What kinds of things did you like at Nysmith?
It is difficult recalling memories from long ago, however, without many of the classes at Nysmith, I would not be where I am now. From the environmental field trips, to science fairs, and Mrs. Weaver’s creative writing class; it made an indelible mark on who I am.
What did you do after Nysmith?
After I left Nysmith, I attended McLean High School, followed by George Mason University majoring in Biology. I continued my education by obtaining a Masters in Public Health specializing in epidemiology and environmental health from St .George’s University. At that time, I was inducted into the Delta Omega national public health honor society, was certified in public health by the National Board of Public Health and elected by my peers as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Public Health. After a short stint with the USDA as an infectious disease epidemiologist studying a disease process called scrapie, I decided that I wanted to continue my education with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from St. George’s University/Louisiana State University.
After graduation, I completed post graduate surgical training at Dallas Veterinary Surgical Center and a clinical fellowship in companion animal surgery at Louisiana State University. Throughout my formal education I have also been involved with many research projects, most recently in extracorporeal shockwave therapy following orthopedic knee surgery in canines. I have previously also participated in ongoing wildlife conservation/research projects including the Eastern Indigo Repatriation Program and a research effort focusing on the Grenadian tree boa.
Tell us about your job at Frisco Emergency Pet Care.
I am currently a staff veterinary emergency surgeon at Frisco Emergency Pet Care. My current job focuses on emergency surgery and critical care for canines, felines and other more exotic pets when and at whatever time it is required. As a profession, veterinary medicine is extremely rewarding in taking care of pets but also helping clients through difficult times. No day is the same, and the learning never stops.
How did going to Nysmith impact your life during the years you attended from the 3-year-old class (1990) to 2nd grade (1994)?
Although easy to dismiss, I believe that the formative years I spent at Nysmith taught me about building friendships, appreciating different cultures and figuring out that education is more than just homework.
What advice (if any) would you give to a current Nysmith student and/or parent?
In the words of one of my favorite musicians, Warren Zevon, “enjoy every sandwich”. The time passes quickly and what might seem like a begrudging chore in school will soon be a fleeting memory that you wish could be repeated a multitude of times. Always be open to suggestions and new experiences; never be scared to better yourself through education. Education and experience are two things that cannot ever be taken from you.