In the Spotlight: Samantha Wilkinson, Veterinary Technician

Samantha, a Veterinary Technician at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, has been with the team for seven months and has over 10 years of experience in the animal field as a veterinary technician, wildlife rehabilitator, educator, and client liaison.

“This job fulfills a part of me that I didn’t even know existed. I can take all the animal and veterinary skills I have acquired over my career and extend them to also focus on human care. My compassion for animals also now can extend toward our recipients, who I can get to know on a much more personal level than with regular clients/animal owners,” said Samantha.

Her passion for helping animals brought her to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, where she plays a critical role in helping the organization unleash the power to heal. “Throughout my career, I’ve handled various species ranging from exotics to livestock and domestic pets. My eagerness to help rescue and transform animals in need is one of my biggest passions in life, whether it be through medicine, behavior modification, or education of the community,” said Samantha.

Watching how the service dogs transform recipients’ lives has touched Samantha’s heart. The opportunity to be there when the dogs are paired with the recipients and seeing the magical bond, they form is a touching experience for her. “I feel so proud that I personally have contributed along with the rest of our great team to that magic,” said Samantha.

Samantha’s work at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has taught her the importance of camaraderie between people from all different areas of the animal care industry and has also allowed her to use her people skills daily, extending beyond the direct care of animals and making an impact on the lives of recipients.

“Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs does so much more than training high-caliber medical service dogs. They also focus on education and training humans in addition to animals and have amazing programs such as the apprentice program where people can get hands-on education to have a career in dog training,” said Samantha.

To learn more about Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, visit our website today!

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Mary Jo Brandt

Mary Jo has an extensive history working with the media as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University. Mary Jo has worked for companies such as Gannett, News Bank Inc., E.W. Scripps Company, Lee Enterprises, Pulitzer, Inc., Arthur Andersen, and has been involved with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. since 2011. Ms. Brandt has had many hours of training in leadership, coaching, and mentoring. Her teams have consistently been highly effective in support of organizational mission and goals. She has one son, Paul who is currently in the Navy, and a daughter, Amanda in college and working full-time for a law firm in Naples. Ms. Brandt began volunteering with Guardian Angels after both her father and previous employer received a Guardian Angels Service Dog in 2011. Seeing the incredible difference service dogs could make in the lives of their recipients, she became involved through volunteering her time & talent to Guardian Angels. Ms. Brandt was then asked to join the Board of Directors and has served as a Board Member since 2013. Recently, Mary Jo has been named as a 2021 Patriot Scholarship recipient from Colorado Technical University. When asked why this scholarship and completing her Master’s Degree in Business Administration was so important to her, she responded, “This scholarship represents how important education is to our military/veterans and their families. I am honored to be part of this unique community. I am already in a career that demonstrates my commitment to helping others, I expect finishing this degree will allow me to be much more effective in my pursuit of working with our Veterans. This scholarship isn’t just about me. It is about how I can help others.” Today we face an even bigger challenge that none of us saw coming during the midst of the pandemic and worldwide economic collapse beginning to unfold. Yet again, Mary Jo is stepping up to the plate to be sure that our organization continues to serve those that need us, as we triumph in the face of untold adversity of today’s world. Businesses will only survive these difficult times because of leaders like Mary Jo.

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