so glad you’re here
I’m Tai. I can’t wait to treat your pets as if they’re my own!
You deserve to feel a special bond with anyone you invite into your home, and that includes your friendly neighborhood house call veterinarian! I want you to feel empowered when it comes to your pet’s health, and that journey starts with trust. Read on to learn a little more about me. : )
nature-loving • honest • open-minded • chocolate-devouring • dedicated • passionate • learning-obsessed • non-judgemental • flexible • compassionate • free-spirited • empathetic • hopeful • ready… to be your integrative house call vet! Keep scrolling to learn more
my passion, my drive
From a young age, I felt called to strengthen the bond between people and animals
I’ve always been fascinated by the human-animal bond! Growing up, I spent much of my time with horses, cattle, dogs, and cats. I started working on a horse farm when I was 10, worked at the county shelter in high school, and showed horses across the country from age 13 to 18. In college, I worked on a Highland Cattle farm and developed a deep appreciation for cattle. In veterinary school, I was involved in charity dog washes, organized vaccine clinics for the local tribal nation, and studied in Costa Rica at a wildlife rescue center.
3 values I developed early on
Compassion
Empathy and kindness are second nature to me. I spread love to my loved ones, my patients, and my guardians. It’s my honor and my pleasure.
Integrity
I never compromise when it comes to my values. That means I’m always honest and upfront, both in my personal and professional life.
Alignment
I believe everyone deserves relationships filled with mutual respect and trust. I connect with those who share my values and open-mindedness.
before I studied integrative medicine,
My veterinary career started with training in traditional medicine
I earned my undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Michigan State University, my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Iowa State University, and my Master of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Iowa.
After completing my studies in 2014, I spent five years working as an associate veterinarian in both Indiana and Chicago. In 2019, I transitioned to working as a freelance veterinarian. From there, I gained a broad range of experience across general practice, urgent care, shelter medicine, and emergency medicine. I also have extensive experience as a soft tissue surgeon.
When I achieved board certification in preventive medicine in 2021, I began to explore new dimensions of veterinary care. I use my knowledge to inform and empower my clients, meeting them where they are when it comes to spiritual beliefs, emotions, finances, logistics, scheduling, and physical abilities.
next stop: integrative studies
My journey led me to study reiki, massage, shamanism, and more
My first foray into complementary medicine was Reiki training. I became fascinated! Now I’ve completed certifications in veterinary medical massage, veterinary botanical medicine, and Shamanism. These holistic approaches enable me to deliver truly well-rounded care, as I provide services that are usually out of reach for dogs and cats. Today, I focus on providing compassionate care to dogs and cats in the comfort of their homes in northeastern Illinois. I’m constantly expanding my skill set so that you can rest assured, knowing your furry friends are receiving the best care possible.
my goals for wilder path wellness
Showing you the whole picture of your pet’s health
You’ll feel even prouder of your caregiving abilities, leading to a stronger bond with your pet.
Presenting you with all your options
You’ll have more options and you’ll understand how to navigate them confidently.
Restoring your faith and trust in vet med
You deserve to feel heard, valued and secure. You deserve to trust your veterinarian.
oh and also… your nature-loving vet is
A passionate jewelry maker!
I started making jewelry as a way to rest and recharge, and now I have a passion for creating whimsical jewelry inspired by fantasy and nature. I use permanently colored copper and brass wire and stones and beads from small businesses around the world.
My handcrafted jewelry is an extension of my personality and the personality of anyone who appreciates and wears it!
a sneak peek at my inner self
4 things I just can't get enough of
crystals, house plants, the beauty of nature, and peanut butter! (I could seriously eat it every day.)
4 things I absolutely cannot stand
when people are inconsiderate and dishonest, don’t respect boundaries, or treat their staff and clients poorly. I also really don’t like being stuck in traffic for hours!
8 adjectives that describe me
compassionate, open-minded, empathetic, loving, free-spirited, hopeful, determined, and free.
One of my favorite things to do
helping animals and their humans. : )
My daily habits and routines
Other than taking supplements/meds in the morning, I don’t really have any! I love freedom, flexibility, fun, and going with the flow. I’m open-minded and not very set in my ways.
These hobbies make me happy
Outside of my work as a veterinarian, I find joy in nature, from discovering new hiking trails to tending my garden. I am passionate about cultivating native plants and growing my own herbs and veggies. I’ve been creating and selling wire-wrapped and woven jewelry since 2017, which is a wonderful creative outlet.
let’s give this a whirl
Are we a perfect fit?
My clients tend to be like me: honest, kind, open-minded, empathetic, aware, and perceptive. If that sounds like you and you’d love a veterinarian to match, I’d be honored to come over and meet your furry friends!