This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Laurie, one of our wonderful Client Care Representatives (CCR) at Rehab 4 PAWS & Integrative Therapy! Laurie has been a valued part of the PAWS Health Partners family for years, beginning her journey at Highlands Animal Care before transitioning to Rehab 4 PAWS when it officially opened in March 2025.

With nearly 15 years of experience in the veterinary field, Laurie has done it all – from assisting in surgeries and helping shelter pets recover, to welcoming clients with warmth and understanding at the front desk. Her compassion, adaptability, and dedication to continuous learning have made her an essential part of both our clinic family and the broader PAWS Health Partners team.

Laurie’s enthusiasm for animals extends beyond the clinic walls. She’s currently exploring her passion for marine biology and animal environmental studies, with the dream of working with manatees one day. Her curiosity and drive to keep learning make her a shining example of what it means to grow and evolve in the veterinary profession.

We’re so excited to feature Laurie as our October Team Spotlight and share a bit more about her journey, her goals, and the heart she brings to her work every day.

💬 Our Interview with Laurie

1. You’ve been in the veterinary field for almost 15 years — what first inspired you to start working with animals?

• I have always had a passion as a young girl to work with animals, I wanted to help them and make a difference in their lives. So I looked into going to school to become a certified vet assistant and it was one of the best decisions I made . 

1. Can you tell us a bit about your early experiences working in animal shelters and how those shaped your career today?

• When I first started out in the shelters, I was doing animal care, cleaning and feeding. My favorite part about the position was meeting and giving love to the new animals; giving all the dogs fresh blankets and all the cats little boxes to hide in and treats. They were always so thankful for that little bit of compassion.

I also worked as a vet assistant working in the shelters. I would help medicate and get animals prepped for surgery, make sure we had surgery packs done for the next day, get the animals for surgery and then help them recover and take them back to their kennel. I would also help the doctors with their exams somedays too.

I did work as an adoption counselor most of the time. I enjoyed this very much – making sure the animals were going to a good home. I even got to do a lot of behavior training with a lot of them so it would help them get adopted . I would also intake animals surrendered or found and would then have to take pictures and vaccinate each one that came in. 

1. You’ve transitioned through several roles in the veterinary field — from assistant to receptionist to CCR. What have you learned from each of those positions?

• I learned being a vet assistant is patient care, how to listen and communicate with the rest of the medical staff especially doctors and LVT to make sure patients are safe and comfortable and learning new techniques everyday, like restraints to blood draws to doing vaccines for patients . I would also help front staff if needed.

As a receptionist (CCR) I learned how to communicate with clients and co-workers. I learned how to schedule and make doctors schedules and handling hard, uncomfortable conversations. Multi tasking and how to handle phones and clients at the same time. I learned how to listen to the clients and their needs and learned how to be compassionate and helpful to them.

As a CCR I have been able to use both medical and communication skills with clients and our medical team in the back. How to handle phone calls and clients that are up front, building bonds and trust with the clients.

I have learned that positions have been important. It is like a perfect circle that all comes together to give great customer service and care for the patients and have great teamwork.

1. How was the transition from Highlands Animal Care to Rehab 4 PAWS & Integrative Therapy, and what has it been like continuing your journey within the PAWS Health Partners family?

• Moving to Rehab 4 PAWS & Integrative Therapy has allowed me to grow in another direction in a new, more specialized setting. I have seen that rehabilitative medicine can dramatically improve patients’ quality of life, especially those recovering from surgery, injury, or managing chronic conditions. I also enjoy talking to the clients and having a trusting bond with them. I learn new things everyday over here and I’m so lucky and happy to be here. I love being a part of the PAWS Health Partners team and to be able to have the teamwork and grow with them with how caring and supportive they are.

1. What do you enjoy most about your current role as a Client Care Representative?

• I enjoy meeting new clients and patients, and having good relationships with them. I like learning new things & helping my team when needed. 

1. You mentioned you’re looking into studying marine biology – what draws you to that field, and what are your goals for the future?

• I have always wanted to study this field to take this course. It will help me in my future as I would like to work at the Manatee Park in Florida . I am excited and I know it will be challenging and fun at the same time. Plus, I will need to get in shape for this new adventure!

1. How do you stay motivated and continue learning after so many years in this field?

• I love this field of learning and new opportunities to grow and do new things. I can’t see myself doing anything else. I love animals and mostly love to see patients do well, grow, meet new people and work with great teams.

1. What’s one message you’d like clients to know about you or your approach to caring for pets and their families?

• I want them to know how much I care about their pets’ needs and the compassion I have for them and their family. I will do whatever I can to earn their trust and keep them happy.