Dr. Donna always knew she wanted to be a veterinarian. As a high school student, she volunteered at local vet hospitals near her home, and now offers that same courtesy to interested local students. Dr. Donna did her undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech, where she became fascinated with both human and animal behavior. She completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, and then went on to receive a Master’s Degree in Psychology, focusing on Neurological Research, before pursuing her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian.

      After graduating with her DVM in 2002 from Virginia Tech, Dr. Donna married her best friend, Kevin. A year later they relocated to Florida, where she joined a four-doctor, AAHA-certified companion animal practice in Tarpon Springs. It was here that both she and Dr. Mark Downing gained valuable experience while practicing together for several years. Dr. Donna, Kevin and their four-legged children later moved to Lakeland in May 2007 to purchase My Pet’s Animal Hospital.

      Since moving to Lakeland, Dr. Donna has become involved in various community activities such as the Chamber of Commerce, Yoga at Unity Church, and the Lakeland Landsharks, a local triathlon club. In addition to competing in triathlons, Dr. Donna enjoys spending time with their bloodhound, Madison, their 2 cats, Okie and Snorty, and most of all, their baby girl, Shae Hayden, born June 22, 2009.

       Dr. Donna is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and is also certified in Canine Rehabilitation, a specialty that focuses on post-operative rehabilitation, rehabilitation following neurologic injury, and a multi-modal, holistic approach to conditions such as arthritis and obesity.