Destiny’s journey into veterinary medicine has been fueled by a lifelong love for animals and a deep-seated desire to advocate for those who can’t speak for themselves. From her beginnings in general practice to her current role in emergency medicine, Destiny’s career has been marked by a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families. “I knew I could make a bigger impact in emergency medicine, and joining the VHA tribe has shown me that the work we do here is truly life-changing,” she shares.
Destiny’s career started early, participating in her high school’s Certified Veterinary Assistant (CVA) program. After graduating, she was hired at a general practice and continued her education at St. Petersburg College, working toward becoming a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT). The knowledge and experience she gained during this time laid the foundation for her career. Upon discovering VHA, Destiny was eager to expand her skills and initially sought an internship. However, after just one shift, she knew VHA was where she wanted to be full-time. “The growth opportunities here are endless, and if you’re looking to elevate your career, VHA is the place to be,” Destiny reflects.
For Destiny, the most rewarding aspect of her career at VHA is the ability to truly make a difference for her patients and their owners, doing what she loves every day. She was drawn to VHA by the endless opportunities and the collective commitment to patient well-being. “At VHA, you feel empowered to make real changes in the veterinary industry,” she says.
A particularly memorable case involved a patient who visited often for ongoing treatments. Initially, the pet was nervous, but over time, he began to wag his tail and feel safe, excited to see the staff due to the compassionate care he received. “This experience changed my perspective on veterinary medicine,” Destiny explains. “We are there for our patients during the scariest and most confusing times, and seeing them thrive because of our care is immeasurable.”
At home, Destiny’s love for animals is evident in her large family of pets: Sadie, Diesel, Tanner, Levi, Remi, Lucas, Leia, Princess, Lillie, Willie, Charlie, and Smokey. Each of her pets holds a special place in her heart, and she believes that their unique personalities make her a stronger technician, as she sees pieces of them in every patient she cares for.
Outside of work, Destiny spends time with friends and family, relaxing and enjoying life. VHA’s support, including incentives that allow her to take time off to decompress, helps her maintain a healthy work-life balance.
