Dr. Hess did her undergraduate work at the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. She received her bachelor's degree in Zoology from Michigan State University in 1981. She later attended veterinary school at Colorado State University where she earned her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine in 1987.

Dr. Hess stays current with advances and changes in treatment, diagnostics, and surgery by attending annual continuing education classes. Before establishing herself in Nevada she practiced in California, Connecticut, and Indiana. Her practices covered small animal, avian, and exotic animal medicine and surgery.  In 1998 she started a house-call bird practice.

During her time off, Dr. Hess enjoys bicycling, skiing, Now Shoeing, hiking, and running. She counts completing the 1982 Honolulu Marathon as a high point among the races she has run. She finds quiet time in reading, drawing, and gardening.  For get-up-and-go activities she enjoys live theater, traveling, and remodeling houses. Above all of this, she most values sharing her time and affection with her favorite person in the world (who just happens to be her husband), Michael Manley.

She and her husband are owned by seven animals. These critters include: Murray, an African Grey Parrot; Nikki, a Blue-Fronted Amazon Parrot; 3 dogs; and 2 cats. Her other favorite thing to do is laugh, which is easy to do with the zoo at their house along with working with the staff at Community Animal Hospital.