“I have always loved biology and medicine. Growing up, my dad was a family physician in a small town and I found that everything he did was really interesting, but I always knew I did not want to work on human bodies. My first ever dog Tanner (and every dog thereafter) was my best friend. I would play dolls with him and have long (one sided) conversations with him. Becoming a veterinarian felt like the perfect intersection of my passions.

Veronica Starko has been passionate about animal care since childhood. Growing up surrounded by pets—from cats and dogs to birds and small critters—she developed a deep love for animals and knew she wanted a career dedicated to their well-being. Her journey began at age 12, helping in a veterinary clinic by cleaning kennels, wiping counters, and spending time with animal patients. This experience sparked a calling, and she pursued it through to her RVT certification at NAIT, setting the stage for a lifelong commitment to compassionate veterinary care.

Jessica Schwabenbauer’s love for animals took root early on. At five, during her first fishing trip with her dad, she was thrilled to catch her first fish—only to be heartbroken when her dad caught and kept it. From that moment, her respect for all living creatures deepened. Throughout her childhood, Jessica became the friend everyone relied on to care for their pets, a role that confirmed her lifelong dream of working with animals. Although she initially called it being a “vegetarian,” she quickly realized that a career as a veterinary technologist would allow her to combine her love of animals with her desire to make a meaningful impact.

Alexis has had a vocation for animals all her life and holds extensive experience in multiple husbandry fields. While animal care remains Alexis’ greatest passion, fostering client relationships through communication and understanding is a top priority.