Dr. Colleen earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University and her DVM from Western University of Health Sciences in 2020, with a focus on rural mixed animal practice and improving animal welfare. She began her career at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, where she provided multi-species care and helped launch the HQHVSN Mobile Outreach Unit to expand access to spay/neuter and preventive care on the Navajo Nation, and later gained experience in municipal shelters and nonprofit general practice. She now serves on Best Friends Animal Society’s National Shelter Medicine Team, supporting shelters nationwide with outbreak response, population management, and animal welfare consultation, while remaining deeply committed to mentorship and keeping pets with their families.