Dr. Bess has always been passionate about animals and the natural world! She always hoped to obtain the knowledge that would allow her to advocate for and help animals, as in many ways they cannot speak for themselves. After her undergraduate studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, she moved to Germany where she studied veterinary medicine at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover. She worked in Germany in small animal general practice and emergency care until her return to the United States. While completing the AVMA’s accreditation program, she worked in the role of a technician at a small animal hospital in Oakland, CA and as a voluntary veterinarian with various community and shelter medicine programs. She is particularly interested in preventative medicine, including nutrition, feline medicine, and dentistry. She enjoys working with pet parents to help them understand their pet’s needs and to be engaged in their care.
Outside of work, she spends as much time as possible outdoors and with her family. She loves to garden, hike, bike, and swim. She is also passionate about music. She lives in El Cerrito with her wonderful German husband and amazing German cat.