A native of Islip Terrace, New York, Jackie grew up watching every animal show she could find and caring for a wide variety of pets—from guinea pigs and cats to horses and a yellow-nape parrot that lived to be 46 years old. As a fourth-generation equestrian, her love for animals runs deep. She earned her veterinary assistant’s degree from Eastern Suffolk BOCES and has been pursuing a career that allows her to work hands-on with the creatures she’s always loved.

Jackie’s animal family is large and lively. She shares her home with three dogs—Reba June the Rottweiler and two golden retrievers named Johnny Cash and Dolly—along with her cats Sonya and Molly, a leopard gecko named Dwight, and a red-footed tortoise named Little Foot. She’s also the proud owner of Harley, a retired thoroughbred racehorse who once raced at the Belmont Stakes and Saratoga under the name Jim’s Apple Martini.

Outside of work, Jackie enjoys riding Harley through local parks and along the beach, hiking with her boyfriend Shawn, visiting zoos and aquariums, crocheting, and baking.