If you’re looking for practice support, unmatched employee benefits, and a family-like working environment, we might be for you.
Portland, ME 04101
Rarebreed Veterinary Partners. © 2023
Fun Fact: Jackie has swum with dolphins and sharks.
Pet in Photo: Marcel
Jackie lives in the small town of Clark, New Jersey, with her husband, Nick, and rescue pup, Dixie. Before joining Rarebreed, Jackie worked as a veterinary assistant, technician, customer support specialist, practice manager, and even a groomer. She was first introduced to the Rarebreed family during a partnership between Rarebreed and the hospital she was working for. Prior to her career in the veterinary field, she earned her degree in radiology. In her free time, Jackie enjoys camping and visiting national parks.
Fun Fact: Tracey is equally happy camping in New England or traveling internationally to visit museums and old churches.
Tracey has worked in veterinary medicine for over 25 years. She grew up on a farm in rural Minnesota before moving to the Boston area, where she managed a veterinary hospital while going to grad school. She later moved to California and worked as a regional operations director with VCA, then as the executive director for Animal Dermatology Group, and then transitioned to manage a specialty referral hospital. Missing the four seasons, she moved back to New England to manage a hybrid specialty hospital in Massachusetts.
She holds a Master of Arts degree from Northeastern University and an MBA from the University of Redlands. Her passion is developing new hospital processes, operational workflows and growing veterinary professionals into leaders. She enjoys reading and volunteering at a local food pantry.
Fun Fact: Shannon loves to drive.
Pet in Photo: Khaleesi
Shannon’s career path has been guided by her passion for animals and animal science. She spent two years in equine studies and a year learning to be a veterinary technician. After taking on many veterinary practice roles, she decided to become a practice manager and eventually went to work at Casco Bay Veterinary Hospital where she met Rarebreed Co-founder Sean Miller.
At Rarebreed, Shannon is putting her accounting skills to work. Her management style, organizational skills and congenial personality make her a great Rarebreed team member and motivator. Her plans for the future include earning the Certified Veterinary Practice Manager credential and continuing her accounting studies at Husson University.
Fun Fact: Adria dove with sharks in Yap, located in the Micronesian Islands next to Guam.
Pet in Photo: Titan
Adria’s passion for animals has always been a big part of who she is. Her many years of experience working in animal care began in a Maine animal shelter. Later, after moving to Florida, Adria flourished as a veterinary technician, surgery technician, inventory manager, and trainer. Most recently she lived in Guam where she worked as practice manager for an animal hospital. Now back in Maine, she is excited to continue her career with Rarebreed and complete her undergraduate certificate in veterinary practice management. In her free time, Adria enjoys horseback riding, painting and dancing.
Fun Fact: Kim has a passion for refinishing and repurposing old furniture.
Pet in Photo: Gus
Kim has worked in the animal care industry for close to 20 years, five of which have been spent in the veterinary field where she has held leadership and management positions. Kim’s prior roles included dog and cat groomer, trainer in basic obedience, and managing a large boarding facility in Massachusetts. Kim heard about Rarebreed from a friend and is very glad that she did! She is excited to be part of the Rarebreed team and loves getting to work with so many amazing people. Kim lives in southern Maine with her husband, Mark, two dogs and a cat.
Fun Fact: Rachael is certified in Wildlife Chemical Capture and Immobilization from the Wildlife Science Center in Stacy, Minnesota.
Pet in Photo: Bennett
Rachael’s veterinary career began in 2012 as a volunteer kennel assistant at Garland Road Small Animal Hospital in Winslow, Maine. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Unity College while working as a customer service representative, veterinary technician, manager, then practice manager at Garland Road.
Rachael first joined the Rarebreed family in December 2019 when they partnered with Garland Road. Now part of the Business Transformation Team, she is eager to help new veterinary hospitals join the growing Rarebreed family.
Rachael lives on a small farm in rural Maine. Her interest in wildlife research led her to Minnesota for research with wolves and bears, and to Pennsylvania for elk calf research. In her free time, Rachael enjoys working with her own animals, which include multiple cows, two Golden Retrievers, Bennett and Riley, Cali the cat, and Bonk the rabbit.
Fun Fact: Linda loves to go fishing.
Pet in Photo: Izzy
Linda’s teaching experience began when she was just a teenager, heavily involved in the United States Pony Club as a member, instructor and regional examiner. She finds nothing more rewarding than helping someone else in their quest for learning. Since becoming a licensed veterinary technician, she has devoted herself to helping her co-workers elevate their veterinary practices.
Linda earned her Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Science at the University of Maine, Orono, and has been working as a licensed Veterinary Technician since 1996 in both large and small animal practices. For the past 10 years, she worked at an emergency and specialty practice focusing on surgery.
Linda lives in Scarborough, Maine, with her husband, daughter and two Siamese cats.
Fun Fact: Danielle has been crocheting since she was six years old.
Pet in Photo: Dante
Danielle has always wanted to work with animals, often bringing home injured critters to take care of. Her passion for helping animals grew as she went to a vocational-agricultural high school, which set her up perfectly to earn a degree in animal science from Becker College.
Danielle jumped into the field in emergency/referral animal hospitals where she gained a wealth of knowledge and skill. Wanting to be well-rounded, she worked in general practice to focus on anesthesia, but ultimately went back to emergency/specialty. She spent four years as lead technician of an Avian & Exotics Department where she expanded her skills and knowledge to additional species. She is very excited to put her experience to use at Rarebreed. Danielle lives in Connecticut with her boyfriend, beautiful daughter, two stepdaughters, two dogs, three cats, and a crested gecko.
Fun Fact: Brian lives on a 24-acre farm in Rhode Island with his son, Wyatt, a dog, 3 cats, and a menagerie of farm animals.
Pet in Photo: Milo
Brian’s interest in working with animals began in middle school when he assisted at a horse barn. He went on to attend Norfolk County Agricultural High School and then Mount Ida College for veterinary technology. Brian is an experienced certified veterinary technician with more than 20 years working in the veterinary field. He is passionate about emergency and critical care, anesthesiology, wildlife medicine, and teaching others veterinary medicine.
Brian loves all four New England seasons and spending time outdoors. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking, gardening, and taking care of his many farm animals, which include alpacas, goats, sheep, mixed poultry, and rabbits.
Fun Fact: Dr. Conway was in an MTV music video in the 90s.
Pet in Photo: Brady
Dr. Danielle Conway is a nutrition residency trained veterinarian with extensive experience in evidence-based integrative medicine. Her pursuit of “helping patients live their best lives” has led to training and working alongside leading professionals countrywide. She has certifications and advanced coursework in veterinary acupuncture, spinal manipulation, rehabilitation, and nutraceutical support. Her approach is to combine traditional medicine with individualized integrative modalities to achieve optimal wellness.
She is excited to share her skills with the Rarebreed network via the creation of nutrition and integrative wellness programs. Her personal interests include researching science-based next-generation wellness techniques, environmental stewardship, and doing anything outdoors, including gardening, skiing, biking, and hiking. She is also passionate about using her integrative training to help reduce veterinary profession burnout.
In addition to a variety of hooved, scaled, feathered and furry companions, Dr. Conway shares her home with her husband and two beautiful and spirited daughters.
Fun Fact: Dr. Bourazak bicycled from Seattle, Washington to Washington, DC to raise money for the American Lung Association.
Pet in Photo: Charles Darwin
Before she became interested in canine rehabilitation, Dr. Bourazak received her master’s in physical therapy from Northwestern University. After 15 years as a physical therapist, she left the profession to study at the University of Illinois School of Veterinary Medicine where her love for anesthesia grew. After graduation, she completed a rotating internship at the University of Georgia and her residency in anesthesia and analgesia at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Since finishing her residency, Dr. Bourazak has worked in private practice, elevating anesthesia techniques for patients and surgery teams. She has a special interest in locoregional techniques, critical anesthesia, and adjunctive pain management.
