I am co-owner with my husband of Blackhawk Veterinary Services, Ltd. I have been with Blackhawk Veterinary since 1998 as a small animal veterinarian. I earned my Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry + Pharmacology at the University of Liverpool in England in 1992 after which I earned my degree in Veterinary Science, also at Liverpool, graduating in 1997 with my BVSC MRCVS (Member of Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons).
I enjoy living and working in this small town community. At our veterinary hospital I enjoy performing surgeries, using the laser, as well as the challenge of being able to diagnose new "cases" or treat a problem so that a pet can be reunited with their loved ones at home. I like knowing they will have a longer and healthier life by preventing diseases and educating owners.
I was born and raised in Lancashire, England. While attending Vet School I met and married my classmate, Kevin Sugden, from Byron, Illinois. We moved to the US in 1997, where we went to Iowa State University to be certified to work in the USA. We became the owners of Blackhawk Veterinary in 2001 and I became a US citizen in 2003. We have two daughters, Amelia, born in 2003, who shows great interest in surgeries and Isabella, born in 2007, who calls herself "Dr. Bella". Both are always excited to come to the clinic and see all kinds of animals. In my free time I enjoy spending time with the girls and shopping.
We have two dogs. Leila, which came to our clinic as a stray and we adopted her. Our newest boy, Mort, is a silver Lab. He was an anniversary gift for our 25th wedding anniversary. We have a couple cats, Emerald & Pipsqueak. We have a pony named Princess and a horse named Nash. Chickens and ducks may frequently be found at our home. While our animals vary in levels of energy and mobility abilities, they all are happy with our home.