SMACK

Kaycee [Stanley of Burleson Animal Emergency Hospital] works tirelessly to meet the needs of the staff, patients and owners. I’ve never worked anywhere that was so focused on me as a person and truly invested in my mental health. She’s a rock star.

Hannah [Strong of Banfield Pet Hospital of Bradburn] went from being an CVT to a Practice Manager this year, and she has jumped into the role with both feet—handling team scheduling, client relations, and hospital maintenance and supply without skipping a beat. And all while still doing CVT appointments a few days a week as well! Great job!!

Dr. [Christi] Belew [of Union Hill Animal Hospital] is so supportive of her staff!! Thanks for helping us grow and learn in this profession.

I will never forget all the encouragement and help you [Dr. John Otto of University Animal Hospital] provided on my journey to become a veterinarian. I will be forever grateful for my first mentor and good friend. You are a blessing.

[Reilly Hale at TAMUK Veterinary Technology Program is] always the light at the end of the tunnel, bringing smiles and good vibes to the whole team!

Dr. [Kristen] Turner [of The Exotic Vet Consultant] was one of my earliest mentors in the field and has always been unfailingly supportive of my growth, helping me know my worth and guiding me through tough times. She’s an amazing DVM, and I’m grateful to have her as a mentor and friend!

[Dr. Therese Hall of Stone Oak Veterinary Clinic] You’ve been literally the biggest influence in me being where I am today! You have soooo much culture! I literally would not be here without you, thank you!

Always making the technicians feel valuable and wanted!

[Dr.] Megan [Koester] is one of the best veterinarians I know!! She loves her patients, is an amazing surgeon, and deserves the best. Keep it up girl!

You [Dr. Trisha Kvasnica are] the best! Thanks for always being in my corner and mentoring me in my first role as practitioner!

I started my career with Dr. [Lewis] Radicke [of Lincoln Heights Animal Hospital], and he was a great teacher, owner, and boss. I learned so much, and when I went to school, he was so supportive and would bend wherever and whenever I needed for the benefit of my education.

Thank you [Dr. Carlyn Smallwood of Central Texas Animal Hospital] for being such a wonderful boss, mentor, and friend. You are so patient and easy to work with. Thank you for just being who you are.

Dr. [Charles] Quick [of Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists] is the best. He’s started many techs and vets on the right path and continued to encourage and guide us as we grew into our roles. Honesty, integrity, knowledge, empathy, grit—he has it all. Thank you for your friendship and help through my journey in this challenging life.

Appreciate all VS personnel for support, resilience, and daily efforts to our mission.

Remember when you [Dr. Megan Yanos] were out a few months, and I was out a whole year and a few months, and we got an emergency GDV at the E.R. where we worked and we had no backup because the doctor on call for us didn’t have cell service? Thanks for not leaving me with that case by myself. Between the two of us, we were able to do the surgery well, and that dog lived and went home! That was over 10 years ago, and you are still an amazing vet and friend—you rock!

Y’all [my OFH doctor group] keep me going, keep me sane, and have helped me more than any one person could. Thank you all for everything!

Linnea [Wood] makes sure all of our patients, staff, and guests are comfortable and in the best place to become healthy.

[Maumee Bay Vet Hospital has] the best staff to work with! Thanks for being fun, friendly, and always willing to try new things!

Thanks [Dr. Carlos Pola of Enterprise Road Animal Hospital] for being the best mentor when I needed one most! I think, “What would Carlos say?” on a regular basis! Besides being a great mentor, you have always been there to cheer me on!

Natalie [Pietrzak of Banfield Pet Hospital] is the best; she has great patience and understanding with owners and clients. She is great to work with as well!

Thank you [Kristi Thomas of Banfield Pet Hospital] for being so amazing and helpful all the time!!!!

I want to thank Steph [Stephanie Bryant of Veterinary Emergency Group Union] for helping me along through my disability claim because I’m so young, I have no clue what I’m doing. You were very helpful when it came to conference education as well. I wasn’t sure how to book a conference, and now I’m at my first one thanks to you!

She [Dr. Alyssa Auge of Animal Hospital at the Shores] is the most thoughtful, amazing exotic veterinarian!

I’m here to talk SMACK about Dr. [Kathryn] Penrod [of Brookside Animal Hospital]. She is an amazing veterinarian, boss, friend, coworkers. Dr. Penrod goes out of her way to help people whether they are a client, friend, or employee. Even when she is having a bad day, she always checks on us. My husband was out of town in an in-patient rehab, and she offered to come give my goat a shot even though we don’t see goats at our clinic. She [then] checked on me by text and in person… She always has a listening ear and offers advice when she can. I cannot even image working for another owner/veterinarian!

The practice manager [at Verona Veterinary Medical Services], and these fantastic veterinary medicine team members [doctors and CVTS who attended an after-hours presentation] took their evening to learn how to communicate and interact better with others. And to all of you, I say, “YO!”

Hi! I’m Leilani Mustillo, and I am here to talk SMACK about Dr. Marie Holowaychuk. Marie, you’re a household name because all of us know how much you’ve done for our profession. You’re not only an amazing criticalist who is dedicated to teaching (especially veterinary technologists but also veterinary students), but you also have done SO much for mental wellness in our profession. Thank you so much for everything you do!

Hi! I’m Dr. Raye Taylor, and I’m here to talk SMACK about Lauren Bernstein. This amazing human does nothing but selflessly think of communities she serves, including the students. She’s out there teaching the good way to interact with humans and animals, and to make sure you’re always thinking of one thing: the love that is shared between animals and humans—no matter who they are, no matter what the animal is, and how incredibly important that is. It dictates everything she does, and it’s just a beautiful thing to watch her work in such a natural way—keeping pets and people together.

Hi, everybody! My name is Dr. Bridget Heilsberg, and I’m a former SAVMA president (2012-2013), and I’m a current equine practice owner in Whitesboro, Texas. Today, I’m talking SMACK about our SAVMA president-elect Tarra Baron—who’s a student at Lincoln Memorial University. Not only did she sign up to volunteer while being a student (which is a major ordeal!), she has taken it on personally to make sure that she is representing student opinions from all across our vast nation. She’s doing a really good job, and I wanted her to know it. So, Tarra Baron, great job! This one’s for you.

It’s inspiring to watch someone achieve their dream. That’s why I’m so inspired by Dr. Ploch at Harper Animal Hospital in Palatine, Illinois. Dr. Ploch started her career at Harper as a kennel attendant in 2012, later training her way to become a veterinary technician, and then attending veterinary school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to become a fully fledge veterinarian. Along the way, she has cared for so many pets – including my own! Thank you, Dr. Ploch, for all you have done for my feline family – most recently making sure that Ellie gets the right medications and specialist care, so her senior years go smoothly.