Érika grew up in Montreal, QC, with her parents, sister, and a plethora of pets. Being surrounded by the loving nature of animals fostered a deep passion and respect for them, and a desire to help them in any way she could. All of her beloved pets over the years have influenced Érika’s decision to pursue a career in the veterinary industry. As a veterinary technician, Érika is now one step closer to her goal to become a veterinarian.
Érika graduated from the vet tech program at Cegep of St-Hyacinthe in Montreal, then worked at several small animal clinics as a student technician in Quebec. Following the completion of the program, she joined the Huron East Animal Hospital team in June 2023. She plans to apply to the veterinarian program at the University of Guelph soon.
Clinically, Érika finds dental work to be very rewarding, particularly when doing so alleviates a patient’s pain. She also enjoys monitoring anesthesia and has a special interest in cytology and histology. Peering under the microscope is always a fascinating experience.
At home, Érika resides with her fiancé, Joel, and their beautiful red eared slider named Shelby. During Érika’s graduation pictures, there was music playing in the background and out of curiosity, Shelby stuck her head out of her shell and started dancing to the music and bobbing her head to the beat. It seems her favourite song is ‘Build Me Up, Buttercup’ by The Foundation.
When she’s not busy working, you can usually find Érika snuggled up with Joel, Shelby, reading a good book. Érika compensates for her chocolate habit by taking Zumba classes and snowboarding during the winter months. Her other hobby is collecting socks with different animal designs on them, from giraffes and hippos to octopi and rubber duckies. Next time you see her in the clinic, ask her to show you which pair she’s wearing.
Érika has recently adopted 2 bengal mixes from one of the rescues we work with at the clinic, Birdie and her sister Prairie stole her heart and is very much enjoying the high life in her new family.
Érika wrote and passed her VTNE Exam in November 2023 and passed with flying colours and proudly wears the R (standing for Registered) in front of her VT.
“Please note that although Érika is posing with her pet turtle, Huron East Animal Hospital does not see turtle patients.”