40 Under 40: Randi Potthoff

Randi Potthoff describes herself as "basically a nurse for dogs and cats."

Potthoff, who works at Better Together Animal Alliance as a veterinary technician, said her job involves vaccinations, giving general exams as well as anesthesia, intubations, taking X-rays, placing catheters and so much more. 

"I've always had a passion for animals," Potthoff said. "My mother was a vet tech when I was a kid. That helped give me insight to the field and solidify what I wanted to do."

Her education — and her teachers — are key to shaping who she is today.

While her self-described Achilles heel has always been math, she said she just worked harder to understand it — and gave credit to all who helped along the way. 

"I would have to do after school tutoring, even in college. My teachers never gave up on me and without them I wouldn't be able to understand and comprehend the medical math I do today," she said.

Her parents are perhaps her biggest influences and she credited both her mother and father for instilling a great work ethic into her but also a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. 

"My parents are my rocks, they have supported all my crazy adventures, and ideas," Potthoff said. "I feel so blessed to have the support system I do."

She can't imagine a career in anything other than animal welfare and she hopes to continue educating the community on the importance of spaying and neutering, vaccines, and on animal health/ husbandry in general. 

Advice to her younger self: "Don't be scared to fall down. Each time you get back up, you will be so much stronger. You will learn and grow from all those 'falls.' Embrace it!"