Photo by Emma Casagrande
MOMentum Moms
By Heather McDermott terling Sigmond always knew that she wanted to be a veterinarian. There was never a Plan B. She recounts a story her mom tells from when she was around five years old and rescued an injured grasshopper from her home in Golden Gate Estates. From then on she was hooked. That began a lifetime of owning unusual pets, including a baby crocodile, birds, hermit crabs, goats, ponies, chickens, rabbits, pigs (Pinkie Pig, to be specific), mice, turtles, and, of course, dogs and cats. (She currently owns a hedgehog which she says is more of a night owl, so not the most interesting pet.) Sterling, clearly an animal lover, has lived and cared for animals in the Naples area her entire life. Her parents hail from Connecticut but, searching for a warmer climate, drove as far south as they could. Born in Lee Memorial hospital in 1978, Sterling is a proud product of Collier County Public Schools. Her sister Monet, also of Naples, chaperoned Sterling’s first date at
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the tender age of 16 with her high school sweetheart (now husband), Scott. She met him when she was 14 but was too young to date, so she claims he endured endless board games with her family. Fast forward to 2017, and with 14 years experience as a veterinarian under her belt, she decided to take on the challenge of opening her own practice, Naples Coastal Animal Hospital, located at 956 2nd Avenue North. Tell me about your decision to open your new business. After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Florida in three years, I graduated from [UF] vet school with a degree in Animal Sciences. I worked for a newly opened animal hospital in the area for two years, and then for 11 years at another wonderful local animal hospital. I always knew I wanted to work on domestic animals and be part of the family atmosphere of Naples, and even raise my own family here. I have always wanted to provide more personalized medicine and care, allowing more time for my clients, and even home
visits. Down the line, we plan to provide concierge care, which would allow clients access to my cell phone, after-hours visits, and in time-sensitive cases [I would] meet clients at the emergency hospital and act as a liaison and facilitate for them. We currently don’t have these types of services in animal medicine here. Also, we will provide specialized individual needs regarding vaccinations or titers (blood test to gauge the level of vaccine still in an animal’s body). This is extremely personalized medicine. What was your family’s take on your decision to open your own business? My entire family was extremely supportive. The kids even drew pictures that they brought to school of what the new practice would look like! In January 2017, I started the process. I met the wonderful ladies at Wholesome Hound and became aware that there was space available next door on 2nd Street North. I went to the city council for lengthy discussions, received approval (they voted unanimously for me as they, too, saw the need), and now the mayor brings his pet to me. He even cut the ribbon on our opening day. How do you balance being a mom with your professional and charitable obligations? I really just try to live in the moment. My mom always nudges me to take time now to ensure that I’m a part of my kids’ lives when they are older. I want them to know that I always have time for them. I am lucky because I’m able to have my husband and family join me in my charitable endeavors so they can experience giving back, which is a great lesson for the kids. We participate in the local “Bark For Life” event, which is supported by the American Cancer Society and raises money and awareness for pets with cancer. I also work with local rescue groups on difficult situations they encounter. We recently fostered four puppies whose mother could no longer care for them as her milk had dried up. We received a call and immediately took on all their vet NEAPOLITANfamily • February 2018