Stephanie H., Head Trainer, Surgical/Inpatient Assistant

Stephanie wanted to be a farmer when she was a child, but she ended up going to Florida State University and earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology. She worked in criminal law and then a civil practice before finally changing careers and coming to work at FAH in 2003. Stephanie is able to work anywhere in the hospital. When she isn’t assisting in surgery, Steph is helping in exam rooms or with hospitalized patients.

Stephanie has a special interest in dog training. She belongs to the Obedience Club of Daytona and has been involved in training and trialing for over 20 years. She has trained and earned titles with her dogs in obedience, agility, rally and herding. She also fosters dogs for Sunshine Pembroke Welsh Corgi Rescue and enjoys working with overweight dogs to help them lose weight and get in shape.

Stephanie lives on a small “hobby farm” with her fiancé, Tom. They currently have two horses, a Spotted Saddle Horse named Lainey and an Arabian named Harry, nine goats: Pounder, Bud, Mickey, Ultra, Amber, Kalik, Stella, Harp and Guinness, three dogs: Chief, Candy, and Ginger, four cats: Abby, Dixie, Junior and Miss Kitty, a pig: Petunia, and a bird named Bob. When asked if she has a favorite pet, she has a fondness for her pig Petunia. Steph taught Petunia to “sit” and “come” when called. Now that’s a smart pig!

Stephanie and Tom spend most of their free time working around the farm, but they also enjoy motorcycling, boating and horseback riding. Steph belongs to Shadow Riders (a local horse club), and ACTHA (American Competitive Trail Horse Association).