Dynamic Licensed Veterinary Technician with specialized expertise in emergency and critical care currently at Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospitals of Byron Center and Grand Rapids. Proven ability to train staff across diverse skill levels and improve operational efficiency. Skilled in managing interpersonal relationships and resolving conflicts, while fostering a collaborative work environment. Dedicated to maintaining compliance with current veterinary standards and committed to continuous improvement and delivering exceptional patient outcomes.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital of BC
10.2018 - Current
Training Lead
I accepted this position in 2021.
My co-lead and I are responsible for training around 75 individuals from entry level/no prior experience all the way through gas anesthesia and shift leading. I lead the training team for our Byron Center location and we equally assist those who bounce between both hospitals.
The number varies by how many are actively in training, but I am still responsible for keeping fully trained staff up to date on any changes in procedures and protocols. The total number of staff is closer to 160 individuals.
I instruct via in-person powerpoints, at-home learning modules, and in-person hands-on training sessions. All of which are created and maintained by myself and my co-lead.
I am in charge of CPR training for staff. Once a year I offer around six open-door sessions for staff members to attend to refresh their CPR skills. I come in during day shift and night shift to allow all staff members the opportunity to join.
I am the lead Baker Supervisor for both hospitals in charge of coordinating schedules for students to rotate through ER as well as those who complete their eight week externships with us.
I also assist Penn Foster students looking for externship opportunities and manage their schedule and training as well.
Training other LVTs in operations and advanced procedures.
Specialty Float Technician
I accepted this position in June 2024.
I currently work with Ophthalmology, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Emergency, and am helping start up our Cardiology department.
I am the only technician at either hospital that routinely works in every department.
General Technician duties:
Administering medications to animals in treatment and documenting changes in condition.
Recording symptoms and documenting medical observations to inform treatment decisions.
Providing direct care to patients and assisting with procedures such as radiology, endoscopy, critical care, and anesthesia.
Maintaining critical patients hospitalized within Snyder ICU units.
Prepare surgical instrument packs and drapes for use in sterile environments by processing in autoclave.
Triaged incoming patients to determine treatment needs and urgency of care.
Assess paws, ears, eyes, and lymph nodes for injuries, infections, or abnormalities as part of initial evaluation.
Analyzing lab-work and sample results using IDEXX machines to assist the DVM in diagnosing diseases and conditions.
Collecting patient biopsies and blood samples for laboratory analysis.
Greeting pet owners and going over available services, outlined costs, and determining any special needs of animals under care.
Processing new patients and updating client records with key information using standardized registration systems and encrypted databases.
Cleaning and disinfecting exam areas, surgical equipment, and kennels to prevent diseases and control odors.
Extra Responsibilities I assisted with:
Hospital inventory and tracking.
Controlled drug counting and logging.
OSHA coordinator for both hospitals.
Software Engineering Intern
Dematic Corp
05.2016 - 12.2016
Worked in software engineering group with a focus in project management.
Collaborated with software engineers to develop and test application procedures for system efficiency.
Participated in code reviews and maintained high-quality standards throughout codebase.
Shadowed team members to learn new tasks and how to appropriately handle technical issues.
Coordinated project tasks among multiple departments.
Worked with developers to identify and remove software bugs.
Proofread technical documentation and user manuals.
Worked with design teams and Senior Software Engineers to build customized software products for consumers.
Cashier
Costco Wholesale Corp
09.2014 - 05.2015
Operated cash register for cash, check, and credit card transactions with excellent accuracy levels.
Helped customers complete purchases, locate items, and join reward programs.
Answered questions about store policies and addressed customer concerns.
Worked flexible schedule and extra shifts to meet business needs.
Addressed customer needs and made product recommendations to increase sales.
Built relationships with customers to encourage repeat business.
Counted money in cash drawers at beginning and end of shifts to maintain accuracy.
Learned duties for various positions and provided backup at key times.
Assistant Manager
Jimmy John's
09.2011 - 08.2014
Offered hands-on assistance to customers, assessing needs, and maintaining current knowledge of consumer preferences.
Monitored cash intake and deposit records, increasing accuracy, and reducing discrepancies.
Completed regular inventory counts to verify stock levels, address discrepancies, and forecast future needs.
Supervised day-to-day operations to meet performance, quality and service expectations.
Trained personnel in equipment maintenance and operation.
Opened and closed location and monitored shift changes.
Generated repeat business through exceptional customer service.
Maintained professional demeanor by staying calm when addressing unhappy or angry customers.
Camp Counselor
Camp Bow Wow
10.2013 - 02.2014
Managed pet safety and wellness in owners' absence by securing yard gates and removing items that could make pets sick.
Communicated professionally with pet owners via phone, email, and text.
Exercised animals regularly with walks and rigorous play activities.
Gave animals proper attention to promote secure environment in owner's absence.
Monitored animal behavior and completed examinations to identify illnesses, injuries, or potential diseases.
Followed pet care instructions for dietary needs and medication regimens.
Kept cages, kennels, play yards, and grooming areas neat and clean.
Washed, trimmed, and brushed animals to maintain good grooming standards.
Developed and implemented enrichment plans to keep animals healthy and stimulated.
Contributed to client retention by consistently providing outstanding customer service to both clients and pets.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Information Systems
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI
General Education Credits To Transfer To GVSU - Computer Information Systems
Grand Rapids Community College
Grand Rapids, MI
Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology
Baker College
Muskegon, MI
05-2019
Skills
Small animal and Exotic animal care
Animal restraint and handling (Fear Free Certified)
Emergency and Critical care (Recover CPR Certified)
Education and training of peers and new staff members
Scheduling and Forecasting
Incorporating new knowledge and techniques into current practices
Conflict resolution
Inventory tracking and ordering
OSHA compliance
Certification
Fear Free Certified
Recover CPR Certified
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Limited Working
Timeline
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Animal Emergency and Specialty Hospital of BC
10.2018 - Current
Software Engineering Intern
Dematic Corp
05.2016 - 12.2016
Cashier
Costco Wholesale Corp
09.2014 - 05.2015
Camp Counselor
Camp Bow Wow
10.2013 - 02.2014
Assistant Manager
Jimmy John's
09.2011 - 08.2014
Bachelor of Science - Computer Information Systems
Grand Valley State University
General Education Credits To Transfer To GVSU - Computer Information Systems
Grand Rapids Community College
Associate of Applied Science - Veterinary Technology
Animal Care Attendant at WAVES West Coast Animal Veterinary Emergency Specialty HospitalAnimal Care Attendant at WAVES West Coast Animal Veterinary Emergency Specialty Hospital