Stephanie Tomshaw
Colonia,NJ
Summary
Animal Sciences student and nationally ranked animal welfare champion with over four years of diverse, multi-species handling experience. Combines strong academic foundations in companion animal behavior with practical, hands-on skills in routine medical maintenance, grooming, and surgical observation. Seeking to contribute exceptional technical support, tech-savviness, and compassionate client communication as a Veterinary Assistant. Highly adaptable, detail-oriented, and committed to upholding the highest standards of patient welfare and clinical efficiency
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Veterinary Hospital Shadowing Student
Woodbridge Vet Group
- Observed routine exams, triaging, and emergency care protocols.
- Gained direct clinical exposure in the operating room to surgical operations, including observing spays, neuters, mass removals, and the debridement of necrotic tissue.
- Gained familiarity with clinical workflows, veterinary terminology, restraint techniques, and patient monitoring.
- Maintained detailed clinical notes on diagnostic, treatment, and client communication protocols.
Veterinary Hospital Shadowing Student
Red Bank Veterinary Hospital
- Completed several hours of clinical shadowing (including both 12-hour shift and 8-hour shift)
- Observed veterinary technicians and DVMs during routine examinations, complex emergency care workflows, and critical patient triaging.
- Gained immediate exposure to advanced clinical environments, specialized medical terminology, and professional companion animal restraint techniques.
Rutgers Farm Student Experience
Rutgers University Cook Campus Farm
09.2022 - Current
- Gained 4+ years of hands-on husbandry and management experience working with equine, bovine, swine, and small ruminants (sheep and goats).
- Assisted with safe handling, restraint, and moving of large livestock species for routine health checks, treatments, and procedures.
Companion Animal Caretaker (Personal Experience)
Private Residence
01.2014 - Current
- Manage the daily care, training tasks, and long-term wellness for a multi-pet household consisting of four dogs and one cat.
- Routinely perform at-home basic medical and grooming maintenance, including nail trims, anal gland expressions, and basic coat grooming.
- Apply behavioral modification principles to manage household dynamics, reduce animal stress, and support positive reinforcement training.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Animal Sciences
Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ05-2027
Skills
- Technical Skills: Animal handling and restraint, veterinary software proficiency (ezyVet), advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and digital collaboration platforms
- Animal Care Skills: Multi-species safe restraint techniques (livestock and companion animals), nail trims, anal gland expression, basic grooming, companion animal husbandry, behavioral observation
- Interpersonal Skills: Patient advocacy, compassionate client communication, active listening, teamwork, and adapting quickly to fast-paced and emergency environments
Certification
- American Red Cross - Cat and Dog First Aid Certification
- Animal Welfare Judging Team (Rutgers University)
Timeline
Rutgers Farm Student Experience
Rutgers University Cook Campus Farm
09.2022 - Current
Companion Animal Caretaker (Personal Experience)
Private Residence
01.2014 - Current
Veterinary Hospital Shadowing Student
Woodbridge Vet Group
Veterinary Hospital Shadowing Student
Red Bank Veterinary Hospital
Bachelor of Science - Animal Sciences
Rutgers University
Additional Experience
- Team Member / Competitor | AVMA Animal Welfare Judging Team, Rutgers University, 1st Place overall nationally in the Undergraduate Senior Division
- Analyzed complex animal management and welfare scenarios, evaluating physical and behavioral indicators of well-being.
- Developed strong oral communication and reasoning skills to present assessments confidently to panels of experts.