Justine was brought up on a small farm in Newfoundland, Pennsylvania and loves the fields and woods surrounding her home. Justine has always loved animals and was fortunate to have an understanding mother who allowed her to rescue any and all animals she brought home. Justine has shared her love with horses, pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, dogs, cats, turtles, parakeets, cockatoos, iguanas, bearded dragons, and fish.

After working with an equine 4-H group for twelve years, Justine knew she wanted to work with horses and be involved in Veterinary Medicine. Immediately after high school, Justine was accepted to Pennsylvania State University’s Veterinary and Biomedical Science major. After one year, Justine transferred to Johnson College’s Veterinary Technical program and will graduate in May, 2012. Justine passed her national boards and became a certified veterinary technician in July, 2012.

Justine became a member of the VREC family as a Veterinary Technician Assistant in 2010. This was her first experience working in referral and emergency medicine – “I have gained experience here that will benefit me for the rest of my life. I love the fast pace of emergency medicine and everyone at VREC has taken me under their wings and taught me so much. I love being part of the VREC team, and being able to help save animals’ lives.”

Justine currently has two horses, a Paint named Majestic and a Haflinger named Lucky. She also has an Australian Shepherd named Daisy Duke, a gray tabby cat named Flower, and a Cockatoo named Lola. She also enjoys watching the Koi fish in the family’s pond.

In her spare time, Justine enjoys riding her horses, camping, dirt-bike riding, hunting, fishing, and listening to country music.

Justine was awarded the 2014 VREC Vet Tech of the Year.