Emily graduated from Olivet University in 2017 with a dual bachelor's degree in environmental science and animal biology, where many of her classes were taught from a veterinary medicine perspective. She then went on to receive her master's degree in Anthrozoology in 2023 from Canisus University, where she studied the deep bond between humans and animals and the ways in which animals influence our lives and cultures. Prior to joining our team in 2021, Emily worked as a dog groomer for three years. Emily is particularly interested in exploring the human-canine bond and understanding the relationship between compassion fatigue and veterinary medicine. In 2023, Emily served in an internship position assessing and raising awareness for compassion fatigue in all of our Michigan VCA Hospitals. Emily is also very passionate about helping families through the euthanasia process and has a special spot in her heart for helping families impacted by behavioral euthanasia. Her favorite part of working in our hospital is offering support to pet parents in times of need and finding ways to make our team feel valued. Emily shares her home with her husband; their dachshund, Alaska; their beagle, Hopper; their two cats, Spock and Bones; their blue-tongued skink, Florence; and a flock of 12 crazy chickens.