Lacey’s love for animals began in childhood, spending time on her aunt’s farm where she cared for everything from dogs and cats to horses and goats. “The time I spent with those animals changed my life, and that’s when I knew I wanted to work with them,” she shares. Today, Lacey has built a 10-year career in veterinary medicine, always playing a role in surgery teams.
At VHA, every patient that comes into the department is treated like family. “Seeing patients come in unwell and leave happy, healthy, and healed is the best part of the day,” Lacey says. The most rewarding part of her position is working with the skilled team she’s helped build and being able to assist patients in need.
Lacey chose VHA because the mission statement and core values resonated with her. “They’ve allowed me to grow in my role and succeed, while supporting my passion to specialize in anesthesia and analgesia,” she explains. One memorable case involved a puppy that had eaten a sock, causing a blockage in its intestines. After life-saving measures and three days in the ICU, the puppy recovered fully and left VHA as if nothing had ever happened. “It shows how resilient animals are,” Lacey reflects.
At home, Lacey cares for her two French Bulldogs, Pippin and Penelope, her rescue German Shepherd mix, Norman, and her two cats, Felix and Sophia. Outside of work, she loves exploring Florida’s state parks, traveling, and hiking or kayaking when she’s back home in Vermont.
To balance the emotional demands of her work, Lacey focuses on guiding her team to be the best nurses they can be, while helping animals every day. “That’s what makes it all worth it,” she says.
