Dr. Worell was raised in the "heart of the Bluegrass" in Kentucky. She has a long term love, devotion and interest in animals. She graduated from the University of Kentucky with a BS in Zoology, then received her veterinary degree from Auburn University.

In private practice since 1982, Dr. Worell opened her own clinic and was in the first group of veterinarians to become board certified as a specialist in avian medicine, in 1993. She successfully passed the two-day qualifying boards and is a current Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (ABVP).

Dr. Worell has been very involved in the veterinary medical community for many years. Her accomplishments include committee chairperson of two AAV (Association of Avian Veterinarian) committees, president of two regional veterinary chapters, and chairman of the AFA (American Federation of Aviculture) veterinary program. She currently is on the editorial board of several avian and exotic publications, edits a veterinary column in the AFA Watchbird, and has authored several major chapters in avian medical textbooks.

Dr. Worell is well known for her research with toucans and iron storage disease (hemachromatosis). Dr. Worell considers continuing education extremely important and spends considerable time continually broadening her knowledge of all types of companion animals and birds.