Dr. Bourazak loves adventuring outdoors with her partner, her yellow lab mix, Charlie, and her Beagle, Ruth. She is excited to be part of the Medical Operations team at Rarebreed, bringing her passion and experience to our partners and patients.
Fun Fact: Gianna and her dogs enjoy bikejoring together.
Pet in Photo: Brady
Gianna’s love for animals began at a young age. She grew up surrounded by a variety of animals and spent her early years volunteering at animal shelters. Gianna earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science and minored in equine studies at the University of Maine in Orono. After graduating in 2018, she began working as a veterinary technician. She has always had a special love for large animals and spends her free time working on dairy farms and horse farms. She also enjoys hiking in the woods with her dogs.
Gianna lives in Massachusetts with her four dogs, one cat, one goat, one cow, nine chickens, one sulcata tortoise, three puffer fish and some ball pythons.
Fun Fact: Nicole obtained a master’s degree in public policy and management, and was accepted into law school, but opted to change gears and pursue a life in the veterinary field alongside her husband.
Pet in Photo: Titan
Nicole joined Rarebreed after spending 15 years managing and owning Stoneledge Animal Hospital alongside her husband, Dr. Mike. They decided to partner with Rarebreed after recognizing how clearly the philosophies and goals of Rarebreed align with the needs and desires of smaller practices. Prior to her career in the veterinary field, Nicole spent 8 years as a human resources professional at Fairchild Semiconductor. She was responsible for hiring IT and engineering professionals in Maine and Silicon Valley. She also managed Fairchild’s Immigration program globally and was the HR business partner to their Corporate Legal group. In her spare time, Nicole loves spending time with her husband, their girls and their 2 French Bulldog pups, Mabel and Henry. She also loves to garden and design and re-design rooms in their home.
Fun Fact: Belle is a nationally competitive bodybuilder.
Pet in Photo: Todd
Belle is a proud Mainer, born in Portland and raised in Kennebunkport. She is a loving cat mom of two and a clinically skilled LVT. After graduating with high honors from the University of New Hampshire in 2015, she went into general veterinary practice. A vital member of the surgical team, Belle was also the designated trainer for vet tech student interns. Belle’s main interest is veterinary anesthesiology and gaining and sharing new knowledge with her team members.
Growing up, Belle was an equestrian and animal enthusiast. Cats are her favorite! She is a competitive bodybuilder and holds an Overall Bikini Champion title. When not working, you can find her at the gym lifting weights and getting ready for her next national show season.
Fun Fact: Tina writes with her left hand and does most everything else with her right.
Pet in Photo: Toast
Tina comes to Rarebreed with 20+ years of experience in the veterinary industry. She brings with her experience in project, program, and platform management, learning and development, strategic planning, and marketing. Tina graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a BA in communications. She also holds a project management certification from the University of Maine, and ATD certificates in evaluating learning impact and change management. Tina lives in Gorham, Maine, with her family and furry friends fat cat Penelope, rescue mutt Maggie, and Bernedoodle Otis. In her downtime she can be found running, hiking, kayaking, working in the garden, or on a beach somewhere with her family.
Fun Fact: Brenda enjoys listening to all types of music.
Pet in Photo: Murphy
Before joining Rarebreed, Brenda spent 10 years at IDEXX, growing the IDEXX Learning Center’s curriculum and technology ecosystem and developing a community of learning programs for partners and customers. She has extensive experience in developing successful, innovative learning programs across the veterinary and high-tech industries. Brenda brings her lifelong passion for animals and learning to Rarebreed and feels they are a perfect complement to Rarebreed’s mission of love, respect and fun.
Brenda’s education includes a Bachelor of Science from The Ohio State University and project management certification from the University of Southern Maine. She lives in Saco, Maine, and enjoys time with family and friends, outdoor and creative activities, and the state’s beautiful beaches.
