I’m a seasoned vet assistant of 25 years. I became a veterinary professional ever since I knew there was a dr for animals at the age of 8. Before that I wanted to become a brain surgeon because I thought working on the brain would be cool to see what makes us “tick”. I have loved animals since I was a kid and having them always in my life is the constant I look and have looked forward to.
One defining moment happened when I was probably 10. One day my dog jumped through a window and cut his front leg very deep (could see the bone). Not being able to afford the vet and my mom working 60 hours a week, I had to take care of him. Every day I would change and clean his bandage, and he finally healed after a couple weeks.
At the age of 15, I started my first job in a pet store to learn about breeds of dogs — the positive and the negatives — as clients would have questions. I also learned different disinfectants and how to take care of ferrets, rabbits, and gerbils. After a year, I started applying at vet’s offices and got my first veterinary job. After that, one of the Dr’s saw something in me and decided to offer me a job at the local ER vet. I eventually went full time there and stayed for quite some time.
I later moved to FL and got to experience and use skills that I knew I had but never got to use until then. It was in Florida that I placed my first iv cath! I will never forget placing that catheter as it saved a boxer from heat stroke. When I moved back to VA, I got my old job back and I was happy to be home.
My mom and stepdad had to move to Italy, and I could not afford to live on my own, so I moved to NC where my family lived. That brought me to NC, but what brought me to Hickory is that I sent my resume across the state and then performed working interviews to see what area I could afford to live in, who offered competitive salary, and who I liked the best with personality and medicine. Eventually Hickory won me over because I love the mountains and to be able to take care of wildlife that needs help. I am a sucker for any animal that needs help. Big to small, to scaly to furry, 4 legs or no legs, I want to be there for the animals that need the slightest of help. Whether it is holding a paw to a nervous animal or holding a broken leg for the dr to bandage, I will be there!
I came to work at the practice by sending my resume. I am the lucky one who was given the opportunity to try out for the job. I was looking for a culture change from my current place of employment. I started working in Oct 2025.
In practice, I really enjoy helping animals with relaxing and critical care. A relaxing animal can be easier to work with, so I love to help calm their nerves so we can help them. Critical care really gets my brain gears turning and I love to help the drs solve the equation or offer some medicine that will help their case. I also enjoy helping owners understand why we need to do something and what it can tell the dr or them once it’s done. I also love dentals for fast satisfaction!
I grew up in Fayetteville NC and Norfolk VA. My mom was with me most of my life and still is. My grandmas on both sides were influences to rise above any trials or tribulations I may have and to never quit. Can be a good thing or a bad thing. My aunt has always been a second mother to me and has been a constant since she was around a lot. I sadly lost all my grandmothers in 2012, but they never leave me and are kept close to my heart.
My family now consists of my partner, Angie, and her family. We have a mini hobby farm with goats, horses, and chickens on top of our dogs and cats. We have lost 2 pets this year in the past 6 months and are now down to 2 dogs named Phoenix aka Phenny and Leonard aka Lenny. We have 4 cats named Roo, Molly Mae, Nemo, and Triscuit aka Trisky. Nemo has cerebellar hypoplasia and cannot walk, so we build our life around him and his needs which aren’t that demanding.
Our goats bring the funny business to our lives. Bert is the herd king and the biggest little butt head by always being into something. Ernie is the sweet lover boy. Uno is a rescue and has a urinary stoma and loves to head butt any of his siblings. Tumbalina aka Tumby (who is mommy’s sweet baby angel princess) was a rescue at 2 weeks old and she had a broken vertebrae and was in a wheelchair and back brace temporarily while she healed. She can never do no wrong!
Our 2 horses, Lane and Hank, are our saving grace and give us the freedom to escape the reality of life almost every weekend. They are our best friends! We usually have any kind of foster or wildlife around too. So, you really never know what’s going to be at our house 🐾