I have always been an animal lover. My first pet was a mouse named Spot, a wonderful little guy whose memory I still hold dear. As a young student, I wrote all my English papers about different animals, but didn’t realize that my passion for animals was a career alternative until my early 20’s. I volunteered for my veterinarian in Missouri after losing a puppy to distemper virus, and vowed to never feel so helpless in the face of disease again. 

As a college student back in Oregon, I volunteered for Willamette Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and the Cascade Raptor Center. I really enjoyed nursing those beautiful wild birds back to health- and releasing them was a breath-taking, humbling experience.  I was introduced to exotic parrots by my mentor, Dr. Marcia Merryman, and have pursued the art and science of avian medicine ever since.

I attended veterinary school at Oregon State University and Washington State University and was a founding member of the Exotic Animal Medicine Club at OSU. While attending school in Washington, I was involved with the Raptor Club and helped with the annual health evaluation of a herd of bighorn sheep in northern Idaho. I took all the available classes on avian and exotic animal medicine and attended several Association of Avian Veterinarian conferences to increase my knowledge and skills in avian and exotic animal medicine. I also regularly attend continuing education seminars and conferences to keep up with the constant advances in veterinary medicine.

Being involved in my community is important to me. I am currently a Greenhill Humane Society board member and sit on the Animal Care Committee. I have served as Vice President and President of the Lane County Veterinary Medical Association. I volunteer for the Pet Wellness Fair and Adopt-A-Thon, sponsor Adopt-A-Thons at my clinic, and provide complimentary examinations to pets adopted from rescue organizations.  

I’ve owned City Center Cat & Bird Clinic since 2003 and really love our quiet, relaxed atmosphere. My staff and I strive to provide the best quality care in a home like setting to keep our patients (and clients!) as happy and stress free as possible. You are welcome to visit anytime—come meet the staff, browse through our wonderful selection of toys and pet supplies, and see what we have to offer. I hope to see you soon!—Becky