Q. Congratulations on your baby boy! How has becoming a mother changed your perspective—both at home and at work?
A. Becoming a mother has deepened my sense of purpose and reminded me that everything I do leaves a footprint. I hope to be a role model for my son—not just in how I love and care for him, but in how I show up for others, including the animals and people I serve through my work at the Humane Society of Naples and my nonprofit, Wags to Wishes.
Q. How do you balance your roles as a new mom, a veterinarian, and a nonprofit founder?
A. When you love what you do, it doesn’t always feel like work. Being a veterinarian at the Humane Society of Naples and running Wags to Wishes both come from a place of deep passion—and that helps me stay grounded even when life feels overwhelming. I’m also lucky to have an incredible support system in my husband Matt and my circle of mom friends. Surrounding myself with women who lift each other up has made all the difference.
Q. What values do you hope to instill in your son when it comes to kindness toward animals?
A. Kindness, respect, and responsibility are core values we hope to pass on to our son—especially when it comes to animals. I want him to grow up understanding that animals aren’t just companions—they’re living beings who deserve care and empathy. Both my husband Matt and I have dedicated our careers to animal welfare in different ways. Matt, as the CEO of BarkBox, leads with a genuine love for dogs and a creative drive to improve the human-animal bond. Watching him model compassion and leadership in his own work has been inspiring, and I hope our son sees those values in both of us. Ultimately, I want him to learn that using your voice and your platform—no matter the size—to do good is one of the most important things you can do in this world.
Q. Do your pets at home interact with your baby? Any sweet stories to share?
A. Yes! Our dog Gary is especially thrilled that the baby is now eating solid food—he’s basically appointed himself as the cleanup crew. It’s hilarious and kind of heartwarming to watch them form this little routine together. Gary’s always nearby, just waiting for crumbs to fall. It’s a small thing, but it’s part of the everyday joy of raising a child around animals.
Q. You’ve worked with Humane Society Naples for several years—what drives your passion for animal care?
A. My passion has always come from the intersection of medicine and compassion. I started working at the Humane Society of Naples during Hurricane Ian, which was a chaotic and emotional time for so many animals and families in crisis. That experience immediately showed me how powerful this work could be—not just in treating animals, but in supporting the people who love them. I’ve seen firsthand how a little bit of care can completely change a life, and it’s that ongoing impact that keeps me going. It’s not just about medicine—it’s about hope, connection, and community.
Q. What’s one thing you wish every family knew before adopting a pet?
A. I wish more families understood the value of adopting instead of shopping for a pet. There are so many incredible animals in shelters—each one with their own story and potential. When you adopt, you’re not just saving a life—you’re opening up space in the shelter for the next one who needs help. It’s also a great way to teach kids about compassion, second chances, and the importance of giving back.
Q. What are some common mistakes families make when introducing a new pet into a home with children?
A. Going too fast. Kids are naturally excited, and sometimes that enthusiasm can overwhelm a new pet. It’s important to go slow, set boundaries, and help children understand that animals have feelings and need space, too.
Q. How can parents help their kids build safe, loving relationships with family pets?
A. Modeling respect is key. When kids see their parents treating animals with gentleness and understanding, they follow suit. It’s also great to involve children in age-appropriate care tasks—it teaches empathy and responsibility early on. Another wonderful way for families to build that bond is through short-term fostering or shelter outings. Something as simple as taking a dog out for a day trip or fostering a litter of kittens and their mama for a few weeks can be incredibly meaningful for kids. It teaches compassion and patience while also helping animals prepare for their forever homes.
Q. Tell us about Wags to Wishes—how did the idea come about, and what’s the mission behind it?
A. Wags to Wishes started as a way to support Collier County Domestic Animal Services. At the time, they were doing so much with limited resources and didn’t have any major fundraising events to help cover emergency needs. I saw an opportunity to fill that gap by creating a nonprofit that could step in during those critical moments—especially for animals needing urgent medical care or temporary foster placement. What began as a grassroots effort has grown into something truly special. Now, Wags to Wishes hosts the annual Naples Puppy Prom, which has become our largest fundraiser and a fun way to bring the community together to support rescue animals. At the heart of it, our mission is still the same: to keep pets and their people together, especially during times of crisis.
Q. How can families get involved in your nonprofit’s mission—whether through volunteering, fostering, or education?
A. Fostering, donating, or even sharing our mission online makes a difference. We rely heavily on community involvement—it’s the backbone of everything we do. Families can also participate by attending our fundraising events like the Naples Puppy Prom and our upcoming event, Woofstock. These gatherings are not only a lot of fun but also vital in raising support for the pets and people we serve. Whether you can open your home to a foster pet, volunteer your time, or simply come out to celebrate with us, there’s always a way to contribute and be part of this compassionate community.
Q. If your son could read this one day, what would you want him to know about your work and what you stood for?
A. If he reads this someday, I want him to know that his parents dedicated their lives to kindness—whether it was through healing animals, helping families stay together with their beloved pets, or building a community rooted in compassion. We believed that every life matters, and that even small acts of care can create ripples far beyond what you can see. More than anything, I hope he understands that true strength comes from empathy, courage, and standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves. And I want him to know that no matter where life takes him, he carries the legacy of love and purpose that we worked so hard to build—not just for today, but for generations to come.
"A big future goal is to focus on helping elderly individuals care for their pets. So many seniors are bonded to their animals, but face financial or physical limitations that make pet care difficult."
"Adopting a pet is a great way to teach kids about compassion, second chances, and the importance of giving back."
"My advice to other working moms is to be kind to yourself. You don’t have to be everything to everyone. Ask for help, and don’t lose sight of your passions."