Today we’d like to introduce you to Darlene Geekie.
Darlene, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have worked in the veterinary industry since 1996 and received her RVT certificate from Pierce College in 2001. After working in small animal and emergency practice for years, I became a licensed falconer and found a passion for exotic animal nursing.
In 2005, I also became co-owner and practice manager of a veterinary clinic which exposed her to all aspects of practice management. In 2008, I undertook a new challenge as a consultant and project manager in the construction of Fixnation, a non-profit feral cat program.
I’ve worked with the California Condor Recovery Program helping coordinate and perform field examinations which included collecting samples for West Nile Virus in cooperation with the Center for Disease Control in a study on the effects of a vaccine for endangered California Condors. In addition, I am a Board of Directors Member of the Monterey Zoo in Salinas Ca.
As an owner of a veterinary practice, I have learned that staff education is a critical element in a veterinary practice’s success. Throughout her career, Darlene has had a special interest in the fields of dentistry, anesthesia and exotic care which inspired me to lecture and work for Webster Veterinary Supply.
As a Veterinary Practice Trainer, my extensive experience and passion for animal nursing and have inspired many technicians. I have lectured for companies and organizations such as Webster, OraStrip, Midmark, AZVMA and SCVMA. I enjoy the opportunity to share my expertise and professionalism to improve nursing care and overall staff knowledge in general practice.
Founded Veterinary Angels Medical Center 2012 started Little Angels Project 2016. She’s been awarded 40 under 40, Top Ten Business Women and most recently Women of the year, Home Town Heros with the Red Cross. Currently starting a new disaster relief program called VEMA to help community and disaster relief people to be efficient.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My first practice I purchased in my mid-20s, and it came with its unique challenges. I had to learn to be a CEO, leader, and Young Entrepreneur. I took in all the information I could throughout my career to learn all that I can and excel. By 2013, I opened my first start-up practice and designed it. This would be the most challenging of all the businesses I had started or managed.
Navigating the workforce of today coupled with a new political climate while trying to build a client base and get the word out. We overcame a lot of those challenges but were faced with a community issue of animals in need but lack of funding for them. In 2016, I started a non-profit to help combat that.
This also came with unique challenges of ensuring we did not have compassion fatigue, making sure there was no confusion in our branding for both practices and that they were independent of each other.. etc. We have accomplished this the best we can and I continue to evolve daily with continuing my efforts to grow and learn from others.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Veterinary Angels Medical Center – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Veterinary Angels Medical Center is proud to serve the Agoura Hills, CA area for everything pet-related. Our veterinary hospital has two full-time veterinarians on staff as your community vets. Dr. Scott Amsel prides them on a high level of compassionate care.
Our team is committed to educating our clients in how to keep your pets healthy year round, with good nutrition and exercise. Veterinary Angels Medical Center stays on top of the latest advances in veterinarian technology and above all, remembers that all animals and pets need to be treated with loving care in every check-up, procedure, or surgery.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
Our future plans are to:
• Be recognized by your publication as the preferred provider of veterinary services in Conejo Valley of exotics and domestic patients. This will be achieved by best in class customer experience, and operational excellence.
• Double our doctor, technician, and support staffing 2019 with plans to double again in the next three to five years.
• Start a new disaster relief program called Veterinarian Emergency Medical Assistance (VEMA) to provide our community with affordable emergency disaster relief packages and information for the nearest emergency centers and shelters for you and your pets.
Police, Fire and all disaster relief services will be equipped with important information and contacts to assist you and your pets with shelter and medical care when disaster hits.
Contact Info:
- Address: 29348 Roadside Drive Agoura Hills, CA 91301
- Website: https://www.vetagourahills.com/
- Phone: 818-865-1800
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/veterinaryangelsmedicalcenter/
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/veterinaryangelsmedicalcenter/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/VeterinaryAngel?lang=en
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/veterinary-angels-medical-center-agoura-hills
- Other: https://www.littleangelsproject.org/
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
