Meet the Team

What she does here: Dr. Rachel decided to become a vet as a youngster when she made her first visit to a veterinary clinic. After graduating from Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine, she relocated to Lakeland, where she worked at several clinics before joining Outback Animal Clinic in 2018. While Dr. Rachel has always cared for animals that are injured or sick, she also realizes the importance of educating clients about their pets’ health and happiness. Dr. Rachel is excited to be at Outback, because she has a solid,reliable veterinary partner in Dr. Proutsos, as well as an amazing team of individuals who genuinley care for animals. She is also grateful for the opportunity to meet new clients and their fur babies!

Meet her pets: Outside the office, Dr Rachel is mom to Conway, a mixed breed she adopted from a local rescue after he was taken in by Polk County Animal Services. He is a kleptomaniac and constantly steals things that don’t belong to him. Dr. Rachel loves him anyway! 

What she does here: Tara is a dedicated veterinary technician with two decades of experience in her field. Since earning her Associate’s Degree in Veterinary Technology in 2010,Tara has built a well-rounded career spanning general practice, shelter medicine, and academic settings. Her passion for animal health and education has made her a valued contributor in every role she has held.

Meet her pets: Outside of work, Tara enjoys life with her dog, Peggy, and her cat, Poppycat.

What she does here: Assists in taking your pet’s x-rays, blood work, and aids the veterinarian during their surgery. Tori loves helping animals and couldn’t imagine doing anything else with her time. She plans to work around animals for the rest of her life.

Meet her pets: Hobo the wired haired dachshund mix, Huk the chocolate lab, and Oggie-Boogie her cat.

What she does here: With over 15 years of experience Courtney has always had a soft spot for the behavior side of things- especially working with fearful or aggressive dogs.

Meet her pets: I share my life with my husband, a German Shepherd and a Border Collie, and we spend a lot of time competing in dog sports together. I love building trust with the tougher cases and helping them feel more comfortable during their visits.

What she does here: Monique is currently training to become a veterinary technician and brings hands-on experience from her time working in the kennels. Her passion for animal care, combined with her dedication to learning, makes her a compassionate and reliable part of the team. She is especially skilled at helping pets feel calm and comfortable during their visits.

Meet her pets: At home, Monique is a proud pet parent of two playful black cats, Charlie and Toulouse, and her loyal dog Ren. Whether she is assisting in the clinic or spending time with her furry trio, Monique is always focused on giving animals the love an attention they deserve.

What she does here: Morgan is a dedicated kennel technician with a passion for animal care and a deep love for creatures, big and small. She takes pride in creating a safe, clean, and comforting environment for every pet that comes through our doors. With hands-on experience and a gentle approach, she treats every animal like they are her own.

Meet her pets: When not at work, she is spending time with her cat, Piper, who keeps her on her toes and reminds her why she does what she does every day.

What she does here: With a passion for animals and over two decades of experience, I’ve proudly worked in veterinary care since 1999. As a dedicated veterinary receptionist, I strive to provide compassionate support to both pets and their people, helping ensure every visit runs smoothly and warmly.

Meet her pets: At home, I’m surrounded by a small, lively menagerie- four affectionate cats and two curious chickens- who keep life interesting and full of joy. Whether it’s answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, or offering a friendly smile at the front desk, I’m committed to making each client feel welcomed and each patient feel safe.

What she does here: Hannah began her journey in veterinary care as a receptionist, where she quickly became known for her friendly attitude and commitment to client service. Her passion for animals led her to gain hands-on experience in the kennels, further strengthening her skills and understanding of animal care. Now training to become a veterinary technician , Hannah is excited to continue growing in the field she loves. Her calm, friendly demeanor and dedication to animal health make her a vital part of the team.

Meet her pets: At home, she enjoys relaxing with her spirited orange cat, Cheddar, who never fails to keep life interesting. Whether at the front desk or assisting behind the scenes, Hannah is committed to providing compassionate care every step of the way.

What she does here: Pam has been the welcoming face at the front desk since 2001, bringing over two decades of experience in veterinary customer service. Her calm demeanor, organizational skills, and genuine love for animals make her a trusted point of contact for both clients and their pets. 

Meet her pets: When she is not assisting pet owners or coordinating appointments, Pam enjoys spending time with her beloved feline family- she shares her home with seven cats who keep her entertained and covered in fur. Her dedication to animals shines through in every interaction, making her an invaluable part of the team.