Americans love their pets, which makes veterinarians and their staffs a very popular group.
Jennifer Schwartz is a veterinary assistant instructor and program team Lead at the East Valley Institute of Technology Power Campus. She lives in Queen Creek and loves the its small-town vibe and rural areas. That’s good for a person with two dogs, one cat, two horses, a donkey, goats and chickens.
Schwartz also loves teaching and gets a rush when she sees her students have that “a-ha” moment.
In the following, Schwartz talks about how she hopes Queen Creek will continue to balance growth with its small-town feel and her love of veterinary medicine.
Name: Jennifer Schwartz
Age: 41
Town/neighborhood: Queen Creek
When and why I moved here: I moved to Queen Creek in 2006. I grew up in Michigan and left when I met my best friend, my husband. At the time, the area had that small town feel that I was so used to growing up in rural Michigan. I stayed because the town has done a great job of balancing that small town feel with growth and development.
What I like most about living here: Queen Creek has such a diverse group of students from various backgrounds, ethnicity, and ability that makes teaching so enjoyable, rewarding and fun. I am able to dig into my toolbox and use a variety of teaching methods to match the varied learning styles of my students.
What I do: Veterinary Assistant Instructor and Program Team Lead at East Valley Institute of Technology Power Campus
What I like most about what I do: My absolute favorite part of teaching is when students reflect on their past experiences or what they know about a subject, and I help them fill the gaps where information is missing to connect the dots. I love watching the light bulb come on! The highlight of my career has been sharing my passion for veterinary medicine with the next generation of veterinary professionals.
Changes I'd like to see in this area: I would like to see Queen Creek continue to retain its rural culture and charm. Growth is inevitable, but growing and keeping the small-town feel and traditions are what make this town so unique and desirable.
My family: I am married with two dogs, a cat, two horses, a donkey, two goats, and a flock of chickens.
My interests and hobbies: My favorite thing to do is be out in nature, preferably on my horse. Last year I placed third in the American Endurance Ride Conference, Southwest Division for total miles completed in limited distance competitive rides. I enjoy riding in the Queen Creek wash to train for cardio, and at San Tan Mountain Regional Park to train for hill work.
The trait(s) I admire in others: People who inspired me (and how): Instead of looking for role models, I try to become one. I strive each day to be an inspiration for my students. How do I do that? I try to do my best each day by being attentive to the needs of others, enjoying my time and brining positive energy to my classroom. I know that I am not perfect, but each day I try my hardest to be the person that my dogs think I am.
My advice to today’s youth: Be yourself, always. Everyone’s a weirdo, embrace your weirdness.
Janet Perez News Editor | Queen Creek &
San Tan Valley @AzNewsmedia
Meet Janet Janet Perez joined Independent Newsmedia as editor of the Queen Creek Independent and Florence Independent in 2020. She started her career in 1989 with the Gannett-owned El Paso Times. In 1992, she moved to Tempe and has worked in newspapers, magazines, radio and television. She left Arizona for three years to work at New Mexico State University and Baylor University before returning to work at Arizona State University. Missing the business, she went back to journalism in 2017.
Community: A long-time pet owner, she supports animal welfare causes.
Education: University of Texas at El Paso with a BA in journalism and a minor in political science.
Random Fact: She had a head full of random facts.
Hobbies: Reading, watching documentaries, cooking and playing with her dogs.
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