As we begin a new year, many of us are setting goals and making resolutions for ourselves. For some, this may include finding the perfect job or career that aligns with our passions and values.
Recently, we’ve promoted a few of our staff members, and they have offered their advice for planning your career in 2024:
Gwyneth Hiesinger: Finance Manager
Gwyneth was recently promoted to Finance Manager, a position that was created after she demonstrated her strong abilities and the need for the position within the organization.
In her new position, Gwyneth plans to work with the financial team to track trends to improve fundraising, help take on more financial responsibilities to help fellow employees concentrate their time on their improved operation aspects, and she also plans to help take a load off the CPA by handling things like more reconciliations and monthly bank accounts.
“It gives me satisfaction that Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has enough trust in me, enough faith in my abilities, and enough of a comfort level to delegate more responsibility to me. So, on a personal level, it is satisfying,” said Gwyneth.
Gwyneth said that for anyone interested in a career at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, it’s important to know that the organization offers a wide range of opportunities for growth, allowing anyone to start anywhere within the organization and then move laterally or move up.
With her prior experience in the healthcare field, Gwyneth said she enjoyed the part of her job that allowed her to help set patients up for success, which she now provides to Guardian Angel recipients. “I am so happy to be able to continue to be a part of a process that enables the recipient to gain or maintain their independence and improve their quality of life. Also, I’m very proud to work in an organization that is providing those benefits for veterans and first responders,” Gwyneth said.
Additionally, Gwyneth pointed out that the organization offers an environment where people can go into a position on a trial basis to ensure that’s what they want to pursue, and then the organization will develop them and help them move in that direction.
Zach Valentin: Dog Care Specialist Manager
Zach, who recently received his second promotion to Dog Care Specialist Manager, worked as the Lead DCS and was responsible for onboarding all new hires. In addition to that, his days also consisted of caring for all the dogs on the property and keeping them mentally and physically stimulated.
“This promotion means to me that I have an opportunity to learn more and grow more within the company and that I am excited to pass down all of my current and future knowledge to all of our current and future employees,” said Zach.
Zach plans to use his new position to move the organization forward. He shared, “I am going to try and instill in my team to have the same level of desire and drive that I have to come here every day and give the absolute best dog care possible. ”
For those interested in working with the organization, Zach’s advice is to prepare for teamwork and to strengthen your work ethic because showing up and doing your best each day is half the battle.
“My motivation to join the team was being able to work with my favorite animal. After getting hired, I realized that not only am I able to work with dogs, but I can work with dogs and change and save human lives. It’s incredible, and it means so much to me,” Zach said.
Kelly Forbes: Veterinary Hospital Manager
Kelly began her career at Guardian Angels Medical Services Dogs as a Certified Veterinary Technician and has an Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology from the Vet Tech Institute in Pittsburgh, a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Pennsylvania State University, and is a Certified Veterinary Technician with over a decade of experience in Emergency, Small Animal, and Large Animal medicine.
Her love for animals and her desire to make an impact is what led her to the organization. She was recently promoted to Veterinary Hospital Manager. “It means the world to me. I appreciate the fact that hard work is noticed and appreciated/rewarded. I’m very invested in our mission and our veterinary department in particular, and I am excited to use my new position to help further the amazing work our organization is doing,” Kelly said.
In her new position, Kelly plans to continue to support Dr. Rogers in providing the best veterinary care possible for the dogs on-site as well as the paired dogs throughout the country.
Her advice for working at the organization is to first love dogs. Kelly also shared that the right people for the organization have a good work ethic and a desire to make an impact on people’s lives. With hands-on training and many other opportunities, Kelly said people who are willing to do the work will find success.
Learn How You Can Become Part of the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dog Team!
To learn more about our programs and how you can get involved, visit our Career Opportunities page or contact us today for more information!
Mrs. Borden’s expertise and accomplishments are acknowledged by numerous national awards from various industries and agencies including the 2018 Corporate Pet Industry Woman of the Year and multiple awards for her organization’s work in mental health and suicide prevention.
She is frequently requested as a Keynote Speaker, and as an Industry Consultant to teach service dog laws to judicial systems, attorneys, and businesses, and to assist in service dog bills in multiple states that were passed into law. In 2020, she started an Institute for Higher Learning and the Borden Veterinary Hospital. Additionally, she has written and teaches college-accredited/VA-approved apprenticeship courses on dog training and service dog training.
- Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Bully Max, and Pittsburgh Pirates Team Up - April 26, 2024
- How to Take Advantage of the CTU Patriot Scholarship - April 5, 2024
- Benefits of Service Dogs for Veterans - April 3, 2024
