Michelle’s calling to work in veterinary medicine was evident from a young age. While in the second grade, during a trip to their veterinarian for her dog Charlie’s annual exam, she was allowed “in back” where she was able to gaze upon a preserved heart that was infested with heartworms. Shortly after this adventure, she declared she would grow up to be a veterinarian! Upon turning 15 she started working as a kennel hand in a large Chicagoland veterinary clinic, where she was then cross-trained into a customer service role as well as received on the job training as a veterinary technician.

After moving to Minnesota to attend college, Michelle graduated from North Dakota State University, with Bachelors of Science in Veterinary Technology, in 2002. During her college years, she worked in a mixed animal practice gaining experience in large animal medicine to compliment her small animal background. She received her credentials as a Certified Veterinary Technician from the state of Minnesota in 2003, and currently maintains this status.

In 2009 Michelle received her Masters of Business Administration, with an emphasis in Veterinary Medicine Management, from Minnesota School of Business. During this time Michelle continued to work as a CVT in various aspects of companion animal medicine but spent the majority of her time working in veterinary technology education.

Currently, Michelle spends her career time providing relief services for various companion animal practices as well some specialty and referral practices, traveling to different national conventions to speak and mentor others in the field, and growing Vet Teams to better serve the veterinary community.

I moved to Minnesota few years ago from warm Colorado.  I live here with my partner Patrick and dog Chips. On my days off Chips and I enjoy snuggling on the couch binge watching TV shows (from Anime to Grey’s Anatomy) or movies (from our over 500 DVD collection). My favorite movie is Independence Day; I watched it so much as a kid I can still quote the entire movie! Patrick and I enjoy exploring MN finding new places to hike, fairs to attend, and restaurant to try. I have a passion for food and revel in trying new things, but my favorite would be Asian style cuisine and desserts! My dream for the future would be to own a 1964 Ford Mustang. I enjoy old muscle cars and nothing that I have experienced, so far, can compare to the roar of a classic car engine!

Brittney was born and raised in Minnesota and knew from a very early age that veterinary medicine was her calling. She graduated with her Bachelors in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota in 2016, before continuing on to graduate from Argosy University with an Associates in Veterinary Technology. She enjoyed a 5-year career in general practice and is currently enjoying a career in emergency medicine in addition to her work as a relief tech.

When Brittney isn’t working she enjoys staying active and enjoying the outdoors. She also enjoys listening to true crime podcasts, working on embroidery and crochet, and catching up on her favorite streaming shows. She is a Hufflepuff, her favorite color is green, and her favorite dessert is chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream.

Brittney is owned by three cats—Mabel, Orson, and Gilbert.