Our second interview in our series is someone our clients already know well. As our office manager, Lori is responsible for our inventory and orders, assisting with inpatient and outpatient care, and the majority of communications with clients. Lori started working for us in 2021 and has been a bubbly face of fun for the practice ever since. We hope you enjoy getting to know Lori and her position as part of our team interview series.

As an office manager, Lori helps schedule Dr. Ashby, and her team, to optimize patient care, reception, and appointment flow. She ensures we always have enough food and medications on hand, fills Myvetstore.ca orders, helps clients deal with back orders. Like all the heroes on our team, she shares our superpowers of compassion, knowledge, and service.

 

Here are her answers to our interview questions:

What is something veterinary practices have to deal with that you want to fix?

Veterinary Practices are sometimes very scary and intimidating places for both pets and pet parents.  I want to help relieve some of that scariness and take away some of the unknown, so everyone has a pleasant experience. When people call me with  problems – whether that problem is a sick pet, or that they ran out of their pet food, treats or medication – I help them know where to start and reassure them that a solution is not far away. 

What do you do at Carriage Crossing Animal Hospital?

I am the voice you hear on the phone welcoming you to Carriage Crossing Animal Hospital. I am here to help you with all your questions and concerns regarding your furry family member, and to make sure you feel comfortable and at ease with your veterinary visit. I also assist Dr Ashby in appointments, procedures and treatments. I am the laughter you hear in the background – making myself or my teammates laugh (I find myself hilarious). 

What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position as Office Manager?

I have worked in veterinary healthcare on the frontlines as a Client Care Representative and as both a vet and tech assistant. I also was in Quality Control and Customer Service at a major reference laboratory. My education is in marketing which has been incredibly helpful for my role in interacting with people as the face of the hospital.

What do you like about working at Carriage Crossing Animal Hospital?

I love working with both pets and their pet parents to foster relationships built on trust and care. It brings me joy knowing that I can be depended on to help them with their pets and any concerns or questions that they may have.

What’s your background?

I grew up and lived in Brampton, until I moved to the Waterloo area about 5 years ago. I have been working in the veterinary field for over 30 years in emergency 24 hour clinics, veterinary labs and general practices.  I most enjoy working in a general practice veterinary hospital. As an Office Manager it brings me joy knowing that clients can always trust their “Auntie” Lori to look out for them while they and their pet are here at Carriage Crossing Animal Hospital.

What are the values that drive you?

The values that drive me are compassion, laughter/having fun and integrity.  These values are much in demand in this industry.  And you will not be successful if you do not possess these values. 

Your top 3 favorite Movies/Books/Shows?

I am an avid reader, primarily of fantasy and science fiction. My favourite authors are Mercedes Lackey, Patricia Briggs, David Eddings and Patrick Rothfuss.  I am also a bit of a nerd as I love both Star Wars and Star Trek movies and TV shows.  However, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and Harry Potter are a must in my life as well. 

Ohhhhh, I forgot horror movies as well, Halloween is my favorite time of year. 

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

When I am not working I am spending time with 2 cats Benny and Bailey, watching Netflix, or out hiking along the Grand River with my Olde English Bulldogge Jolene.  I also play competitive Volleyball, and am working on cultivating my green thumb.

Just for fun, we asked all our team to do the Archetype quiz here. Lori is a caregiver, an advocate, and spiritual.

The next time you are in, you know Lori will greet you by your name with a smile to her face. To meet the rest of our caring team, schedule a visit at Carriage Crossing Animal Hospital.