Since an early age, Michelle has always been passionate about animals and their well-being. From her

childhood dog, to her current patients at work, she has thrived in providing animals with intricate care

and aiding them to live out the comfortable lives they deserve.

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Throughout her high school and college career, her volunteer work has centered around her passion for

animals. Michelle volunteered with Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center where she

participated in dove banding and record keeping. At Waller Equine Hospital, she was able to observe a

melanoma removal and reproductive processes including semen collection from a stallion to then study

under a microscope. She was also a temporary foster and adoption assistant for the Pup Squad.

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Michelle graduated from McNeese State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Animal Science,

and then earned a Master’s degree in Environmental and Chemical Sciences. She became a credited

author after writing and presenting her thesis: The Evaluation of Factors Associated with Pre-Race

Behavior in Thoroughbred Race Horses. For her research, Michelle spent hours at Delta Downs

Racetrack observing race horses and their behavior just prior to their races, identifying stress factors and

dynamics. The goal of her research was to potentially allow trainers and handlers to alleviate the

racehorse’s stress level and improve their overall welfare more quickly.

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After graduation, Michelle continued to work in the animal industry and became an employee at

Central Houston Animal Hospital as a kennel technician in 2018. Just a few months later, she was promoted to

being a veterinary technician where she had the pleasure of witnessing Dr. Marziani treating her patients.

This immediately sparked interest for Michelle and encouraged her to want to learn and develop her career in

the field of rehabilitation and pain management. She joined Central Houston Animal Hospital Rehabilitation

and Pain Management Department in January of 2022 and is currently in school to receive her

CCRA (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistant) from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. This is the same

program and curriculum that Dr. Marziani did when she became certified in rehab. 

With further education in this field, she hopes to provide the best care to each patient that she encounters

and help increase their overall welfare, while also maintaining a relationship with the client

and making sure they feel comforted and educated throughout the entirety of the process.