Drinkwater is a regional technician director at VCA Animal Hospitals, overseeing and collaborating with technician supervisors across more than 60 hospitals in the northeastern United States. Her trajectory in veterinary medicine––from kennel assistant to veterinary assistant to CVT to technician director––is a testament to the power of mentorship and having a career path. Her desire to support other veterinary assistants and technicians along their unique professional development journey is her way of paying it forward to ensure others progress in a proven and sustainable way.