Nicknamed “The Firestarter,” Natalie is celebrated as a visionary in veterinary pharmacy, a recognition bestowed upon her by her esteemed colleagues and mentors. Her groundbreaking work, particularly as the Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services at Vets Pets, underscores her innovative spirit.

A North Carolina native, Natalie's early fascination with medicine and animal health set the stage for a distinguished academic and professional journey. She honed her expertise at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, followed by earning a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A testament to her commitment to excellence, Natalie achieved Board Certification in Sterile Compounding from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties in 2022.

 Natalie's career trajectory reflects her dynamic approach and determination to redefine boundaries. Initially drawn to pediatric oncology, she soon discovered her true calling in veterinary medicine. This pivot was sparked by an enlightening interaction with a global leader in the field, revealing a significant gap between human and veterinary pharmacology. This realization ignited her pursuit to bridge this divide.

Her professional path took a notable turn following a post-doc year as an independent pharmacy fellow and a visiting scholar at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Joining Realo Drugs as the Veterinary Pharmacy Director, Natalie was instrumental in establishing Realo Veterinary Pharmacy (RVP) and securing its PCAB accreditation. Under her guidance, RVP's trailblazing methods garnered industry-wide attention, leading to a series of mergers, national acclaim, and a pivotal acquisition in 2023. This success marked a turn in her career, as Natalie set her sights on forging a new path in the veterinary sector and a return to her roots.

As an educator and speaker, Natalie has been fortunate to participate in numerous veterinary and pharmaceutical conferences, where she shares insights from the veterinary field and the opportunities and dynamics of entrepreneurial leadership. Her publications, lauded for their practical relevance, continue to impact the field significantly. Natalie's influence extends into academia, underscored by her role as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Education at UNC-Chapel Hill's Eshelman School of Pharmacy, where she helps nurture the next generation of pharmacists.

In her personal life, Natalie is passionate about running, swimming, and old-school hip-hop music. A wine enthusiast, she enjoys cooking and spending quality time with her husband, daughter, and dogs. Her commitment to community service is evident through her volunteer work and contributions to organizations like the Junior League of Raleigh and the Carolina Basset Hound Rescue.

Natalie's journey in veterinary pharmacy is a beacon of innovation, education, and dedication to animal health. Natalie's relentless pursuit of excellence in veterinary pharmacy not only reshapes the landscape of animal health care but also sets a benchmark for future generations in the field.