Cherie Swinney-Saunders
Aledo,TX
Summary
Detail-oriented individual with exceptional communication and project management skills. Proven ability to handle multiple tasks effectively and efficiently in fast-paced environments. Recognized for taking proactive approach to identifying and addressing issues, with focus on optimizing processes and supporting team objectives.
Highly successful Veterinary Technician with significant expertise in anesthesia, surgery and pathology in large animals. Proven history of building strong rapport with owners to provide seamless pet care and foster exceptional service
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Veterinary Technician
Clear Fork Veterinary Clinic
08.2023 - Current
- Assists the veterinarian in medical, surgical, and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; assists the veterinarian in administering anaesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administers fluids
- Gives injections and administers oral medications in accordance with hospital policy
- Assists in restraining animals when necessary
- Comfortable with placing intravenous catheters
- Comfortable administering intravenous injections
- Performs clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heart-worm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records
- Radiographed patients while wearing proper PPE and following facility protocol
- Admits and discharges patients on the doctor's orders, ensuring that patients are well-groomed and in a medically proper state
- Counsels' clients on various aspects of animal care; explains dosage/purpose of medications; reinforces the proper care and procedures that should be followed at home; makes follow-up calls to clients
- Understands usage and dosage for all prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the clients
- Thoroughly cleans all surgical materials after they are used; keeps the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery
- Maintains a proper inventory of all medical supplies as determined by the inventory control system
- Assists other staff members as needed
- Understands and carries out oral and written directions
- Maintains positive, cooperative relationships with other employees
- Provides compassionate care to patients
- Performs all duties per hospital medical policies and procedures
- Prepares and maintains the exam rooms and treatment areas or vehicle
- Performs physical examinations by collecting TPR, records observations on patients
Veterinary Technician
Wildcat Veterinary Clinic
10.2020 - 06.2022
- Helped the veterinarian in medical, surgical, and dental procedures; prepares patients for surgery; assists the veterinarian in administering anesthesia; monitors patients during surgery and recovery; administers fluids
- Gave injections and administers oral medications following hospital policy
- Performed emergency procedures such as control of bleeding, resuscitation with oxygen, opening airways, and external cardiac massage
- Assisted in restraining animals when necessary
- Comfortable with placing intravenous catheters
- Comfortable administering intravenous injections
- Performed clinical laboratory procedures such as fecal flotation exams, heart-worm checks, skin scrapings, urinalysis, and fungal cultures; draws blood for laboratory analysis; maintains file of lab test results and ensures that test results are recorded in patient records
- Radiographed patients while wearing proper PPE and following facility protocol
- Admitted and discharged patients on the doctor's orders, ensuring that patients are well-groomed and in a medically proper state
- Counsels' clients on various aspects of animal care; explains dosage/purpose of medications; reinforces the proper care and procedures that should be followed at home; makes follow-up calls to clients
- Understood usage and dosage for all prescription drugs and can readily explain them to the clients
- Thoroughly cleaned all surgical materials after they are used; keeps the operating room properly stocked and prepared for surgery
- Maintained an inventory of all medical supplies as decided by the inventory control system
- Assisted other staff members as required
- Understood and carried out oral and written directions
- Maintained positive, cooperative relationships with other employees
- Provided compassionate care to patients
- Performed all duties per hospital medical policies and procedures
- Prepared and maintains the exam rooms and treatment areas or vehicle
- Performed physical examinations by collecting TPR, records observations on patients
Animal Keeper- Shows and Ambassador Animals
Kansas City Zoo
08.2019 - 09.2020
- Maintained training animals for shows, basic husbandry, and enrichment behaviors (Free contact and protected contact with California Sea Lions, African Serval, Bobcat, Red River Hog, and several species of birds)
- Did public speaking for the animal shows, animal chats, and media, when assigned
- Prepared diets for the animal collection and cleaning animal holding areas
- Responsible for the daily observation of animal health and welfare
- Maintained daily reports and other records
- Assisted with the movement, capture, and restraint of animal
- Assisted with animal health procedures such as cold laser therapy, topical/oral medication, and proper bandaging
- Answers visitors' questions about the Zoo and animals, as necessary
- Reports births, deaths, injuries and/or other irregular behaviors of animals to manager
- Reports maintenance issues and potential safety hazards to assistant manager
- Performs minor repairs and improvements of exhibits under supervision
- Assists in training new keepers, interns, and volunteers
- Carries out duties and job assignments, delegated by appropriate Animal Assistant Manager, Team Lead or Curator
- Completed over 30 San Diego Global classes
Bird, Mammal and Reptile Manager
SeaQuest Aquarium
09.2017 - 11.2018
- Established a successful animal training program at SeaQuest
- Created and facilitate(d) training Class 101 and 201
- Mentored/overlooked training situations for the Fort Worth location
- Created and implemented new standard operating procedures for all SeaQuest facilities
