It comes from a deep passion to improve the lives of our furry family members that do so much for us. Many of us had them when we were children and they became our confidants, friends, companions and, for some, our lifesavers. Thankfully, there are those people who choose to make it their life’s work to improve theirs…. or perhaps, it is better said that this work chooses them. Ashlee comes to us from Colorado. She was raised in the small mountain town of Bailey by her dad, Kevin and her mom, Audra. She also has a younger brother, Chase, who currently lives in Missouri. Her love of animals began at an early age, and it stems from the constant presence of animals throughout her childhood. In 2013, Ashlee and her fiancé made their way from the mountains of Colorado to the quaint small town of Medina, Ohio. Whether or not culture shock ensued, we don’t know, but thankfully and to the benefit of all animals in this special area, they chose to remain. Ashlee began working at Bed Bath and Beyond as a sales associate and what happened next is nothing short of miraculous. One day several years later, into the store came the husband of a local veterinarian. His reason for going there was not important, but the two got to talking. Apparently, his wife was looking for some help at her practice and Ashlee jumped at the chance as she had always wanted to work in Veterinary Medicine. She said yes and the rest, as they say, is history. Ashlee has spent the past 8 years working at Medina Veterinary Clinic alongside Dr. Kelly Parker. On her day off, she also began working at the Medina County SPCA.  She also has a love for horses and has been riding since she was 10. She currently has 4 cats, with plans to hopefully add dogs, chickens and goats in the future! When not working, true to her Colorado roots, she enjoys anything and everything outdoors – hiking in Hocking Hills, kayaking with friends, running races, including the Disney Marathon and riding bikes in the summer with her fiancé. Her experience, veterinary knowledge, passion to help animals and the dedication she has shown during the past 8 years are nothing short of inspiring. She hopes to take her years of veterinary knowledge and love for the ever-growing field to the next level in her new position here at Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital.