Riva is originally from a small town near Norfolk, where she helped out on the farm working with hogs. When she was a teenager, she was in 4H, and did obedience training and shows with her farm dog. She decided to go to college for graphic design, but in the end, animals won her heart over and she decided to go to school to obtain her degree in Veterinary Technology. Riva is the lead trainer of surgery, treatment, and the laboratory, where she trains and coaches all licensed veterinary technicians and veterinary assistants. She met her husband, Jason, when she was a senior in high school, and they have two daughters together, Hayden and Skyler. Riva also a guinea pig named Dandelion, and two dogs, Ellie and Severus.