Animal Care Specialists

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Kayla has been an Animal Care Specialist since June 2011. She took veterinary classes at the Russell County Career and Technology Center while in high school and went to Cedar Valley College to obtain her Veterinary Assistant Certificate.
​​​​​​​She loves spending time outdoors; fishing, hiking, and camping. She also loves spending time with her eight pets: Norman, Bixby, Kali, Mae, Charlie, Tye, Maddie, and Ruger.

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Austin has been a part of the SVVS family since August 2013. He is currently studying at Virginia Highlands Community College to get his Associate Degree in Business Administration. His has a black lab named Riley and a Yorkie named Nikko, whom he loves more than anything, and a cat named, Gus.
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One of the hobbies he likes to do is traveling. He loves to go on trips with his family and to see places he has never seen before. He loves working at SVVS because he learns to not only take care of the animals but to treat them like family.

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Alyssa started her career here at SVVS as a Kennel Attendant in February 2018. She has always had a passion for animals and it is a dream for her to be part of the team.

Alyssa is the pet parent to four dogs and one cat; Atlas, a German Shepherd; Jasper, a Yorkie; Nix, a Border Collie; Bella, a German Shepherd; and Penny her sweet cat. In her spare time, Alyssa Enjoys bringing her dogs to the park and spending time with her husband, Jon.

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Jeremy started his position at SVVS as a kennel attendant in January 2017. He presently studies Biology at UVA-Wise and SWCC in anticipation of applying to veterinary school and graduate school in the future.

​​​​​​​He is the pet parent of a Yorkshire terrier named Bendi, who he adores unreservedly. He enjoys hiking, swimming, volunteering, and advocating animal rights outside of work and college. Working at SVVS is a superlative experience for Jeremy because it is a never-ending learning environment.

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Jessie started at SVVS in October 2018 as a Kennel Attendant. She is currently a senior at Castlewood High School. She completed and graduated from Veterinary Assistant class at Russell County Career and Technology Center. Jessie is excited to be able to work with animals and put her acquired skills to work with us at SVVS!

Jessie is the caregiver for several animals: horses include Deucer, Chippewa, and Star; A dog named Izzy; and two cats named Kevin and Cody. In her spare time outside of school, she enjoys competing in horse shows, spending time with her family, and being outdoors. After graduation, Jessie hopes to become a certified animal groomer.