Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Olivia LaPanta

Richmond,VA

Summary

Environmental Science student at Virginia Commonwealth University with over eight years of experience in equine management, veterinary care, and animal rehabilitation. Skilled in the safe and effective handling of animals, with a strong foundation in ethical care, client communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Proficient in administrative tasks including data management and financial transactions. Currently pursuing field-based volunteer opportunities to gain hands-on experience in conservation and wildlife management. Committed to protecting Virginia’s natural resources and advancing a career in conservation law enforcement through a blend of academic training and practical experience.

Overview

5
5
years of professional experience

Work History

Equine Veterinary Assistant

Woodside Equine Clinic
Ashland, VA
05.2024 - Current
  • Assisted veterinarians during examinations and treatments of equine patients.
  • Prepared and maintained surgical instruments for various equine procedures.
  • Monitored and recorded vital signs of horses during treatments and recovery.
  • Administered medications and vaccinations as directed by the veterinarian.
  • Scrubbed, counted, and packed surgical instruments and drapes for autoclave sterilization.
  • Assisted veterinarians in examining, diagnosing and treating animals for various illnesses and injuries.
  • Documented and tracked treatment activities.

Drug Tester

United States Equestrian Federation
, VA
06.2023 - Current
  • Selected equine athletes at USEF sanctioned events, ensuring accurate client information records.
  • Executed day-to-day responsibilities with precision and efficiency.
  • Maintained professionalism while delivering exceptional service in challenging situations.
  • Documented participant information and test results accurately for future reference.
  • Applied appropriate techniques for sample analysis, ensuring thorough documentation of findings.
  • Adhered to stringent protocols and safety guidelines during drug testing procedures.
  • Ensured accuracy through correct sample collection techniques.
  • Assessed specimen acceptability for testing according to established standards.

Student Volunteer

Virginia Thoroughbred Project
Orange, VA
09.2023 - 08.2024
  • Managed on-site operations during events, ensuring smooth execution of activities.
  • Collaborated with marketing teams to promote events through social media and print.
  • Trained and supervised junior staff in event setup and customer service protocols.
  • Assisted in creating promotional materials for events.
  • Resolved any issues that may arise before or during an event.
  • Identified new opportunities for growing attendance numbers at future events.

Equine Veterinary Assistant

Old Dominion Equine Associates
Keswick, VA
03.2021 - 08.2023
  • Assisted veterinarians during examinations and treatments of equine patients.
  • Prepared and maintained surgical instruments for various equine procedures.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization of the clinic and animal housing areas.
  • Supported the capture and restraint of horses for examinations or procedures.
  • Managed inventory of medical supplies and ensured proper storage conditions.
  • Gathered specimens such as urine, blood and fecal samples for laboratory analysis.
  • Obtained information and history from clients to maintain medical charts.

Equine Caretaker

Veterinary Rehabilitation Services of Virginia
Gordonsville, VA
11.2021 - 05.2022
  • Contributed innovative solutions to improve team performance and outcomes.
  • Collaborated with diverse coworkers to achieve goals and resolve product-related issues.
  • Handled new horses to acclimate them to surroundings and environments.
  • Organized grooming supplies, including brushes, combs, and clippers.
  • Monitored horses for illness or injury, reporting changes to veterinarians.
  • Provided daily feedings of hay, grain, supplements, and fresh water to horses.
  • Conducted regular maintenance checks on barn equipment such as saddles and bridles.
  • Assisted veterinarians with administering medical treatments to horses.

Cashier

Baggbys Gourmet Sandwiches
Charlottesville, VA
05.2020 - 08.2021
  • Processed customer transactions with accuracy and efficiency.
  • Maintained a clean and organized checkout area.
  • Assisted customers with menu selections and special requests.
  • Greeted visitors and clients warmly upon arrival.
  • Managed phone calls and directed inquiries to appropriate staff.

Education

High School Diploma -

Orange County High School
Orange, VA
05-2023

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Studies

Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA

Skills

  • Post operative care, cleaning and sanitizing, animal handling
  • Reception duties, patient flow management
  • Surgical assistance, sample collection
  • Veterinary terminology, veterinary standards and procedures
  • Medical record-keeping
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office: Word, PowerPoint, and Excel on both Mac and PC computers
  • Interpersonal skills, excellent communication, problem-solving aptitude

Affiliations

  • Avid kayaker and outdoorswoman
  • Amateur equestrian

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Equine Veterinary Assistant

Woodside Equine Clinic
05.2024 - Current

Student Volunteer

Virginia Thoroughbred Project
09.2023 - 08.2024

Drug Tester

United States Equestrian Federation
06.2023 - Current

Equine Caretaker

Veterinary Rehabilitation Services of Virginia
11.2021 - 05.2022

Equine Veterinary Assistant

Old Dominion Equine Associates
03.2021 - 08.2023

Cashier

Baggbys Gourmet Sandwiches
05.2020 - 08.2021

High School Diploma -

Orange County High School

Bachelor of Science - Environmental Studies

Virginia Commonwealth University