Valarie grew up in Wadsworth,OH, and moved to Muncie, IN in 1993 to attend Ball State University where she graduated with a BS in Biological Sciences and minors in mathematics and counseling psychology. She moved to Indianapolis in 1999 and struggled with what her career path would be. At that time, her main joy in life was her Beagle, Hunter. In 2000, Valarie began her career at Michigan Road Animal Hospital as a Client Service Associate. She quickly fell in love with the hospital, its team, the clients, their pets, and her job of client education. She had found where she belonged, and was able to combine her passion for helping animals and serving people. Valarie advanced to Client Services Assistant Team Leader in 2004, and then to Client Services Team Leader in 2008. In 2017, she became the Hospital Manager. She is very proud of her team at Michigan Road Animal Hospital at Crooked Creek, and feels blessed to work along-side of them. She is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association and the Veterinary Management Association of Indiana.

When she’s not at work, which isn’t often, you can find Valarie hanging out with her husband, Jeff, at their home in Indianapolis. They currently have two Beagles, four cats at home, and one cat who lives at her Mom’s house down the street. They have also cared for numerous feral cats over the years.

Valarie’s WHY for doing what she does is “to share her love of God’s creatures to strengthen gratitude and compassion for all.”