How long at ABAC: Started on 4/21/2018

How long in the field: 8 years (Graduated May 2010)

Background and Schooling: Grew up in Colorado Springs/Manitou Springs. Manitou Springs High School grad (2002). BS in Zoology and Doctor of Vet Medicine from Colorado State University (both in 2010, long story…). Worked ~ 8 years as an ophthalmology student technician at CSU. Also was raised by wolves (1000+ volunteer hours over 8 years at a Wolf and Wolf-dog sanctuary near Fort Collins, CO).

Favorite part of the job: I love preventative medicine because I love teaching. Though I don’t get the opportunity to teach Veterinary students anymore, I love the chance to teach people things they may not have known about their pets.

My own pets: One very spoiled Great Pyrenees mix dog named Mistaya (Misty for short).

Hobbies outside of work: Handyman- I love to build/repair/create things (woodworking, classic VW tinkering, etc). Collector (pronounced “Hoarder”)- I love garage sailing/ thrift store shopping, especially looking for 1980’s toys. Gamer (pronounced “Geek or Nerd”)- I love tabletop gaming with friends.

I started at ABAC in June 2017.

How long at ABAC: Started on 8/27/2018

How long in the field: 2 years (Graduated October of 2016)

Background and Schooling: Born and raised in Colorado Springs. Was a 3rd generation graduate from William J. Palmer High School in 2014, completed the CVA program at PIMA in 2016. I hope to go back to school to become a DVM. I’ve always wanted to be a vet since I was little.

Favorite part of the job: I love seeing the pets walk out of the clinic healthy and happy. I started out in this field in emergency and way too often I didn’t see that. I love that I’m also still constantly learning new ways to help animals.

What I love about ABAC: I love how chill the environment is. I love that the doctors and techs are willing to take their time to teach me new things. Everyone is so friendly here.

My own pets: I’ve always had several pets in my house. Currently I have a spoiled Siamese cat named Kinzey, a crazy rescue mutt (Australian Cattle Dog/Chow Chow) named Koda, a fat potato guinea pig named George, and a mellow Red Eared Slider named Tily.

Outside of work: I’ve always been captivated by nature. I try to escape to the mountains whenever I can. I also really love photography, specifically in nature. I always have my camera with me ready to capture any gorgeous sight that Colorado will give me.

My happy home is filled with 3 dogs and a cat, all of them were rescues. The 3 dogs and I love summertime because we are able to go on walks. My hobbies include cooking/baking, gardening and working on my bonsai trees. I am also the vice president of Pikes Peak Bonsai Society.

How long in the field: I’ve been in the veterinary field since 2008

Background and Schooling: I got my associates degree in 2012 and I’ve been a certified veterinary assistant since 2010. I’m currently in school working on my bachelors’ degree.

Favorite part of the job: I love interacting with the clients and meeting all the wonderful pets that come in.

What I love about ABAC: The best part of my job is seeing pets grow up from their first puppy or kitten visit and well into their adult years.

My own pets: I have 2 dogs and 2 cats!

Outside of work: Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and exploring the mountains in Colorado. I love snowboarding in the winter and riding horses with my friends!

How long have you worked in the field: I have been a technician for almost 18 years.

Background and schooling: I was born in Clearwater, Florida then moved to Phoenix Arizona when I was 12. I graduated in 1999 from South Mountain High School in Phoenix. I then graduated from Long Technical College in 2001 with my associate’s degree. I recently moved to Colorado Springs in 2017 for a fresh start and have now found a home (ABAC) that I enjoy going to daily.

What’s your favorite part of your job: I enjoy being able to educate pet parents on how to properly care for their furry family members, as well as getting to play with the puppies and kittens that come in for the wellness appointments. I also enjoy the opportunities that our doctors give us to learn and further our education while we work.

Do you have any of your own pets: Let’s see…I have a registered medical alert pitty that is spoiled beyond belief and 3 kitties- 1 orange tabby female, 1 Turkish Angola mix male, and 1 Ragdoll male which are all also spoiled brats.

What do you like to do outside of work: Well I don’t have much spare time for hobbies with 4 animals, 7 children, and 2 grandkids but when I do get the chance my husband and I like to go to movies, dinner, fishing, or the shooting range.

How long in the field: I have been in the veterinary field for about three years total.

Background and schooling: I went to Red Rocks community college where I received an AA degree and then started work on my Psychology degree at Metropolitan State University. I only have two semesters left and I will be finishing at UCCS.

Favorite part of the job: I ended up working in the veterinary field by complete chance but I love it so much. My favorite part of the job is solving problems for our clients and making their lives easier. I love being able to turn someone’s day around. Our pets are like family and I know how hard it is when they aren’t feeling well. I’m glad I’m at a job where I can see a pet’s entire life turn around. Also, petting all the cute animals isn’t so bad either!

My own pets: I have a 9 year old border collie named Rilo that I adopted when he was only 8 weeks old. He’s the sweetest, calmest Border Collie you’ll ever meet! Since moving to the springs I have acquired my fiancés pets as well. A fluffy 3 year old cat named Munchlax and a 12 year old Puggle named Frisco!

Hobbies outside of work: When I’m not at work or doing school work, I love hanging out with my husband, reading and re-watching the Office on Netflix. I also love going to the beach (although I only get to do that once a year). It really is too bad that Colorado is a landlocked state.