I am a mother and a Veterinarian, with a passion for fitness and community involvement. I grew up in Philadelphia, PA and moved to Louisiana to attend LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, I fell in love with the Northshore and opened Mandeville Animal Hospital 10 years ago on Girod St. in Old Mandeville. I love to play tennis, especially with my son, teach group fitness classes, and I can often be found in the kitchen baking. I am a co-founder and chair of the Mandeville dog parade, Krewe du Pooch, on the beautiful Lakefront and a past-President of the Old Mandeville Business Association.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am married to my wonderful husband, Joe, who is the Community President for OnPath Federal Credit Union. We have 3 beautiful children, Blake,16, attends St. Scholastica Academy, Kellen, 13, attends Our Lady of the Lake, Luke,12, attends Tchefuncte Middle School, a German Shepherd named Leo, and a parakeet named Echo. I am also fortunate to have my mother, Cynthia live locally.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I have been a Veterinarian with 15 years of dedicated practice. I have the privilege of a deeply fulfilling career that combines my passion for animals and their well-being. The most rewarding aspect of my career is witnessing the positive impact I’ve made on the lives of my patients and the relationships I have cultivated with their owners and families. I look forward to continuing to make a significant impact on animals and the community.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Megumi, Desi’s Steakhouse, Pardo’s, Papillion’s, Nuvolari’s, Coffee Rani
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
10 years
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Although she lives on the Southshore, I met her through my involvement through business and networking in our local community. Katherine Klimitas is unquestionably the most fascinating individual I’ve had the privilege of working with and knowing. Her inspiring journey, marked by her resilience in the face of Osteogenesis Imperfecta, demonstrates the depth of her character and determination. Katherine’s artistic abilities in her animal artwork and successful entrepreneurship despite her physical limitations is beyond remarkable and a true inspiration.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Anything with Will Ferrel. Yellowstone, Golden Girls, Heels, Game of Thrones, Food Network
Q: What advice would you give to people?
In a world often preoccupied with competition and comparison, my advice to others would be to prioritize kindness, self-improvement, and genuine happiness. Instead of striving to be better than others, focus on being the best version of yourself. Embrace your unique qualities and talents, and let them shine in a way that uplifts and inspires those around you. Kindness with truly genuine intentions should be at the core of every interaction. Practice self-care, slow down, enjoy nature, be active, and be aware of the foods you put in your body.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
The Old Mandeville Lakefront area restaurants and bars
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Kenny Chesney because I love his music and I am a huge fan, but I would love to specifically discuss how he personally facilitated the evacuation of over 1,400 animals from the Virgin Islands after Hurricane Irma. It would be an excellent opportunity to learn, collaborate and further support protecting animals during natural disasters including future hurricanes. Barley Oak would be the perfect relaxed place to overlook Lake Pontchartrain.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love the quaintness and the eccentricity of the Lakefront area and Old Mandeville, the safeness of the community, along with a strong support of our local businesses.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
In the next 5 to 10 years, I envision myself continuing to make a meaningful impact in the field of veterinary medicine, our local community and animal rescue. As a veterinarian, I aspire to further expand on wellness and preventative care with my integrative practice to ensure the best well-being of my patients. Simultaneously, I plan to expand my involvement in the community, especially through initiatives like the Krewe Du Pooch dog parade. This annual event has not only brought joy to our community but has also raised funds and awareness for animal welfare causes. In the coming years, I aim to grow the parade’s reach and impact through community collaboration ensuring that even more animals in need can benefit from the love and care they deserve.
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I had planned to be an art major in college and pursue a career as a production potter. I have cabinets full of functional pottery that I made during college.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
The beach
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
I find inspiration in various people and daily, but both my son and my animal patients are a constant reminder to strive and push myself for personal and professional growth.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Comfort, safety, family