Fun Fact: Spencer is a volunteer crisis counselor.
Pet in Photo: Fire
Spencer has a long history of veterinary experiences having spent a decade working in a wide range of hospitals, including emergency and specialty, primary care, and non-profit wellness while wearing every hat available, short of “veterinarian.” A less-than-ideal onboarding experience at a prior job helped him fully appreciate first impressions and ultimately fueled his desire to help new partners and their teams navigate the onboarding journey.
Spencer is a fitness enthusiast and shares his life with his tapdancing Irish Setter named Fire, his office assistant Jamal the betta fish, and his partner.
Fun Fact: Sue loves cross-stitching and gifting her pieces to others.
Pet in Photo: Scout
Sue’s road to Rarebreed wasn’t a well-traveled route through the vet industry but a less-traveled one through NASCAR and the racing industry. In a career that spanned over 15 years, Sue traveled the country and gained experiences that included public relations, marketing, travel logistics, event planning, sponsorship, and team management. The sixth employee at Rarebreed, Sue built the Onboarding Department and created and documented a repeatable process that saw Rarebreed grow from one hospital to 67 in less than three years. Sue currently uses her talents at Rarebreed to build processes and procedures for the operational teams serving Rarebreed’s thriving community of veterinary hospitals.
When not working, you’ll find Sue stitching, reading a book, doing a puzzle, or coaching youth sports. She lives in North Yarmouth, Maine, with her husband, two daughters, and her handsome four-legged man, Scout.
Fun Fact: Renee played basketball in college.
Pet in Photo: Oakley
Renee believes Rarebreed’s vision and mission impacts a lot of lives and influences the veterinary industry for the better. She is excited to be a part of an exceptional community and is honored to have the opportunity to work with an incredible, growing network of independent veterinary hospitals.
Renee came to Rarebreed with experience in human services, as well as helping youth, families and individuals with disabilities reach their highest potential in life, whether that’s socially, educationally or professionally.
Outside of work, Renee enjoys valuable time with family, gardening, hiking, photography, reading, music, knitting, playtime with her dog, Oakley, or snuggle sessions with her cat, Elle.
Fun Fact: Millie and her husband lived in a Yurt off grid in New Mexico.
Pet in Photo: Grace
Millie received a BS in wildlife biology from the University of Vermont and an AS in veterinary technology from Foothill College. During her time at UVM, she fell in love with dog training and went on to become a certified dog trainer. She owned and operated a training school while actively competing with her own dogs.
Millie’s love of the human-animal bond led her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. She spent 17 years as a registered veterinary technician and has experience in emergency medicine, neurology, and general practice, and extensive training in anesthesia and critical care. Her passion and love of veterinary medicine have led her to the Rarebreed team. Millie lives in Vermont with her husband, three Doberman pinschers, one cat, and twelve chickens.
Fun Fact: Christina lived in Alaska, Hawaii, and the continental United States all in the same year.
Pet in Photo: Oakley
Christina has spent most of her career in the nonprofit world, raising funds and awareness for type 1 diabetes. Before joining Rarebreed, she worked in an attorney’s office in Portland, Maine. In her spare time, Christina runs a nonprofit organization for her community to help feed families in need during Thanksgiving and provide gifts during the holidays. Christina enjoys spending time with her three children, husband, and two German short-hair pointers, Gus and Jack, in the outdoors or camping in the beautiful New England woods.
Fun Fact: Tim is an avid hockey player and is on the ice 2-3 times a week.
Pet in Photo: Nova
Tim has been delivering data-driven, enterprise-level, end-user workflow applications for 23 years for use by people at every level of an organization. Most recently, he led a team of implementation engineers who delivered complete end-user print workflow solutions successfully and efficiently. Tim has joined Rarebreed to be part of something with meaning and a real purpose.
