Kansas Veterinary Technicians Association

I'm 28 and a DLVT student through Colby Community College. I've wanted to be a vet tech since I was little, and am so excited to finally be moving towards my dream! I'm happily married to an amazing woman named Alisha. We currently have a Maine coon mix named Sonar, a beagle named Rosie, an Aussie/Border collie mix named Monroe, two mice named Lazer and Autumn, and two lovebirds named Luna and Lovely. That might sound like a lot but it never really seems like it!

I am a veterinary technician educator with more than 25 years’ experience in both traditional and distance education programs. I hold an associate degree in veterinary technology as well as a bachelor and master degree in biology and a doctorate in instructional technology and distance education. I am currently the program director of veterinary technology for Wright Career College and chair of the NAVTA Committee on Veterinary Technician Specialties, I have numerous publications, including the textbooks Laboratory Procedures for Veterinary Technicians and Principles and Practice of Veterinary Technology, and am a frequent speaker at veterinary technician conferences

I'm a recent transplant from Florida currently finishing the schooling for my license through St. Petersburg College of Veterinary Technology in Tampa/St Petersburg, Florida.  I love exotics - birds, bunnies, rabbits, rodents, ferrets, reptiles ... ALL of it.  After working at the Exotics Bird Hospital with Dr. Rhoda Stevenson for three years I was inspired to become licensed in order to become a better exotics technician.  I strongly hope that one day I will once again work with exotics - either in private practice or in a zoo environment.  In my spare time I'm a freelance artist that focuses on animal and fantasy subjects.  I also am working on finishing my costume for the Rebel Legion - yup, beneath this lovable exterior I am a Star Wars nut!

I've been taught everything I know by my previous employers and their associates, as well as other technicians I have worked with. I am currently working at Gardner Animal Hospital in Gardner, KS, with Dr. Eileen Mertz.

I have collectively about 7 years of experience in the technician field, I have done reception and kennel work as well.