- Point of contact with USDA and Parks and Wildlife
- Responsible for capturing, crating, and transferring animals using appropriate restraint and handling techniques
- Monitored and inspected animal exhibits to ensure compliance with USDA requirements
- Created nutrition guidelines for the BMR department
- Created/themed assigned areas/enclosures
- Communicated problems or concerns to the appropriate team member/general manager
- Handled all the purchasing for the BMR department
- Monitored animal health, handled medications (injections) and assisted veterinarian with all medical issues
- Monitored all weights for the BMR department
- Responsible for assigned areas which included animals, facilities, and staff
- In charge of finding the animal collection and building/modifying exhibits to meet the needs of the collection by using creativity and power tools
- Created job postings, handled all interviews, hiring and scheduling for the BMR department
Elephant Keeper II
Dallas Zoo
08.2015 - 06.2017
- Provided operant conditioning and husbandry for 10 African elephants
- Observed and assist with elephant introductions
- Responsible for blood draws on 2 African Elephants
- Responsible for foot care on 2 African elephants
- Followed safety protocols to ensure a safe environment for keepers and elephants
- Maintained a healthy and sanitized area for animals by cleaning exhibits and holding areas
- Communicated necessary information to co-workers
- Monitored animal health and behavior for any potential issues
- Medicated animals as instructed
- Prepared diets according to the facilities nutritionist
- Conducted vehicle inspections
- Supported zoo research projects by assisting with the RFID project and informing the public about the project
- Provided educational presentations to visitors about elephants
- Provided daily enrichment to help keep the animals mentally/physically stimulated
- Used equipment such as the bobcat, kabota tractor, crane, and auger to create a stimulating exhibit for animals and beautiful exhibit for visitors
- Completed all keeper exams
Animal Conditioning and Training Chair
Dallas Zoo
11.2012 - 08.2015
- Established a successful animal training committee/program at the Dallas Zoo
- Created and facilitate(d) training Class 101 and 201 that have been implemented throughout the Dallas Zoo (100+ employees have attended)
- Established and implemented a Beginner and Intermediate training workshop that allows trainers to practice the techniques learned in the Class 101/201
- Mentored/overlooked training situations for 50+ animals
- Conducted round table discussions with the committee and keepers on training problems and collaborated training plans
- Communicated with curators, supervisors and animal keepers about training needs, techniques, and outcomes
- Assisted staff with animal behavioral problems by creating a plan of action and mentoring the staff/animal throughout the plan
- Produced and maintain an attendance log for classes, workshops, and A.C.T
- Meetings for the past 3 years
- Collected data on training progress by updating/overlooking records in ZIMS
- Created training tips that staff could use as a training tool and implement into their training sessions
- Spoke with the appropriate person if there is a conflict between a mentor/new trainer and reassigning a different mentor to assist with the training situation
- Delegated A.C.T
- Roles and oversee scheduling for all events such as: training demonstrations, problem solving sessions, classes, workshops, zoo events (home school day), training tips, videoing sessions and assigning mentors with a new trainer
Animal Keeper II-Day Duties
Dallas Zoo
11.2012 - 08.2015
- Cleaned and disinfected exhibits, holding areas for birds, mammals, and reptiles
- Observed animals for signs of illness and injury
- Performed day to day care and feeding for several animals
- Set up barns for evening hours (Hill, Kangaroos, Tortoises, Macaws)
- Hauled dirt/sand to enclosures to level out enclosures
- Kept a daily log of cleaning, enrichment, and unusual behaviors
- Worked with power tools (Hand saw, jigsaw, table saw, chain saw, electric screwdriver, sander, router, drill, miter saw)
- Built crates and targets for training purposes for several departments
- Created and implemented shaping plans for several areas (Alligator crate training, macaws/cockatoo wing clip training and nail trimming, building relationships and duration with warthog scale training, scale training tortoises, targeting wallabies, emus, lemurs)
- Provided educational presentations to visitors about several species throughout the zoo
Animal Keeper II- Night Duties
Dallas Zoo
11.2012 - 08.2015
- Shifted Code Reds off exhibit (Tigers, Gorillas and occasionally Chimps)
- Gave night house access to all Primates, Lorikeets, Anteaters, Otters, Mountain Lions, Ocelots, Bobcat, Lemurs, Mandrills, Penguins, Lesser Flamingos, Marbled Teals, Spoonbills, Okapi, Hyrax and Klipspringers, Aldabra/Galapagos Tortoises, Macaws and Giraffe
- Observed animals for signs of illness and injury
- Made sure food and water are present in each area
- Checked for unusual behaviors
- Life checks/hourly checks on animals on IV
- Administered medications or injections as needed
- Birth checks and newborn checks
- Removed deceased animals from areas and move them to the proper location as requested by veterinarians
- Recorded eggs/incubators temperatures and humidity
- Notified supervisors when temperatures were questionable in an area
- Shifted in animals if temperatures were too low
- Made every attempt to fix any small maintenance issues or contact the appropriate person
- Communicated with the hospital staff about sick animals or incoming animals
- Assisted with late night procedures
- Maintained everything unsupervised throughout the entire zoo
- Followed safety protocols (lock checks) to ensure a safe environment for keepers and animals and notify supervisors about any concerning safety issues
Training Facilitator
Money Management International
09.2006 - 06.2009
- Collected data on program efficacy through data analysis and implemented solutions for improvement.