Tim is an avid hockey player and documents his journey by wearing a GoPro while he plays and posting the videos to YouTube along with messages of encouragement designed to bring a deeper awareness of colon cancer and suicide. When he’s not working or playing hockey, Tim enjoys relaxing with his family. He and his wife raised three children to adulthood and now love spending time with their grandchildren, Benjamin, Asil, and Kallen. He also has three puppies, Duke, Odin, and Roxy.
Fun Fact: Melanie is a special-occasion florist and has been on the holiday decorating team at The White House.
Pet in Photo: Titan
Melanie comes to Rarebreed with over 20 years of experience in the veterinary world including as a client service manager, practice manager, and, most recently, referral coordinator at a 24-hour emergency, specialty, and general medicine practice. She has always had a passion for animals and has never been without one in her life. She was an avid 4H member and has shown many of her pets, including dogs, guinea pigs, horses, and even cows.
When she’s not busy designing wedding flowers or helping her husband, Kevin, with his Cornwell Tools franchise, Melanie and Kevin enjoy camping throughout New England, often in Maine, with their Corgis. She also likes spending time with her grandson and her three grown children who she’s lucky to have still living in the same town.
Fun Fact: Bernetta was a director of a dance school where ballet, tap, ethnic, and lyrical dance were taught.
Pet in Photo: Benny
Bernetta began her veterinary care as a veterinary assistant in general practice. After graduating from tech school, her eyes were opened to the emergency, specialty, and critical care world of veterinary medicine. This proved to be the excitement that she had been missing. She quickly navigated a path into a management/leadership position where she trained, mentored, and cultivated veterinary technicians and assistants. Bernetta thrives on making connections with people and facilitating difficult conversations and direct communication. She has an associate degree in applied science from Camden County College and a BS in management from DeVry University. She lives in Pennsylvania with her three children and four fur children.
Fun Fact: Meg’s cat has more Instagram followers than she does.
Meg grew up in a small Midwest town and is a graduate of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in veterinary technology. Meg was raised in the saddle and pursued her passion for horses by further focusing her degree on equine business management. Following graduation, Meg relocated to Virginia to work as a licensed veterinary technologist with dual equine anesthesia and internal medicine caseload responsibility. Meg then served more than 220 veterinary practices across the Mid-Atlantic as an equine and companion animal pharmaceutical specialist with Zoetis. In addition to maintaining licensure, Meg continues to further professional development by pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree from Purdue University Global. Meg, her significant other, Brian, and adventure cat, Gypsy, live in Virginia, where time outside of work is spent in running shoes, in hiking boots, and on the lake or traveling
Fun Fact: LouAnn is a huge sports enthusiast and loves cheering on her beloved Boston Bruins, New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox.
Pet in Photo: Brady
LouAnn grew up in Maine and graduated from St. Joseph’s College where she triple majored in accounting, management and marketing. She also attended the University of Maine, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and teaching. After spending 23 years in North Carolina working in NASCAR, selling real estate and rescuing dogs, she relocated to Maine and joined Rarebreed to combine her career with her passion for and love of animals. LouAnn spends her free time with her dog, Fender, and her family, which includes 15 nieces and nephews.
Fun Fact: Sam is an avid antique collector and enjoys woodworking and restoring furniture..
Pet in Photo: Ollie
Sam is a native of the Syracuse, New York, area where she began her career as a kennel attendant at a local shelter. She found her purpose there and pursued her passion for animals by attending Mount Ida College to obtain her veterinary technology degree. She moved to Nantucket where she excelled in general practice and became a member of the New England Aquarium Marine Mammal Field Response Team. After leaving Nantucket, Sam worked for an emergency and referral hospital where she spent time in the ER/ICU and in dermatology and later worked as a supervisor. Taking a step out of practice, she refined her skills as a practice consultant.
Sam lives in the hamlet of Leeds, New York, with her wife, her dog, Petunia, three cats, Gilly, Max, and Tomato, and 15 chickens. She enjoys homesteading and restoring her 1890 farmhouse.
