Personal Experience

I was 25 years old when I began my career in the veterinary industry. I moved to Milwaukee to be with my college sweetheart, Blaine and took the opportunity to enroll in a veterinary assistant training program. From the beginning, veterinary medicine fascinated me, consistently pushing me to ask ‘why’ and compelling me to acquire new skills. I started my career as a receptionist at a local veterinary clinic while pursuing further education, eventually becoming a certified veterinary technician in 2015. Over the last decade, I’ve acquired invaluable insights working with a diverse range of animals, from the loyal companionship of dogs and cats to the delicate care required for small mammals like rabbits and guinea pigs and the specialized attention demanded by birds and reptiles. This journey has been fulfilling and has cemented my dedication to a career that brings me joy and purpose.

I am passionate about surgery, and I find it fulfilling to assist clients and their pets throughout the entire surgery process, from consultation to recovery. As a medical team member, I use my education and experience to ensure the patient’s comfort and safety. My love for theater, which I discovered while working as a stage manager in high school and college, has fueled my passion for surgery. Each instrument in the surgery suite plays a role, similar to props on a stage. Timing, coordination, and communication are crucial, whether a smooth, successful procedure or flawlessly executed scene changes.

At home, we have a diverse and lively collection of pets called “our zoo.” Our animal companions include sugar gliders that we rescued, Nina the umbrella cockatoo, my husband’s fantastic service dog Lulu, and a group of cats that consists of Hank and Wesley, who are both dignified, and Amos and Ishi, who are playful and mischievous duo.

To unwind, I find solace in crafting activities such as cross-stitching. I often draw inspiration from my favorite TV shows or video games. I also enjoy making and fixing cat toys, crafting sleeping pouches and foraging toys for sugar gliders, and creating objects for Nina the cockatoo to destroy.