Amanda was born and raised in the Grand Valley. She has 2 rescue dogs and an elderly cat whom was adopted from a shelter.

Growing up in the small town of Palisade, she developed a love for the small town charm, animals and helping people. At 15, she went on the hunt for her first job. As she tried to take in and care for every stray animal, she found it would be appropriate that her first application was put in to the veterinary clinic in town. Not being old enough to work in veterinary medicine, she did a few seasonal jobs until she got work at a nursing home as a dietary aide. At 17, Amanda got her CNA license and worked with a variety of people, specializing in Alzheimer’s, dementia and developmental care. After 13 years of human health, Amanda was offered a job as a Patient Care Technician at VCA Tiara Rado, she jumped at the opportunity.

Amanda got her Veterinary Technician Assistant certification a year after she started in veterinary medicine and continues to learn various jobs in the hospital. Her goal is to one day run a sanctuary for disabled or “oddball” animals who are down on their luck and need some extra loving.