This month, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of our incredible veterinary technicians whose path to veterinary ophthalmology is as unique as it is inspiring.
Sometimes the most meaningful careers begin in the most unexpected places. Our featured technician’s journey to veterinary medicine started not in a science classroom, but through the power of love—love for a sick cat and the compassionate veterinary team who taught her how to care for him at home.
From Green Mountains to Bean Town and Beyond
Born and raised in Vermont, our spotlight technician initially followed her passion for the written word, pursuing poetry studies in Boston. “I always had an interest in science,” she reflects, “but poetry was calling to me at the time.” It was during college that she welcomed her first feline companion into her life, a decision that would ultimately change her entire career trajectory.
After college, life took her west to Oregon, where a pivotal moment occurred. When her beloved cat became seriously ill and hospitalization was financially out of reach, the local veterinary team stepped up in an extraordinary way. They taught her how to administer medications and subcutaneous fluids at home, transforming a pet owner’s crisis into an educational opportunity.
“I was hooked on veterinary medicine immediately,” she says. The only challenge? At the time, she was working at Salt & Straw ice cream factory. But where there’s a will—and excellent ice cream—there’s a way. She cleverly bribed the hospital manager with her ice cream to land her first veterinary job.
Finding Her Calling in Ophthalmology
Starting at the front desk, it didn’t take long for her to realize that “the fun is in the back.” She quickly transitioned to technical work, where her true passion lay. Her journey led her to a veterinary ophthalmology clinic, where she spent several years discovering that “eyeballs are super cool.”
This specialized experience in ophthalmology proved invaluable when she returned to her Vermont roots last year, joining the BEVS ophthalmology team where she continues to combine her love for animals with her fascination for ocular health.
Life Beyond the Clinic
Her life has expanded beautifully since those early days with her first cat. She is now married and the proud parent of two dogs and two cats. But her creative side remains strong; she continues writing poetry regularly, proving that science and art can coexist beautifully.
Fun Facts That Make Us Smile
Getting to know our team members beyond their professional expertise is always a joy. Here are some delightful details about our September spotlight:
She once had a pet blue lobster (talk about unique pet choices!), and her sweet tooth has a very specific preference: Twin Snakes gummies. Her dedication to her field is evident in her collection of several jars of eyeballs salvaged from surgeries, split between home and work—a true ophthalmology enthusiast!
Music brings her joy too, and she’s a proud Swiftie. But perhaps most endearing is her emotional connection to childhood magic: she admits to crying (as an adult) when meeting Winnie the Pooh at Disney.
And for those wondering about work-life balance, she’s found the perfect lunch routine: the same turkey, cheddar, spinach, and red onion sandwich on wheat bread every single day. Sometimes consistency is exactly what you need in a busy veterinary environment.
A Testament to Following Your Passion
Her story reminds us that career paths rarely follow straight lines, and sometimes the most fulfilling work finds us when we’re open to unexpected opportunities. From poetry student to ice cream worker to veterinary ophthalmology technician, her journey showcases how personal experiences—like caring for a sick pet—can illuminate our true calling.
We’re grateful to have such a dedicated, creative, and passionate team member as part of our BEVS ophthalmology family. Her unique blend of scientific curiosity, artistic sensibility, and genuine love for animals makes her an invaluable part of our team.
Want to learn more about our ophthalmology services or meet our amazing team? Contact BEVS today to schedule a consultation.