Peaceful Paws

"I am a native of Canada, born and raised in Montreal

and no stranger to the hustle and bustle of big city living.

I was immersed at a very young age in its diverse culture, cuisine,

and lifestyle, and spoke fluent English and French. Growing up

I always longed to escape the business of city life and sought solitude

in the beautiful mountains, rivers and countryside, connecting with

nature every chance I could.

I dreamt of becoming a veterinarian from an early age. I watched

nature shows and read countless books on animals and science.

My parents were never surprised when I brought home stray cats,

injured birds and abandoned baby squirrels to care for them.

I remember taking our cat to our local vet for vaccines at the age of 9

and knew from that moment on that I would pursue a career in

veterinary medicine. I was hired on as a kennel worker/tech assistant at

the Montreal Humane Society during my undergraduate studies, where

I gained invaluable experience caring for injured, abandoned, and unwanted animals. Some days were particularly emotional for me as I comforted them in their final moments, however I truly believe this experience made me realize the blessing of being able to alleviate suffering. 

After receiving my veterinary degree at the University of Montreal College of Veterinary Medicine, I accepted a 4 year internship and residency at University of Illinois in Food Animal Internal Medicine and Surgery. My training focused on research, herd health, and production medicine in the rural community. Although I enjoyed working with farmers and their cattle, goats, sheep, and llamas, I found myself gravitating towards the individual pet cow, pot-bellied pig, or pygmy goat where I could nurture the intimate human-animal bond. After my residency, I accepted a position in a fast-paced, well-respected Veterinary Hospital caring for canine and feline patients. During my 18 years of general practice, the importance of end-of-life care and improving the experience for families and their beloved pets became more apparent. I completed the AHPC (Animal Hospice and Palliative Care) program and obtained my certification in October 2020 as an effort to better serve these families. I joined Lap of Love a few short months after resigning from my position in general practice relocated to Southwest Florida, and it could not have come at a more perfect time. I found my passion in guiding and supporting families and pets through their own unique end-of-life journey. Since moving back to Illinois in 2024 to reunite with my loved ones, I started my own mobile practice to provide this invaluable service to the Greater Peoria Area.

As we get older and wiser, I think we come to realize what is truly important in life. Making time for loved ones and creating new memories with them is something I cherish dearly. I've been blessed with a wonderful husband and three beautiful children whom I thank God every day for this priceless gift. I have the privilege of sharing our home with five cats who allow us to come and go as we please as long as we continue to pay the bills and put food on the table (or in this case their bowls!). Needless to say, we cater to their every whim! In my free time, I enjoy traveling with my husband, taking road trips across North America and exploring new places. This special time away allows me to refuel and focus on my spiritual and mental health and well-being so that I can continue to serve the veterinary community, while making a difference in the lives of people and pets."