I was born in San Francisco, California, and grew up in the Bay Area with four brothers, a cat, and two corgis.  The corgis were from my grandmother, who judged dog obedience all her life.  In addition to pets, I love horses and wildlife.  

​I attended Cornell University as a biology and animal science major undergraduate. Veterinary school at Cornell followed, where my future husband Michael Powers and I met.  We married in 1983 after I graduated from Veterinary School.  We worked at mixed veterinary practices to learn skills from seasoned veterinarians until 1987, when we started Cooperstown Veterinary Associates.  We have three wonderful children—Taylor Powers, wife Amber Powers, and son Ezra, Chai Powers, and Vaughan Powers.  Taylor is the drama department director at SUNY Delhi and an artist and published author.  Amber is a nurse and artist.  Chai is attending graduate school in Nova Scotia and is an animation artist and writer.  Vaughan is a San Diego State University studying English and several foreign languages.  

We all enjoy our animals at home, gardening and country life, and our family.  Michael and I have always prided ourselves on quality veterinary care and worked very hard to be skilled and trustworthy veterinarians.