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Sarah Lisi: AAHA/CareCredit Employee of the Month February 2026

EOTM - Sarah Lisi

Congratulations to Sarah Lisi, kennel manager at Dickson Animal Clinic in Gastonia, North Carolina, the February 2026 AAHA/CareCredit Employee of the Month!

Ben Williams

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SARAH LISI
Kennel Manager

Nominated By: Heather Dameron, office manager

American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) Accredited logo

Practice Name: Dickson Animal Clinic

Year Started in Veterinary Medicine: 2008

Years with Current Practice: 7

Fun Fact: Dickson Animal Clinic in Gastonia, N.C., has been accredited since 1980!

Why is Sarah so awesome?

Sarah has demonstrated exceptional dedication, compassion, and leadership throughout her time in the veterinary field. She originally joined our practice in 2008, working in the kennel department from 2008–2014 while attending college. During those years, she consistently showed a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a genuine commitment to patient care.
After graduating in 2014 with a degree in Biology and a minor in Wildlife Rehabilitation, Sarah continued to “Soar” professionally, excelling in her field and further strengthening her skill set and knowledge. In 2025, we were fortunate to welcome her back to our practice—this time advancing from reception into the role of Kennel Manager.

How does she go above and beyond?

In her current role, Sarah exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond. She is patient, understanding, and deeply compassionate toward both clients and patients. Her leadership is rooted in empathy, accountability, and consistency. She maintains exceptionally high standards of care, demonstrates outstanding organizational skills, and leads by example every day.
Sarah’s return has had a positive and lasting impact on our team and our patients. Her passion for veterinary medicine, combined with her experience and unwavering dedication, makes her an outstanding candidate for AAHA Employee of the Month. We are incredibly grateful to have her back and honored to recognize her contributions.

In her own words:

Why do you love your job?

I get to spend every day caring for animals. What’s not to love? Caring for family pets that bring joy to their families. I’ve always had a connection to animals but bringing joy to people through their pets has been my biggest pleasure.

Tell us about your pets at home

I have 2 cats and 3 dogs. One of our cats, Rufus, is a one-eyed, no tail, fluffy, orange rescue cat. He’s, in my opinion, the best cat on the planet. He loves everyone and is the calmest cat. He acts more like a dog than a cat. Our newest cat, Meredith, is a dilute calico and only 9 months old. She came into the clinic with her litter mates and needed a home. She’s a sweetie but gets into everything!
We have a 12-year-old Pitbull mix, Paisley, who is our protector and also the biggest baby ever. She’s a 75 lb cuddle bug and sleeps in the bed with us every night. We have a 4-year-old Frenchie, Belle, who was born with a heart murmur and has a large scar on her back from her mother. She isn’t show material so we got to take her into our family. She’s very calm for a Frenchie but loves to attack water from a hose.
Our newest addition is a fluffy, big eared, 40 lb mutt that was running around the outside of the animal clinic. It took 5 days for staff members to catch him because he was so skittish. But you’d never know that, now that he’s seen love. He adores people and rolls over for belly rubs right away. He’s extremely cute and we’re waiting on the DNA results to find out his background. He brings so much joy to our family and adores our children. He’s become best friends with Belle as well!

What brought you to the profession?

I’ve always loved animals. I started volunteering at animal shelters when I was 14 and I started working at a vet clinic when I was 16. I then went on to get a bachelors in wildlife biology with a minor in wildlife rehabilitation.

What are your hobbies outside of work?

I have two children so I love exploring with them and my wife. When I’m not with family, I love to bird watch or paint. I paint friends’ weddings and pet portraits for them as well. I’m hoping to expand on that more though.

Favorite show?

Parks and Recreation is my favorite and ultimate comfort show.

Favorite celeb?

Tie between Amy Poehler and Brandi Carlile

Photo credit: Casey Henrickson Photography, used with permission

Disclaimer: Trends content is meant to inform, educate, and inspire by providing an array of diverse viewpoints. Any content published should not be viewed as an official stance, position, or endorsement by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) or its Board of Directors.

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Official publication of The American Animal Hospital Association