Meet the Team

Dr. Kimberly Parker

Dr. Kimberly Parker was born and raised in Northeastern Ohio. She earned her Bachelor's Degree from Albion College in 2000 and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University in 2006. Her foundation is in emergency medicine, which helped her to realize the passion she had to support pets and their families at their most difficult times. In 2012, she extended this passion to providing compassionate end-of-life care at home, with the foundation of A Gentle Farewell.

Dr. Parker became the first veterinarian in Ohio to become certified in Animal Hospice and Palliative Care through the IAAHPC in 2017.

She is a member of the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC), Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB), Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), and the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society (VECCS). She is also a certified Pet Loss Grief Companion.

In May 2021, Dr. Parker and her husband, James, started A Gentle Pet Cremation to ensure aftercare procedures for the pets of A Gentle Farewell are held to the highest standards, while always remaining in the care of one of our team members.

Dr. Parker and James share their home with many critters including 5 dogs, 1 cat, 2 cockatoos, 1 lizard, and a flock of chickens and ducks. In her spare time, she enjoys live music and traveling.

Dr. Anne Soinski

Dr. Anne Soinski was born and raised in the Cleveland suburbs. She attended The University of Findlay for college, then The Ohio State University to achieve her DVM. She loves spoiling and appreciating her pets and family, and enjoys concerts and cooking vegan cuisine.
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"I feel drawn to help pets pass in peace at home, surrounded by the love of their family and the comfort of their home. Though many people think this job would be sad, I find myself grateful to be able to give pets and their people this gift."

Dr. Jennifer Kinney

Dr. Jennifer Kinney earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from The Ohio State University in May 2011 after spending two years studying for her degree at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Previously, she earned a bachelor's degree in biology from Ohio Northern University in Ada. When not helping clients are home, her areas of veterinary interest are in emergency medicine and surgery. She is also the proud pet parent of a doodle named Coconut and two Maine Coon cats — Rey and Momma.

Dr. Jessica Murphy

Dr. Jessica Murphy grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland and returned to her roots after her schooling. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Dayton in 2009, and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. Dr. Murphy practiced as both a general practitioner and an emergency doctor prior to joining A Gentle Farewell in 2022. She feels honored to be able to assist pets in a peaceful passing in the love and comfort of their home. Outside of work, Dr. Jess enjoys puzzles, cheering on Cleveland's sports teams (Go Guardians!), and spending time with her husband and their two young boys.

Dr. Kelly Sabo

Dr. Kelly Sabo is a Galion, Ohio native. She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Findlay and her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

After completing her schooling, she returned to Galion where she lives with her husband and pets: a hound mix, Olive, and four cats: Nala, Moose, Zeke, and Odin. Dr. Sabo is a member of the International Association of Animal Hospice and Palliative Care (IAAHPC) and has a passion for providing compassionate end-of-life veterinary care for pets. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, creative hobbies, and spending time with family.

"It is an honor to be able to help families navigate end-of-life care for their beloved furry family members. I have experienced pet loss and know how deeply heartbreaking this time can be. I believe providing our pets with a peaceful passing is truly a gift."

Dr. Lisa Fox

Dr. Lisa Fox graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 where she started her love of holistic medicine. She worked for 9 years at her family’s conventional medicine practice before starting her own mobile holistic veterinary clinic, The Divergent DVM LLC. She is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. She is also certified in Chinese Veterinary Food Therapy and Veterinary Aromatherapy. She completed a Masters of Iridology program, is a Reiki Master, and completed additional training in Veterinary Homeopathy. She has earned the title of Performance Horse Medicine and Rehabilitation Practitioner as well as Certified Equine Medical Manipulation Practitioner. She has taught courses on Suicide Awareness, and she feels that you are never done learning. Dr. Lisa loves spending time watching her son’s various sporting events. She enjoys caring for her herd of goats which are one of her favorite animals!

She is the author of “Dr. Lisa’s Animal Anthology” which can be found on Kindle and Amazon.

“I am honored to be part of A Gentle Farewell and able to provide peace and comfort to families in a time of need.”

Dr. Beth Shull

Dr. Beth Shull graduated summa cum laude from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. She has been an ER veterinarian for most of her career, and she has been a part time relief veterinarian for A Gentle Farewell since 2019.

“Being able to help pets pass away peacefully in the comfort of their own home surrounded by their loved ones is extremely rewarding. It is one of the kindest gifts we can give our pets.”

Dr. Garrett Crooks

Dr. Garrett Crooks is originally from Texas, but is now happy to call Cleveland home! He worked in human emergency services before following his true passion and transitioning to veterinary medicine. He attended Texas A&M University for both his Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine degrees before pursuing additional training and educational opportunities. Dr. Crooks’ training took him and his family across the country, touching animal’s lives all along the way.

While the loss of a pet is always heart-rending, Dr. Crooks is grateful for the opportunity to support families through the process. “One of the greatest gifts we can give our pets is a smooth and painless transition to rest, as a display of gratitude for the joy they have given us.”

Dr. Crooks spends most of his free time with his wife and twin young boys, although he also enjoys outdoor activities, caring for his own pets, and all things Disney.

Melissa Peterson

Care Coordinator

After high school, Melissa started college in an engineering program before realizing her true passion was with animals. She graduated from Cuyahoga Community College in 2004 as a Registered Veterinary Technician. She started her career in shelter medicine at the APL before moving onto small animal medicine. Melissa spends most of her time with her husband and 3 kids, but when she does have rare free time she likes to bake cookies, draw, and organize her house. Melissa also has a Pomeranian and 7 cats who she absolutely adores. She has dedicated her life to helping animals, and will be glad to talk to you about end-of-life care options available for your pet.

Alicia Moore

Care Coordinator

Alicia spent her childhood volunteering at many animal shelters and wanting to work with animals, yet after high school she attended The University of Akron for Fashion Merchandising and Spanish Comprehension. She then circled back to remembering her true passion thanks to her childhood Basset Hound: helping animals!

She worked as a Veterinary Assistant in general practice and emergency clinics for 6 years, before joining A Gentle Farewell in 2023. Now Alicia attends Penn Foster College, working towards her associate degree in veterinary technology which she is set to obtain next year. After graduation, she plans to pursue additional training in animal hospice and palliative care.

Alicia spends her free time with her 4 cats, her fiancé, and her family. She likes to read books and binge true crime documentaries. She is passionate about supporting families during their pet’s end-of-life journey, helping to ensure pets cross the rainbow bridge peacefully.