Kansas Veterinary Technicians Association

President- Mary Berg, BS, RVT, VTS (Dentistry)

I received my B.S. in Biology/Microbiology from South Dakota State University, an A.S. in Laboratory Animal Science from Redlands Community College, and my A.A.S. in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College. I am a charter member of the Academy of Veterinary Dental Technicians and received her Veterinary Technician Specialty in Dentistry in June 2006. I am currently serving as the treasurer of the AVDT.

I currently have memberships to the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science and the American Veterinary Dental Society. I worked with Odontex, Inc. and the University of Kansas for

over 13 years, specializing in veterinary dental research on products aimed at improving oral health.

I am currently the president of MLB Consulting, a veterinary dental consulting service. I have authored and co-authored over 45 publications including publications in the Journal of Dental Research, the Veterinary Technician Journal, and the NAVTA Journal and have been aspeaker and wet lab instructor at numerous conferences that include the North American Veterinary Conference, Annual Veterinary Forum, American Veterinary Medical Association Conference, and the AAHA conference.

President- Elect-Tyler Appleby, RVT

Secretary/ Treasurer- Vicky Ograin, MBA, RVT, VTS (Nutrition) 

Vicky received a registered technician degree in 1983. She served in private practice for 18 years in California, and then 20 years ago began a new career with Hill’s Pet Nutrition. At Hill’s, she is a Education Specialist. In 2007, she completed a Bachelor of Science and in 2008, she completed a Masters in 2008, both in Business Administration. Vicky is on the organizing committee and serves as secretary for the Academy of Veterinary Nutrition Technicians. She is a life member of the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America (NAVTA) and was the president of NAVTA in 2014. Vicky speaks national and internationally and is a published author. She has taught nutrition at a few veterinary technician programs.

Representative to the Veterinary Board- Angie Harris, BS, RVT

Angie grew up in Colby and was active in 4-H raising and showing cattle, sheep, pigs, as well as training and showing dogs. Growing up, she knew that working in the veterinary field is something she wanted to do at a very young age.

She is an alumna of Kansas State University where she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science. After graduation she returned home and attended CCC’s Veterinary Nursing Program. She graduated from CCC in 2007 with her Veterinary Technician degree. She later received her Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) certification that same year.

She has worked in Colby at Swartz Veterinary Hospital for the last 13 years before joining CCC. She is excited for the new opportunity to teach at the college. Her mission is to be able to use her knowledge and experience to show the new veterinary nursing students that while this field is challenging it can be very exciting and fulfilling career. She is looking forward to being a chapter advisor for the Student Vet Tech Association on campus program and the NAVTA chapter advisor for the distance learning program and on campus program.

Angie keeps busy in her spare time by volunteering for the 4-H program by being a project leader for the dog obedience program. She also works at the movie theater and has an interest in photography. She is active in the Levant Community Church where she helps with Sunday School and Children’s Church. She has three Australian Shepherds named Gracie, Dallie, & Millie that are her 4-legged children that usually keep her active.

NAVTA State representative- Amanda McCormick, RVT

Amanda has been a RVT for 6 years, but has over 10 years of experience working with animals in a clinical setting, she is a graduate of Penn Foster College.  She recently graduated from Kansas State University with Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science and Industry with a minor in Business. She also holds a Certificate in Equine Science from Dodge City Community College.  Amanda started as the Director for ICC’s Vet Tech program in August of 2018.   She enjoys spending time with her 7yr old son and cowboy mounted shooting in her spare time.

Member at Large 2 year- Melynn Serkes, BS, RVT

Once upon a time there was a girl who wanted to become a veterinarian. She did all what was required of her, but the vet school said no. So she decided to do her second choice and became a zookeeper. It was all fun and educational but unfortunately she was sent home. The zoo didn’t need her anymore. While sitting at home and eating non dairy chocolate ice cream, she saw an ad for Vet Tech school and thought I could do this. So she packed up car and moved to Denver. When she completed the in class room part at Bel Rea, she was invited to do her externship at Alameda East. Yes, the hospital on Emergency Vets. There is video footage of her on the show. She won’t tell you where because it was embarrassing, but it involved a Newfoundland and an underwater treadmill. After graduating she moved back to Kansas and worked at a few different clinics. She recently had to say goodbye to her former clinic of 14 years, due to her boss‘ retirement. As of this January she started her job at her unicorn clinic, Blue Pearl, in the internal medicine department. Along with working she lives with 5 retired racing greyhounds, 2 cats, and her ex husband( he is up for adoption) and is the medical director for Retired Not Rescued Greyhound Adoption. 

Member at large 1 year- Emily Zens, RVT

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