Amber — Veterinary Assistant

Amber’s path in veterinary medicine has been unique. Amber, who joined VNIoC in July 2026, grew up on a Gettysburg, Pennsylvania dairy farm, where she learned a lot about large animal medicine.

After a stint in the Army, she put on her traveling shoes, living in 17 states in the 11 years prior to joining VNIoC. She took seasonal and temporary jobs in Texas, Montana, Arizona, and Alaska, often doing artificial insemination (AI) on cattle and horses. She worked as a ranch manager, but when she realized a hands-on approach was more appealing, she took on a cowboying and ranch hand role, before transitioning to work in a feedlot.

While Amber is enjoying the new challenges of working with small animals, she’s hoping to head to veterinary school in the future. Until then, she and her boyfriend, who live with their German short-haired pointer, will continue to explore the area on coffee dates. Amber also is a talented silversmith and leathersmith, making jewelry, chaps, purses and belts.