Shay McIlquham Crooks is a veterinary technician specialist with a deep passion for neurology and a diverse career in veterinary medicine. Shay began her career in 2014 in equine medicine before transitioning to small animal specialty medicine in 2016. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience in surgery, rehabilitation, diagnostic imaging, and neurology, with a particular focus on patient care, patient advocacy, and collaborative case management.
Shay's journey into veterinary medicine was preceded by her service in the US Army, where she met her husband - now both proud veterans. An avid horse enthusiast for the last 29 years, Shay's love for animals has always been a guiding force in her career. In 2021, she adopted a chocolate Lab puppy who was diagnosed with hydrocephalus, a pivotal moment that sparked her interest in intracranial diseases and seizure management. This personal experience fueled her dedication to advancing her expertise, leading to her achievement of her veterinary technician specialist credentials in neurology in 2025.
Outside of work, Shay enjoys running, reading, and riding horses in the Hunter/Jumper arena. She currently resides in Carmel, IN, with her husband and their two chocolate Lab mixes, BB Faye and Scout, and their cat, Osiris.
