Tess grew up in Des Moines and inherited a passion for animals from her parents. She spent much of her childhood at Highland Park Animal Hospital, tailing her dad (Dr. Forret), helping with odd jobs, and absorbing as much knowledge as she could from the staff. She graduated from Dowling High School in 2006 and attended Iowa State University before returning to manage the hospital full time in 2009. She enjoys working one on one with clients and ensuring that their pets are receiving a level of care & service that she would expect for her own. Tess lives in Des Moines with her husband, two dogs- Avery & Dori, and four cats. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, gardening, listening to mystery and true crime podcasts, craft beer, and spending time with family and friends.