I have been a part of the Avian & Exotic family since October of 1998, when I was hired as a kennel assistant. After a short four months, I was promoted to receptionist, and eventually a veterinary assistant. Deciding that this career path was the right one for me, I enrolled in the Mesa College Animal Health Technology program and graduated in June 2002.
After graduation and passing the state test, I became a Registered Veterinary Technician. In March 2003 I was promoted to senior technician at Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital, which is my current position.
My responsibilities are enormous and include administering treatments, inducing and maintaining patients under anesthesia, taking x-rays, preparing and assisting with surgeries, inventory, and much more. My job is truly unique and amazing! Everyday, I walk into the office not knowing what a wide variety of animals we are about to work on! It is exciting and never gets dull. I strive to treat each and every animal that comes through the door as if it were my own, with love, respect, and patience. Never does a day go by that I don’t appreciate the little critters that walk through our door!
My personal menagerie ranges from feathered to fuzzy to fur-less! I think of all of them as my family, which include my Collie mixes (Saoirse and Sadie) and my feline friends (Jose, Charlie, Fegis and Gracie). My perch pals include a teenage Yellow Nape Amazon (Diego), two cockatiel (Cabo and Marlin), and a large backyard aviary filled with parakeets, canaries and finches. I also have a gecko, bearded dragon, and tortoises and tarantulas. Most time consuming are my two children who keep me running and occasionally help with the animal madness. My husband Mike is also very supportive and helps make it possible to care for them all!