Dr. Ricci

When asked in 1st grade to draw what I wanted to be when I grew up, I started drawing animals. At that point in my young life, people were scary (I was an introverted child) and animals were my happy place. A veterinarian seemed like the best option in my young brain. As I grew up, I discovered I actually enjoyed most everything else that came with veterinary medicine—science, math, solving puzzles, and yes even people!

I am originally from Wheaton, Illinois where I raised rabbits and had a variety of other pets growing up. For my undergraduate degree, I majored in biology and Spanish at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While there, I studied in Honduras for a semester and developed a passion for the Honduran culture and people. I had thought I would attend veterinary school in Illinois, but then UW Madison called and mentioned their veterinary mission trips to Honduras and Ecuador, and I was intrigued. After visiting the campus, I knew I would be moving to Madison, Wisconsin.

In 2014, I graduated from UW Madison Veterinary School and practiced mixed animal medicine (primarily dogs and cats but also frequently worked with cows, horses, and small ruminants) for nearly 9 years in Wisconsin. I have loved the variety of the veterinary profession throughout these years, but what I find the most rewarding is working with people to help their animals. Every pet and their human have their own story and when something is wrong, I deeply want to understand and help. I believe listening and communication allow me to help you and your pet in the best way possible. I am very grateful to be a veterinarian and look forward to meeting you and your pets at Four Lakes Veterinary Clinic!

My husband, Daniel, and I live in Madison with our daughter, Annie, and dog, a collie mix named Wiley. We enjoy rock climbing, sailing/winter kiting, gardening, and just being outdoors..