Dr. Songster, as she is known as to students and clients, grew up in a small town southwest of Buffalo in rural western New York State. She attended a small liberal arts teacher’s college in central NYS with the goal of becoming a physical education teacher but soon realized that her softball skills were non-existent. She pivoted toward the biological sciences and graduated summa cum lad with a B.S. in Biology and Chemistry before earning her DVM from North Carolina State University. Dr. Songster joined the PHC with a wealth of experience in veterinary medicine, having worked in several veterinary practices in NY as well owning her own clinic, Pioneer Paws Veterinary Clinic. She additionally served as an assistant clinic professor of community practice at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Songster focuses on dentistry, anesthesia and pain management, behavioral medicine and low stress handling, and collaborative care. She is passionate about both client and student education and is excited to be a member of UGA’s faculty. At home, she enjoys spending time with her family, 3 cats, and 3 horses.