April Sparks
Veterinary Assistant at Eubanks Animal Clinic

For April Sparks, the courage to take a leap of faith has allowed her to touch and save animal lives in a big way. Originating from Jacksonville, Arkansas, ABC Veterinary Assistant Program graduate April Sparks always knew she wanted to work in the pet care industry. “Veterinary assisting has always been my first choice career wise. I have always wanted to work with animals.” However, life does not always go as planned. When April was blessed with a child of her own, she could not conceive how she’d be able to juggle going to school to pursue her dream along with being a new mom. April admits, “I have always wanted to study veterinary medicine, but when I had my daughter I thought that life was over, but this program has made me realize that I can do anything I set my mind to.”

After almost giving up her dream to pursue her career in veterinary medicine, April Sparks turned to the internet to do some research. She soon found the Animal Behavior College website, and along with it discovered that ABC works with the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) program to assist military wives in pursuing their career aspirations. April had little doubt once she discovered ABC that it was the college for her. “I considered Penn Foster, but Animal Behavior College seemed more informative and the admission counselors where so helpful. Terrence Crook was my admissions counselor and he was very friendly. He made me feel welcome. Michelle Metzger was my Program Manager and she was amazing! She was always there when I needed help. Everyone that I spoke with from ABC was pleasant and sincerely cared about helping me.”

April thrived as a student in Animal Behavior College’s Veterinary Assistant Program and graduated as an honors student. The home study allowed her to balance her learning with her time at home while the hands on portion gave her real life experience. “ABC has opened up so many opportunities for me and my family. I got to learn something that I love and always wanted to do while I stayed home and took care of my family. It has also made me realize that I can do more that I thought I could. ABC has boosted my confidence and it is an amazing school for full time parents and workers.”

After graduating from the ABC Veterinary Assistant Program, April was offered a job at the veterinary clinic that she did her externship at. She now works full time at the Eubanks Animal Clinic. She works with the veterinarian most days and as a receptionist a few days out of the week. “There are so many things that I have done and I have only just begun. I have taken the American College Testing (ACT) aptitude test and scored a 23. I have also applied to a university to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in biology. Hopefully one day I will continue on to Veterinary Medical School. I saved a puppy's life a week ago and I was so proud of myself. ABC taught me how to do this. I love going to work everyday. Without ABC, I would probably still be a housewife. I am so happy with my career choice. Thank you ABC!”

Megan Reitenour
Veterinary Assistant at Statesville Animal Hospital

With three generations of stock car racers in her family the name Megan Reitenour is most commonly associated with the world of Nascar. Reitenour began her racing career 15 years ago at the age of 5 when she began racing Quarter Midgets. Although being a professional race car driver was Megan’s first career choice, she has always loved animals and has used this love to spark a new career for herself. “I have had a hard time securing funding to race this year so I wanted to pursue my second passion. The care and well being of animals has always been very important to me.”

While Megan has always loved animals, it was volunteering with her local animal shelter that confirmed her desire to become a certified veterinary assistant. “I have always been good with animals but working at the veterinary hospital gave me the confidence to know I can do a good job and be successful at it. It also helped me be more alert for problems with my own animals as well as the pets of my family and friends. “

Having the desire to pursue a second career and actually finding the resources to do so is two different things. Once Megan knew she wanted to train to become a certified Veterinary Assistant, she then had to figure out how to work it into her busy racing schedule. After doing some research, Megan discovered Animal Behavior College. “I felt ABC was the best program available. It seemed structured, yet flexible to accommodate my busy schedule as well. I was able to work in a top notch veterinarian facility with great people who took the time to work one on one with me and let me get the hands on experience that I needed to be successful in this career field.”

A resident of Statesville, North Carolina, Megan now divides her time between working as a professional race car driver, a veterinary assistant, and a contributing supporter of SICSA (Society for the Improvement of Conditions for Stray Animals). She works with the Statesville Animal Hospital and is seeking permanent employment in the veterinary field. She is also focusing on starting her own pet sitting business in the near future.

Lynnda Ferguson
Veterinary Assistant at Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital

A New Mexico native, Lynnda Ferguson has always had a profound love for animals, beginning with the self-described love of her life, her thoroughbred horse Ajax. Throughout her life, Lynnda has pursued a great deal of endeavors, beginning with acting. She has been a professional actress for 25 years, and has worked in classical theater, on television, and in films. Although her career as an actress was something that she was passionate about, she had always dreamed of working with animals.

A few years before enrolling in the program, Lynnda faced breast cancer. Although the diagnosis was tragic, she has always looked at the positive side of things, and described it as a life-changing experience, in more ways than one. Surviving cancer made her realize that she wanted to work with animals, and that she belonged in the animal industry.

After some extensive research, Lynnda decided that the best education to pursue would be a Veterinary Assistant certification. She was drawn to Animal Behavior College because of the home-study coupled with hands-on training. What truly made her decide to become certified through ABC was the assistance of a program manager. Lynnda knew that she was a self-motivated person who could complete the program, but the fact that there was a professional in her field of study there to help answer all of her questions and assist her with understanding the information was the most appealing aspect of ABC.

Once she enrolled in the program, Lynnda was not disappointed. ABC’s faculty was warm, open, and willing to help. She found the material clear, concise, and easy to comprehend. Whenever she encountered something that she did not understand, she would call her program manager Ashlie with questions.

Lynnda’s favorite part of the program was the externship. Applying all of the knowledge that she had gained from the book work to a hands-on environment was an invaluable learning experience. The fact that ABC assisted her with finding an externship location was an aspect that she truly appreciated.

Lynnda graduated from ABC’s Veterinary Assistant program with honors in June of 2010.

As a result of becoming certified through ABC, Lynnda was hired at her externship location, and currently works there as a part-time employee. With ABC’s help, she found success in the animal industry, and is now living her dream. Since Animal Behavior College gave her an excellent foundation in veterinary medicine, she is now pursuing a degree as a Registered Veterinary Technician. She loves working with animals, and is open to any new opportunities that the veterinary field can offer her.