This January, we’re excited to shine our Team Spotlight on Nickie, a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Veterinary Technician who has been an integral part of the Highlands Animal Care family and, over the past several months, has been transitioning more fully into her role here at Rehab 4 PAWS & Integrative Therapy. Her growing presence on the rehab side has been a wonderful addition to our team and our patients alike.
Nickie, along with her husband Mark and daughter Elizabeth, have called Henderson home for the past 21 years. Once her daughter graduated high school and headed off to college, Nickie saw the opportunity to pursue a lifelong dream – working in veterinary medicine! She attended the College of Southern Nevada’s Veterinary Technology program and proudly graduated in 2020. Since then, her passion for learning has never slowed! Nickie is constantly seeking out new areas of study to grow as an LVT, ensuring she provides the highest level of care and advocacy for every patient she works with.
Married to Mark for 35 years, Nickie has lived in many places but considers Southern Nevada’s weather and lifestyle a perfect fit. Outside of work and studying, she can often be found at the barn spending time with her horse, Tucker, tapping into her creative side through drawing, or settling in for a good horror movie. At home, she shares her life with her beloved pets – cats Monkey, and Rosie, and her pitbull mix, Raven.
💬 Get to Know Nickie!
- What inspired you to pursue a career in veterinary medicine later in life, and what has that journey meant to you personally?
“It was a career path that I had always wanted to pursue, I have always had a love and passion for animals and their well being!”
- You’ve worked on both the general practice side at Highlands Animal Care and now more in Rehab 4 PAWS & Integrative Therapy – what differences stand out most to you between the two?
“In general practice, I love the opportunity to help my patients, as well as, educate their owners in any way I can. In Rehab, I love that our patients are excited to see us and have fun with their treatments.”
- What has drawn you toward rehabilitation medicine, and what do you enjoy most about working with rehab patients.
“It is incredibly rewarding to watch our patients, some who are completely unable to walk, regain their mobility and their life.”
- You’re always pursuing continued learning as an LVT – is there a particular area of veterinary medicine or rehab you’re especially passionate about right now?
“I find myself drawn to our patients that have neurologic conditions such as IVDD. I try to take time to study this area to better serve our patient’s needs.”
- Tell us about Tucker! How does spending time at the barn help you unwind outside of work?
“Oh Tucker, he is my sanctuary. When we’re out for a trail ride with friends, all my worries go away. We have a really great connection, he knows when to be silly with me and he knows when I’m having a rough day. He is the perfect therapist!”
- If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering a career in veterinary medicine, what would it be?
“It’s not an easy career, but it IS very rewarding. If your passions include animals, science, and medicine then go for it!”
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