Born in Ohio, but raised in multiple states and Venezuela, Dawn is a 1990 graduate of Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Her pre-veterinary work included residential support for adults with developmental disabilities, wholesale tropical fish medicine, and caring for thoroughbred racehorses. This diverse body of experience has allowed her to explore many aspects of veterinary medicine.
After 6 years as a small animal practice associate, Dawn founded Dale Animal Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which was a regional leader in progressive small animal surgery and medicine for 25 years. She served on the board of an animal rescue, and participated in animal research oversight on two IACUCs including for the largest research lab in South Dakota, Sanford Research. Her professional interests include ultrasound, internal medicine, reconstructive/plastic surgery, dentistry, and behavior. Dawn is fluent in Spanish, and speaks a smattering of French, German, and ASL.
Dawn’s family life has afforded her a unique perspective into clients’ needs. Raised in a large Venezuelan extended family, she has 4 children between the ages of 42 and 20. Aaron, the oldest, has Down Syndrome; Becky has 3 children; Johnny and Joey still live in Sioux Falls and have been an invaluable resource with technology and social media.
Dawn spends her free time cooking, traveling, and beach-combing on Honeymoon and Caladesi Islands. She lives with her committed life partner, Scott, multiple fish tanks, and the gravitational center of the universe: StarBuck the tabby cat.
