After graduating from Michigan State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, she spent four years serving in the US Army Veterinary Corps, where she provided veterinary care for Military Working Dogs and service members' pets.
Following her military service, Dr. Rivard transitioned to a career dedicated to marine mammal medicine and conservation. She completed a yearlong aquatic animal medicine and research internship at Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut, followed by a two-year veterinary fellowship at The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito, California. These experiences provided her with the specialized training and expertise necessary to excel in her current role at SR3.
Dr. Rivard's commitment to the health and welfare of marine wildlife extends beyond her clinical work. She actively participates in research projects aimed at deepening our understanding of the threats and challenges faced by marine mammals in the wild. By rescuing and caring for sick and injured animals, Dr. Rivard and the team at SR3 learn about conservation efforts and help protect these species for future generations. As a passionate advocate for marine conservation, Dr. Rivard plays an important role in promoting the health and welfare of marine wildlife in the Pacific Northwest.
Dr Rivard’s greatest strength as a consultant is that she is incredibly organized and exceptionally skilled at creating a plan and breaking down short-term and long-term deadlines. She is flexible and open-minded. One of her favorite parts about working with students is learning more about their unique perspectives and supporting their individuality to help them navigate decisions.
Dr. Rivard stands out as a versatile veterinarian with a wealth of experience across diverse career fields, including small animal private practice, government and military roles, public health, zoo and aquarium medicine, and wildlife fieldwork. This background allows her to provide expert guidance to students exploring various paths within the veterinary profession.
Through her passion for mentoring, Dr. Rivard has developed a deep understanding of the specialty programs offered by each veterinary school and is well-acquainted with post-graduate opportunities such as internships, fellowships, and residencies in academic, private practice, and non-profit settings, on both traditional and non-traditional career paths.
Working with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences has helped her learn how to tailor teaching and mentoring techniques to educate students in the best way possible. It has also provided her with several unique perspectives that she applies to the learning of future students.