After graduating from the University of Tennessee in 1986, Barbara worked as an associate veterinarian in a few private practices and an emergency clinic before starting her own practice. While in private practice, she also became involved in shelter medicine and construction projects for a new clinic, an emergency clinic, and a shelter. After 25 years of private practice, she sold to a corporate entity and began the journey as a relief veterinarian and working for the park service while living full-time in an RV.

Barbara currently resides in Northern Michigan with her husband, golden retriever, and Chihuahua. She has one son and enjoys the outdoors and traveling. Barbara joined MVP while working for a clinic that partnered with them in 2017, and currently fills the role of placing externs in clinics that offer a mentorship experience for them.