- Assessed skill gaps for employees and developed training courses to meet identified needs.
- Gathered feedback from team and department leaders to devise new training materials targeted on current needs.
- Administered assessments before, during and after courses.
- Documented class attendance and participation and provided feedback to management.
- Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.
- Developed and executed performance management programs to increase employee engagement and productivity.
Office Assistant
Tape Innovations
05.2004 - 08.2006
- Prepared and edited documents to produce precise, accurate and professional communication.
- Answered and managed incoming and outgoing calls while recording accurate messages for distribution to office staff.
- Compiled and analyzed data to produce reports.
- Utilized office management software to record and track customer information.
- Edited and proofread documents for accuracy and completeness.
- Input data into spreadsheets and databases.
- Informed and supported business leaders through consistent communication and administrative support duties.
- Kept office supplies well organized and sufficiently stocked, placing orders promptly to replenish materials before depleted.
- Assisted with onboarding of new employees.
- Processed incoming and outgoing mail and packages according to established procedures.
- Promptly received and forwarded incoming communications, such as phone calls, emails, and letters, to appropriate staff.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Education
Associates of Science - Veterinary Technician
Ashworth College
01.2022
Bachelor of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis
University of North Texas
05.2011
Skills
- Email correspondence
- Inbound customer service
- Problem resolution
- Multitasking and organization
- Punctuality and reliability
- Relationship building
- Time management
- Customer relations
- Decision-making
- Task prioritization
- Appointment scheduling
- Active listening
- Animal restraint
- Thoracic and abdominal radiograph
- Gram-stained slide preparation
- Cytocentesis
- Intravenous injection
- Animal examination
- Gowning and gloving procedures
- Pre-anesthetic preparation
- Controlled substance management
- Emergency and preventive care
- Medication labeling
- Anesthesia administration
- Maintain controlled drug inventory
- Explaining treatment
- Feline towel restraint
- Sanitation protocols
- Veterinary dentistry
- Ear sample collection
- Fluorescein stain test
- Medication dispensing
- Patient monitoring
- Vaccine administration
- Client education
- General anesthesia recovery
- Veterinary standards and procedures
- Restraint pole use
- Intramuscular injection
- Instrument pack sterilization
- Administering first aid
- Medical record-keeping
- Anesthesia monitoring
Certification
- Open Water PADI Scuba Certified
- San Diego Global Certified
Timeline
Veterinary Technician
Clear Fork Veterinary Clinic
08.2023 - Current
Veterinary Technician
Wildcat Veterinary Clinic
10.2020 - 06.2022
Animal Keeper- Shows and Ambassador Animals
Kansas City Zoo
08.2019 - 09.2020
Bird, Mammal and Reptile Manager
SeaQuest Aquarium
09.2017 - 11.2018
Elephant Keeper II
Dallas Zoo
08.2015 - 06.2017
Animal Conditioning and Training Chair
Dallas Zoo
11.2012 - 08.2015
Animal Keeper II-Day Duties
Dallas Zoo
11.2012 - 08.2015
Animal Keeper II- Night Duties
Dallas Zoo
11.2012 - 08.2015
Training Facilitator
Money Management International
09.2006 - 06.2009
Office Assistant
Tape Innovations
05.2004 - 08.2006
Associates of Science - Veterinary Technician
Ashworth College
Bachelor of Science - Applied Behavior Analysis
University of North Texas
- Open Water PADI Scuba Certified
- San Diego Global Certified
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