Say “hello” to Miranda, the newest extern at Lone Mountain Animal Hospital!

Originally from Carman, Illinois, Miranda said she has always wanted to be a veterinarian. Although, there was a period of time where she wanted to be a veterinarian and a princess. Growing up, she would try and rescue injured, baby birds and was surrounded by farmland and wildlife. Miranda went on to attend Buena Vista University where she got her Bachelor’s in Biology. Currently, Miranda is a third-year student at the University of Missouri.

“When I was young, I volunteered quite a bit at an animal shelter in my hometown,” Miranda said. “I’ve also volunteered with the National Honor Society, and during my undergrad, I volunteered at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah.” During her study abroad in Australia, Miranda also volunteered at a wildlife rehab.

She heard about the externship at Lone Mountain from an advisor, who also recommended the program to her. Now that she’s at Lone Mountain, Miranda said she is most excited to learn outside of the classroom and learn more about private practices. She is passionate about small animals and small animal exotics.

“You learn a specific way to do something in school, and every school teaches the same sorta thing, but there’s always slightly different ways to get there,” Miranda said. “So it’s interesting to see the different styles interacting with clients, and how people adapt the same ideas into what works well for them.”

In her spare time, Miranda enjoys taking her dog out for hikes, swimming, reading, and “Bob Ross paint nights.” She has three pets, including her Shepard-mix named Bear, and two cats name Lion and Tiger. And yes, it’s just like, “Lions, and tigers, and bears! Oh my!”

Welcome to the team, Miranda!