Dr. Allen is a Virginia native who grew up in the suburbs of Richmond. After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Lynchburg College in 1988, she attended the VA-MD Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her veterinary studies in 1991, and was awarded her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Immediately following veterinary school, Dr. Allen was selected for a one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. From 1992-1995, Dr. Allen practiced emergency medicine before pursuing a three year residency in emergency / critical care medicine at the Animal Medical Center in Milwaukee, WI. She joined the VCA Alexandria Animal Hospital in June of 2002, as a member of the critical care team. Dr. Allen is married and has two cats, Hansel and Taz, and a dog, Kirin.