Originally from New Cumberland, West Virginia, Samantha grew up surrounded by a wide variety of animals. Her family had multiple dogs and cats, pocket pets, turtles, and several species of birds, including finches, doves, lovebirds, and a cockatoo. Animals became an important source of comfort for Samantha during difficult moments in her childhood, creating a connection that would ultimately inspire her to dedicate her career to caring for them. Today, she shares her life with two Pomeranians: Sif, a black-and-white male, and Vixie, a red-and-cream female.
Samantha has known she wanted to help animals since elementary school. Her lifelong connection with animals and the comfort they provided throughout her childhood inspired her desire to give that same care back to them through veterinary medicine.
She earned her undergraduate degree from West Virginia University before continuing her veterinary education at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Samantha is currently a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine student at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and anticipates graduating in May 2027.
This is Samantha’s first time visiting Las Vegas, Nevada. She first learned about the externship after meeting the Lone Mountain Animal Hospital team at her school’s career fair, where she immediately felt welcomed. With a strong interest in exotic medicine, she was especially drawn to the opportunity to experience exotic general practice and work with species she has had limited exposure to during veterinary school.
During this externship, Samantha is focused on expanding her knowledge and hands-on experience with exotic animals, particularly avian species, while continuing to strengthen her skills with traditional small animal patients. Following graduation, she hopes to practice exotic and small animal general medicine. While she may be interested in practice ownership in the future, her current priority is growing and developing her confidence as a clinician.
Outside of the hospital, Samantha enjoys spending time with friends, playing video games, watching movies, exploring new places, and planning trips. She describes herself as shy at first but quickly opens up once she feels comfortable. She also has a special love for poison dart frogs.
