I have always loved animals, since I was a little girl. I used to say I was going to be a veterinarian, however, things changed when I grew up. Where I was from, I never knew there were veterinary technicians. I ended up pursing a different career field until I moved to the Quad Cities in 2012. When I was looking for employment, I saw a veterinary assistant position available. I thought, hey why not, I love animals. I could do that. Once I was involved, I fell in love with the excitement, the knowledge, the connection I would develop with these patients. It is rewarding to help all walks of life. I pursued a different avenue in emergency medicine in Chicago. Emergency medicine is really where I excelled. I loved the excitement of not knowing what was going to happen in emergency medicine. After a year in Chicago, it was time to be at home in the Quad Cities. I had been working with Dr. Milas for a long time, opening up her own practice felt like my own home as well. The people I work with are family to me. It is very gratifying working with a team that has become family, especially when their values are similar with mine in this field.
If you could have any animal in the world as a pet, what would it be and why?
If I could have any animal in the world, what would it be? I wouldn’t have anything crazy or exotic. I already have what I thought I never dreamt of having. (However, if dragons were real. I would think a dragon would be cool. Who wouldn’t want to be able to ride their dragon to work?)
Do you have pets? What type/breed and what are their names?
Rue. She is the best dog ever. She is mixed with all the best qualities. She doesn’t know a stranger or what a bad day looks like. Alec is my brown Tabby, he is known as the “magic cat”. Nymeria is my Tortie. She is all the spice and a little bit of nice. Jamin’ is my gray cat. He actually came from Nymeria. He is also known as “Banana Jam” because he is bananas. Mako is my other gray cat. He is known as Bean bean the three-legged machine because he is quite the mouse hunter. Magnus and Alfie and brother Boer goats. They are goofy as ever. No, goats are actually very picky eaters. They just like to put everything in their mouths like toddlers. Peaches and Birdie. My two Toulouse geese. They are more like alert dogs for everything. Don’t turn your back on them. You may get goosed. I also have a few chickens. These girls have very charming personalities.
What is your favorite thing about working with animals?
My favorite part of my job is being able to be the voice for my patients when no one else can be.
