Introducing Heather, the newest extern at Craig Road Animal Hospital!

Heather is currently a 4th-year student at Ross University in St. Kitts, an island located in the Caribbean. Growing up in the Los Angeles area, Heather said she knew from a young age that she wanted to become a veterinarian but really made up her mind once she reached high school.

“I had shadowed a veterinarian and I was like, ‘Okay, I really don’t see myself doing anything else,'” she said. “I really love animals and I was really interested in science, so I thought, ‘Perfect! I can blend the two!'”

Heather continued volunteering at a local animal hospital in her hometown and did community work in St. Kitts like providing free veterinary care through Ross University. She is also involved in her church and mentors kids groups.

After graduating from high school, Heather attended California State Polytechnic University, Pomona where she received her Bachelor’s in Animal Science; she is finishing her clinical rotation at Colorado State University’s teaching hospital and will graduate later this year. Her goal is to practice small animal medicine, but Heather is also interested in oncology, cardiology, and dermatology.

In regards to her externship, Heather said she’s most excited to learn more about dentistry and how other animal hospitals work.

“I’m also excited to explore Las Vegas,” she said. “I researched the hiking around here and so I’m excited about all the mountains we’re surrounded by. I feel like I didn’t know that about Las Vegas!”

In her spare time, aside from hiking and being outdoors, Heather enjoys visiting her hometown and riding her horse. She has two pets she adopted in St. Kitts – a cat named TC and a dog named Ivy.

Welcome to the team, Heather!