Madeira came to us after completing an externship at Gunston Animal Hospital through the Animal Behavioral College where she earned her certification as a Veterinary Assistant.  During her externship she demonstrated the kind of compassion and care that our hospitals value for our patients.  We were lucky to have her accept our offer to stay on as an official member of our family.

She has always had a love for animals and while watching Animal Planet she saw a commercial about becoming a Veterinary Assistant and thought it sounded like a good fit for her.  She says she has never regretted her choice and loves helping animals!  Besides helping animals, she loves who she works for and with.  She enjoys coming to work each day because everyone gets along so well.  She felt our family welcomed her with open arms and she loves it here (and we love her!)

Madeira has a Bearded Dragon named Earl, and also shares her home with her daughter's dog, Leonidas.  She is a motorcycle enthusiast and rides her bike to work most days.  If she's not helping animals, she's on her bike.  Madeira speaks German.  She was in the German Exchange in High School and lived there for three years.