In 1988, Debbie had the opportunity to work at an animal emergency clinic and was hooked! She knew that this was what she was meant to do.

Upon arriving in Illinois (from her native Rhode Island), she learned about Parkland College's Veterinary Technology program. She jumped at the chance to learn more. 

She has been a certified veterinary technician for over 25 years. Caring for animals is her profession as well as her passion. She has studied dog & cat behavior through the Animal Behavior Network (Dr. Rolan Tripp) as well as attending numerous veterinary behavior seminars. She is Low Stress Handling™ Certified Silver and Fear Free Certified.

Debbie feels every day as a veterinary technician is a learning experience and there are always new medicines, techniques, and diagnostics to keep this field so fresh and exciting, not to mention all the great animals and people she meets! She currently works in general practice at Okaw Veterinary Clinic in Tuscola, Illinois.

In 2018, she started her own training business, Lazarus Training, which specializes in puppy socialization.