I began my working experience with animals when I was 12 years old by volunteering at the Lutz Children's Museum and at a local horse stable where I worked in exchange for occasional riding lessons. I was also a member of a Veterinary 4H group where I shadowed and volunteered for a local veterinarian. As soon as I was old enough to have a paying job, I began working at PetSmart as a cashier, then grooming salon receptionist, and then a dog bather.

In high school, I was a part of the Vo-Ag (Vocational Agriculture) program with a focus in animal sciences and a member of the FFA (Future Farmers of America.) In my senior year of high school, I participated in a week long internship at the Bermuda Aquarium, which may have been the best week of my life. While in college, I attended dog grooming academy as well and became a professional dog groomer working in a salon and a mobile grooming unit until returning to the veterinary field. I graduated from The University of Tampa with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and marine science.

Eventually, my boyfriend at the time, Jared, and I decided to move back to Connecticut for a change of scenery and to be closer to my parents. I applied here at MVC before we had even moved in an attempt to have a job lined up once we got here, but I didn’t apply anywhere else (talk about putting all your eggs in one basket). Turned out I didn’t need to look elsewhere because I got the job and, to this day, I couldn’t be happier with the experience and training I have received and the friends I have made here.
I have always had pets of my own, with the exception of when I was living on campus. Over several years, I have owned a hamster, rabbit, fish, cats, dogs, and even snakes. Jared, who is now my husband, and I currently own a corgi/beagle mix named Precious, a tortoise-shell calico cat named Callie, an orange tabby cat named Meatwad, and a beautiful Brazilian rainbow boa named Mavrica. When I’m not working, I enjoy music, reading, gaming, hanging out with friends and family, and volunteering for Mystic Aquarium’s animal rescue team.

Handout written by Crystal: THE TRUTH ABOUT TICKS!