in the radiology department of a large specialty hospital in the Chicago suburbs. I spent 13 wonderful years there and was able to cross-train in emergency/ICU, surgery and rehabilitation. In 2013 my husband and I decided to leave the long, cold winters behind and moved to Arizona. I started working in a general practice in Green Valley and that is where I met Dr. Hilden. Our views on pet care are very similar so we work well together. I strive to make every pet’s visit as Fear Free™ as possible and treat them as if they are one of my own.
When I am not working, I spend time with my husband and two teenage boys. I enjoy gardening and house plants but sadly did not inherit my mom’s green thumb so any advice is appreciated! We currently have 4 adorable dogs in our pack and I tend to their various needs. Recently I started volunteering with TROT (Therapeutic Riding of Tucson) and am excited to see where that takes me.
I have always known that I wanted to work with animals, and they have been my passion for as long as I can remember. I had two memorable dogs growing up and they helped guide me to veterinary medicine where I would find my heart’s work. I grew up in Southern Arizona and am happy to call Northern Tucson my home. You won’t find me living anywhere cold. The desert is in my blood.
I have been a veterinary technician for more than 20 years. I graduated from the University of Arizona in 2006, Go Wildcats! I have a degree in Animal Science and became a Certified Veterinary Technician in 2011. Over the years, I developed a passion for practicing veterinary medicine at the highest level, with a continued focus on education and constant improvement. Because let’s face it, our fuzzy family deserves the best.
Throughout the last 6 years, I have made veterinary management and leadership education my primary focus. I strongly believe that if you develop and build a strong team of veterinary professionals you will produce top-notch veterinary care. I love being able to take the time with pet families, creating a partnership in their veterinary care. I was drawn to the unique mission of Caring Ways, where I am excited to continue to develop my enthusiasm for practicing exceptional veterinary medicine. I recently have become Fear Free certified because I believe that making pets and pet parents feel safe is essential to a successful veterinary visit.
When I’m not at work, I spend my time at home with my spouse, Chris, and our most precious dog Billy. We enjoy camping and escaping to our mountain cabin as often as possible. You will often find me reading or working on a never-ending cross-stitch project. I am a proud Gryffindor, who never got her Hogwarts letter.
I consider it a privilege to be the voice for animals who cannot speak for themselves. Combine that with my interest in science, my enjoyment of connecting with people, and my pleasure in sharing knowledge, and I have found my ideal profession being a veterinarian. I am blessed to have this career.
Caring for the unique needs of each patient in this practice is of utmost importance to me. It is also important that your pet’s visit with me is as positive as possible. The main reason that most pets do not receive the preventive care they need is the stress that can be associated with visiting the veterinarian. I do my best to minimize this stress. Caring Ways Veterinary Clinic was born from the notion that pets don’t need to fear going to the veterinarian. You will quickly see that an appointment with me is very different than most appointments you’ve been to with your pets.
I value and practice advanced pain management for all my patients. Being able to keep a patient comfortable and to minimize pain is not only kind and compassionate, but it also allows for a speedier recovery and decreases the risk of post-operative complications and chronic post-operative pain.
I believe that you can be your pet’s best advocate. My role is to give you the information you need to do that. I absolutely believe that we work in partnership for the well-being of your pet. It is my responsibility to you and to your pet to share with you what I know, and to give you the tools and information to help you make the best choices for your loved ones.
Education
” Photo taken from the boat that Dr. Hilden jumped off of – looking across the San Francisco Bay at the swimmers heading back to the shores of the St. Francis Yacht Club, San Francisco”
