Dr. Naomi Barnes is a native of the San Gabriel Valley and began her animal journey when her childhood dog was diagnosed with a medical condition. That event activated her thirst for knowledge in veterinary medicine and led her to hold several different roles in animal care while attending Mt. SAC. She completed her Liberal Arts degree in 2002 and transferred to Cal Poly Pomona and studied Microbiology and Chemistry. Not feeling academically satisfied, she returned to Mt. SAC and worked through the RVT Program. She graduated on the President’s List, National Dean’s List, was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, and received the Al Sherman Award for Outstanding Student from the Agricultural Sciences Department.
As a fully-fledged RVT, Dr. Barnes worked in a variety of capacities and found her love for emergency medicine. She renewed her interest in education and attended Cal State LA and studied Natural Sciences with an emphasis in Education. While working towards her advanced degrees, she was fortunate to be selected into the third class of Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Veterinary Medicine Program. After graduation, she worked with small animals and exotics, participated in shelter and wildlife medicine, then eventually worked as an overnight emergency veterinarian. She returned to Western University, this time as a Clinical Assistant Professor, and helped veterinary students experience and learn the nuances of working in a hospital setting and provide real-life patient care.
In 2017, a rare teaching opportunity presented itself to Dr. Barnes, to become a professor of Mt. SAC’s RVT Program. Dr. Barnes was thrilled to be chosen, as she has always wanted to give back to the College and the Program. Her goal is to ensure that students perfect their technical skills and are prepared with the knowledge to pass the Veterinary Technician National Exam. She aspires to have amazing technicians in the workforce, helping and healing as many animals as possible and enriching people’s lives!
