Lisa Groves, CSR Champion
What excites you about your work with Banfield?
I was inspired to get into veterinary medicine through my passion for learning. Every day I have the opportunity to be a better version of myself than the day before. The field is forever evolving, and I have the opportunity to always be learning. Not to mention puppies and kittens are the best! It is a challenging yet rewarding career because each day is different. The cases we see, the people and clients we interact with, and of course, no two pets are the same, but at the end of the day, I go home knowing that I was able to make a difference for someone that day.
I also appreciate that we are a diverse group of individuals with unique talents who come together for the same purpose. Banfield has made huge strides with EI&D and making associates feel like they belong. I admire all of the work it took to give associates access to each other through the diversity resource groups and the addition of the sixth quality domain, equitable care, to extend this culture to the pets and clients we serve.
What is your typical day like?
On a typical day, I'm up at 5:30 in the morning to get myself and my two children (15 and 6 years old) ready for the day. Then, I head to work, where I get to do what I do best every day—lead my amazing team, interact with clients, and work with their pets. Once the workday is over, I head back home, help my kids with their homework, cook dinner, and be a parent. I do laundry and some house cleaning, and then my 6-year-old son reads me a bedtime story (usually his favorite book, Green Eggs and Ham).
What drove you to become a CSR Champion?
I envisioned the CSR Champion role as an opportunity to become more involved outside of the hospital. I recognized this as a development opportunity for myself. I wanted to learn more and then share my knowledge with my peers and associates in my network.
In 2018 I planned and organized my first community event. I worked with a local shelter, and with the help of the Banfield Foundation, 20 associates from three different hospitals, and about 20 volunteers from the shelter, we were able to provide much-needed care to 125 pets in a 5-hour time frame. The pet owners were so grateful for the care we were able to provide, and I remember one pet owner saying we were puppy dog heroes, which was such an amazing compliment. Since then, I've helped plan two more community events, and it is the same feeling every time. I love the joy and excitement the preventive care clinics bring to the community and the associates that volunteer.
Do you have any upcoming CSR opportunities you're signed up for or looking forward to?
I'm delivering the Banfield adoption kits to Companion Animal Alliance. This opportunity has been tough to accomplish, from getting in touch with the shelter to invite them to participate. Additionally, the winter weather delayed the arrival of the kits. However, all the work is worth it in the end, and I cannot wait to get these adoption kits to new pet owners!
If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
If I could have any superpower, I would want super speed. It would take care of my travel arrangements, and I could accomplish so much every day!
Where is the first place you will travel to post COVID?
I would love to go on a Disney cruise with my husband and kids.
