My name is Vanessa Pilkinton, or Nessy, and I was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I’ve been singing since I was 11 and wanted to become a performer for almost half of my life or go into the arts in some way. I have a sister that lives in California, and my mother, father, and I moved to Florida in September 2023. And it wasn’t long until I realized that animals had been my true passion all along.

I decided shortly after that I wanted to become a veterinarian someday instead. I started my journey by volunteering at Suncoast Primate Sanctuary a few days a week since January 2025. I soon began working as a Kennel Attendant at Country Oaks, where I hope to someday become a Veterinary Assistant. I am currently attending the University of South Florida for my B.S. in Biology with an Animal Concentration. My long term goal is to work in conservation medicine specifically, but as long as I’m saving lives in my future, I’m happy.

In my spare time, I enjoy throwing my  Anatolian Shepherd mix, Pearl Gem’s, favorite ball in the backyard and taking my Siberian Husky/Australian Shepherd mix, Gumby Eileen to the beach and park. I enjoy many different art forms as well like cooking, baking, cake decorating, sewing, and crafting in nearly any form.