Carissa

Hi, I’m Carissa, a veterinary technician and the Inventory Manager at Briar Patch Veterinary Hospital. I’ve been a Licensed Veterinary Technician since 2010, after graduating from Alfred State College with my associate degree in Veterinary Technology, and I've loved working as a veterinary professional ever since.

I started my career at Haskell Valley Veterinary Clinic, where I worked from 2010-2013. I then moved to Macedon Veterinary Care in 2015, where I worked as lead technician until 2017. While working full-time, I went back to school and earned my bachelor’s degree in Technology Management from Alfred State in 2018.

Why I Chose This Profession

I’ve always had a strong connection with both animals and people, so veterinary medicine was a natural fit for me. I love that I get to help pets every day while also educating clients and giving them the tools and resources they need to keep their pets healthy and happy.

My Favorite Part of My Job

There's so much I love about my job as a veterinary technician, but some of my absolute favorite things to do in the clinic include dental cleanings, taking x-rays, and client education. Outside of the technical work, I love being able to make our patients feel safe and comfortable while they’re with us. Whether it’s offering a little cheese or peanut butter or singing softly to help them relax, I love being able to help pets relax while our team gives them the outstanding veterinary care they deserve.

Personal Hobbies & Interests

Outside of work, I spend a lot of my time with my husband, Nate, our two cats (Chuck Norris and Ellie), and our two dogs (Loki and Hela). I enjoy hiking, reading, lounging in my pool, cheering on the Buffalo Bills (I BILLIEVE they’ll make it to the Super Bowl!), and jetting off to Disney World whenever I get the chance.

My Personal Pet Crew

• The itty bitty committee (Loki and Hela), aptly named for the chaos they cause.
• The three catkateers (Chuck Norris, Ellie and Jackie Chan)