Gardenia is originally from Santa Barbara, California, where she was born and raised surrounded by animals. From a young age, she felt a deep connection to them and knew as early as five years old that she wanted to become a veterinarian. That early sense of purpose has continued to guide her path and shape her passion for animal care.
She pursued her undergraduate education at Cal Poly Pomona and is now a veterinary student at Western University of Health Sciences, Class of 2027. Prior to veterinary school, Gardenia gained experience working in specialty hospitals, which gave her early exposure to advanced medicine and helped build a strong clinical foundation. As she continues her education, she is excited to expand her skills and explore the many paths within veterinary medicine.
Animals have always played a central role in Gardenia’s life. Growing up, she had seven dogs, a cat, and two hamsters, experiences that naturally deepened her compassion and understanding of animal care. Today, her love for animals continues with her cat, Chicken Nugget, who remains a special part of her everyday life.
Outside of veterinary medicine, Gardenia enjoys staying active and spending her time doing things she loves. You can often find her at the gym, playing soccer, watching movies, or trying new foods. She has also spent a lot of time in Las Vegas over the years, both for soccer and visiting family, making the city a familiar and exciting place for her.
Gardenia is particularly interested in small animal neurology, though she remains open-minded as she moves through her clinical rotations. She recently discovered an appreciation for dentistry during a short rotation and is eager to continue exploring different areas of medicine. After graduation, she plans to pursue an internship to strengthen her clinical skills and build confidence in her practice, with long-term goals that may include owning her own veterinary hospital one day.
