Allison grew up in California, where her love for animals was sparked by the variety of pets in her household including a dog, a hamster, and many fish. She often visited the zoo and the park to feed the geese with her Dad. This all fueled her love for animals which eventually turned into a career.
She volunteered at a low-cost clinic that treated exotic animals and wildlife. She also worked with Vets for Pets of Homeless Owners, helping at-risk owners with their pets. During the summers, she gained invaluable experience working with a mobile vet, aiding elderly and sick pet owners who couldn’t transport their animals.
A pivotal moment in her journey was witnessing the emotional and challenging aspects of veterinary care when she had to inform a pet owner about the unexpected death of their dog. This experience was eye-opening for Allison. It emphasized that in vet med, you need to focus on both pet care and client care, and it’s important to find a balance between the two.
Allison’s educational journey took her to Moberly Area Community College in Missouri, but she later moved back to California to spend time with her dad, eventually following him to Texas. She completed her undergraduate degree in biology and biochemistry at West Texas A&M University, graduating in 2020. She is currently attending The University of Tennessee Knoxville’s College of Veterinary Medicine, with an expected graduation of 2025.
This is Allison’s first time in Las Vegas as an adult and she is looking forward to going hiking and shopping.
During the externship, Allison is eager to understand the local clientele, enhance her surgical and imaging skills.
In her free time, Allison enjoys spending time with her cat Oscar, playing video games, painting, and organizing.
Allison aims to improve client-doctor communication and is motivated by the desire to prove to herself that she can excel in the veterinary field.