Michelle

Meet Michelle, one of our Client Service Representatives who also works as a Patient Care Coordinator. Michelle joined our team in August of 2023.

Why did you decide to work at Frontier? I was a pet parent here for almost 3 years before I got brought behind the curtain! So, I know what it’s like to be on the other side of appointments and I think that gives me a great advantage when it comes to talking to pet parents about preventatives and whole health plans! I was working at a local doggie daycare (You might already know me from there!) and bringing my pets here. When Jessie, the Lead CSR, asked if I was interested in working in Vet Med, I couldn’t possibly have jumped at the chance any faster. I grew up dreaming of being a vet, until I realized what needles were and how weak my stomach is. I think being a CSR is the perfect mix of paperwork, cash handling, and loving on peoples pets. Also, I loved Frontier as a pet parent, and I love it even more as an employee.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job? I think the most inspiring part is when people come in and aren’t sure what is wrong with their pet and we get to help reassure them that everything will be ok, or we get to be there for them in the hardest moments, like their final appointment. Even though sometimes the appointments don’t end happily, I am honored I get to be there and help pet parents help their fur babies cross over the rainbow bridge. I like to think about how the appointments go and then use my experiences to make them more smooth next time.

What do you think are the best skills that you bring to your job? People love me. I am charming, personable, funny, and relatable. I can walk in to any appointment and make friends immediately. It’s my best skill as well as my achilles heel. Every pet is my friend, even (especially?) the ones that want nothing to do with me. I get it, boo.

What do you think is your coworkers’ favorite thing about working with you? Obviously it’s my really loud and obnoxious laugh. I am always willing to help out and be a part of the team. Also, I am a damn great hypewoman!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? It’s not really very work appropriate, so let me paraphrase… you are simply not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, and that’s fine. For everyone who doesn’t like you, there’s someone who LOVES you, so why focus on the one who doesn’t? Give your energy and attention to the people who want it and want the best for you. You’ll know who’s on your team if you’re paying attention.

Tell us about your pets! I have a whole menagerie at home. My oldest pets are my three cats. I have Greyg, who is my 13 year old Nebulung. We call him the Mayor in our best Linda Belcher voice. I’ve had him since he was the tiniest baby from a man giving away kittens out of a Pabst box on a sidewalk in front of a Starbucks. Then we have Snug, an 8 year old Tuxedo, who came to us as a feral kitten. Then we have Sadie, who is the prettiest Calico girl in the entire world. Sadie came from a client here who needed to rehome after his mother passed away. We think she is probably 9-10, but we have had her for about 6 months. We started coming to Frontier because of our white pit bull, Betty Mae Boop. She was the last (only?) good thing to come out of 2020 and she’s my baby girl. She is stubborn and beautiful and loves literally everyone. The baby of the family is Jack, a labrador/heeler/supermutt goodboy. BUT, he hates the vet, so when he comes in he has to be sedated/asleep. He gives me a lot of confidence when I have to chat with parents in similar situations. You’re not alone if your pet has to be sedated at the vet! Let’s chat! I’m here for you!

What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working? Being outside or playing video games with my sister! There’s just something about driving through a forest that smells like rain or being under a tree canopy on a warm day. Hearing all the animals and the forest just existing helps me unwind. I love speeding down a dusty logging road. I also love soccer. I had Portland Timbers Supporters Section tickets for over 10 years, as well as selling Portland Thorns merch and tickets on match days for over 3 years. I’m still a paying member of the 107ist.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? I think the ability to fly would be pretty cool.

If you could invent a holiday, what would it definitely involve? As a Leo baby, I think August is greatly lacking in holidays. Summer time, bbq, hip hop, and dogs for sure!

If we held an office talent show, you’d wow everyone with your skills at… GIVE ME THE MIC! If I weren’t doing a stand up routine, I would be hosting it, obviously.