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 the 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 a Bachelor 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 complement 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 as 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.