Dem

Registered Veterinary Technician

Head of Business Development


I love animals, and I love helping the people who care for them. That idea has guided my whole career, and it's what I bring to my role as Head of Business Development at The Animal Doctors of Orange County.

My path started in 2012 in animal emergency medicine, where I learned to think fast, stay calm, and speak up for patients on their hardest days. I completed my veterinary technology program at Heritage College and passed my national boards in 2014. From emergency, I moved into specialty medicine and began pursuing my Veterinary Technician Specialty in Emergency and Critical Care, earning recognition as a VTS (ECC) candidate.

Along the way, I realized what I missed most was the connection: getting to know clients, answering their questions, and walking alongside them as they care for their pets. So I made an intentional choice to slow down and reprioritize, and that choice brought me to TADOC.

I've never stopped learning. In 2020, I went back to school at the University of Arizona and earned my BA in Psychology, with an emphasis in Industrial/Organizational Psychology and Human Resources. Understanding people matters just as much as understanding patients, whether I'm comforting a worried pet parent or supporting our veterinary team.

I'm a strong believer in Fear Free care, because a calm, positive visit makes a real difference for pets and their people. Above all, I see my role as being a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
 

Credentials and Certifications (updated):

  • Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)
  • Veterinary Technology, Heritage College (National Boards, 2014)
  • BA in Psychology, University of Arizona (I/O Psychology and Human Resources emphasis)
  • VTS (ECC) Candidate
  • Fear Free Certified Professional
  • RECOVER CPR Certified: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS)
  • Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP)

Beyond the Clinic

I live in South Orange County with my husband and our small but mighty crew of rescues. My Dalmatian, Rorschach (Roar for short), is a parvo survivor and a daily reminder of why medical rescue work matters so much to me. He shares the house with our two rescue cats: Poet Moet and Aurora (Borealis), who keep everyone in line.

That's a big part of why I volunteer with CARMA, an animal rescue that provides medical care to animals who might otherwise be euthanized, including parvo virus cases, pets hit by cars, and cats with FIP. Seeing these animals get a second chance, just like Roar did, never gets old. I also give my time to local food pantries, because taking care of our community goes beyond four legs.

At home, I'm happiest surrounded by plants, a good book, and a cozy space I've made my own. My mornings usually start with French press coffee on the patio, and I always keep fresh flowers in the house. I care a lot about sustainability and try to live that out in small, everyday choices.

My husband and I love date nights exploring South Orange County's local-owned coffee shops and dessert spots. We even made our own "passport" to track our favorite non-chain stops around South OC cities. If you have a hidden gem, I'd love to hear about it!