Dr. Ippolito grew up in Iowa and, alongside her husband—a Washington native—had long dreamed of returning to the Pacific Northwest. They both fell in love with Oregon during a visit, drawn in by the mountains, the smell of rain and fresh air, and the endless opportunities for hiking and outdoor adventure. When they discovered Oregon Veterinary Referral Associates and the welcoming community of Eugene, they knew they had found the perfect place to call home.

Dr. Ippolito earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in Ames. She completed a small animal rotating internship at Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, New Jersey, and went on to finish her residency in small animal internal medicine at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

Her passion for animal care began early—sparked in second grade by her first pet, Harry, a long-haired Peruvian guinea pig. Showing Harry at the county fair and winning Best in Show sealed her love for veterinary medicine and set her on a lifelong path of caring for animals.

Dr. Ippolito shares her home with four beloved pets: Frank, an orange domestic shorthair cat with a surprising taste for apple cider donuts; Lola, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel whose adorable factor increased tenfold after a dental procedure left her tongue permanently hanging out; and two Abyssinian guinea pig brothers, Humphrey and Archibald—the ninth and tenth guinea pigs Dr. Ippolito has lovingly raised.

Outside of work, Dr. Ippolito enjoys spending time in nature, whether hiking, kayaking, or paddleboarding—all part of what makes life in Oregon so fulfilling.