VIDAS began when Dr. Lesli Hick and Cristina Gutierrez invited me to join a spay/neuter clinic crew in Playa del Carmen during the summer of 2002. We had a great clinic, but there was obviously so much more to be done and no local organization capable of doing the needed work. The streets in these areas are covered with sick, starving animals.  The wonderful people of Mexico want to help them, but do not have the financial resources to control the street populations and therefore the diseases that plague the area.  We recognized the need for a sustained presence and vowed to provide as much as we could.  We founded VIDAS that same year and have been working hard toward our cause ever since, sending down several crews a year to do very intensive sterilization clinics.   Working in tandem with the veterinarians in Mexico toward our cause brings a sense of international cooperation that is truly satisfying.  I am constantly amazed and humbled by the people of Mexico who live in such rudimentary conditions, yet welcome us into their neighborhoods with such open arms and unabashed generosity.   I am so proud of VIDAS, our crews, volunteers and our accomplishments so far and know that we will continue to do great things! 

I grew up in Washington State and received a bachelors from the University of Washington.   I graduated from Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine in May of 2005. I am currently working at a small animal clinic in Vancouver, WA.  I have two dogs, Monkey and Pear, and a cat, Perry, who keep me laughing on a daily basis.

Working with VIDAS has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life, and I look forward to working with our great crew and volunteers year after year. Thanks everyone for all your hard work!