Valerie is a kennel assistant here at Petersen Pet Hospital. She was raised in Marion and graduated from Linn-Mar High School in 2017. Valerie grew up with a Shih Tzu Bichon Frise mix named Miley, who was her best friend, as well as a couple of hermit crabs. Growing up, she loved animals and dreamt of helping animals be the happiest and healthiest that they can be.

Valerie is currently a biology student at Mount Mercy University on a pre-veterinary track. When she is finished with her undergrad, she hopes to attend the Veterinary Medicine School at Iowa State University to pursue her dream of becoming a small animal veterinarian.

She lives at home in Cedar Rapids with her family and her energetic Betta fish named Tamale.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, learning more about the earth and practicing sustainability, painting, reading, dogsitting her brother’s German Shepherd, and being outside.