THURSDAY, JUNE 1ST

Jenna Crowder is an apiary inspector with the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food Apiary Program. With a bachelors in science from Clemson University, her entomology-focused background allows her to serve Utah's beekeepers by identifying honey bee pests and diseases and by helping beekeepers navigate regulatory processes. She also runs the UDAF apiary diagnostics lab, which offers state-of-the-art testing for foulbrood diseases and honey bee parasites. As the current Western Director for the Apiary Inspectors of America, she also promotes and facilitates interstate collaborative efforts in the field of apiary health.

Kerry A. Rood, MS, DVM, MPH, DACVPM is a professor and associate dean for

clinical programs at the Utah State University College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM).

Prior to this, Dr. Rood served as associate department head in the Animal, Dairy, and

Veterinary Sciences (ADVS) department and has served as extension veterinary since

2007. Before this academic appointment, he served as the Vermont State Veterinarian and Chief Animal Health Officer. A 1997 DVM graduate of KSU, Dr. Rood has been in mixed animal practice in Oregon and Utah. Kerry has received several awards, including the Extension Specialist Career Award, Undergraduate Advisor of the Year, Utah’s Veterinarian of the Year, Teacher of the Year, and President of the Utah Veterinary Medical Association. As part of a team, Dr. Rood was instrumental in

garnering professional, public, and legislative support for the USU School of Veterinary Medicine; a joint regional program between Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Utah. Because of the success of the SVM, the Utah legislature funded a full 4-year College of Veterinary Medicine in 2022 where he currently serves in an administrative role. This connection has been professionally and personally rewarding for not many can say they have been involved in the inception and creation of two veterinary educational programs. Kerry is from Coos Bay, Oregon, and was raised on a family-owned dairy and beef operation. Dr. Rood married Rachel Taylor in 1989 and they have three daughters. If he gets any spare time, you will find him road cycling or competitive pistol shooting.

David J. Wilson, DVM, MS, PhD, Dipl ACVPM. Born and grew up in Wisconsin. Graduated from veterinary school at Ohio State University in 1982. Practiced in mixed practice, mainly dairy, until 1987. Three-year residency and post-DVM MS specializing in mastitis and udder health completed in 1990 from Michigan State University. Worked in mastitis and udder health at Cornell University for 15 years, also earning a PhD in Epidemiology and Immunology in the Employee Degree Program. Came to Utah State University in 2006 as dairy extension veterinarian. Research, extension and publishing have mainly been in the areas of mastitis, milk quality, stray voltage on dairy farms, high throughput testing for dairy diseases using milk samples, bovine immunology and Johne’s disease. Other work has included epidemiology of disease and causes of mortality in many species tested through the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Blake Miller, DVM is a mixed animal practitioner providing small ruminant and camelid veterinary care just outside of Portland, OR. His main focus is on herd health, nutrition, and husbandry of backyard and small production farms. Dr. Blake frequently hosts students from the United States and abroad with varying levels of experience to help them gain the practical knowledge needed to further their career in small ruminant medicine. After earning his degree at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 2014 he began his focus on small ruminants and camelids. Dr. Blake Miller has a special interest in small production farming and is excited to contribute and share his experience as he teaches visiting students and leads public seminars.

Dirk Vanderwall DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACT is a Professor in the Department of Veterinary Clinical and Life Sciences; and Interim Dean for the College of Veterinary Medicine at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. He received his DVM degree in 1986 from Cornell University. He then worked in private practice as the resident veterinarian on a Standardbred horse breeding farm in New York State for two years. In 1989, he entered graduate school at the University of Idaho, where he received his PhD degree in animal physiology in 1992. In 1993, Dr. Vanderwall became a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists. From 1992 to 1994, he completed a post-doctoral research appointment at the University of Kentucky. From 1994 to 1999, he was an assistant professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at Colorado State University. From 1999 to 2009, he was an assistant and then associate professor at the University of Idaho. From 2009 to 2012, he was an Associate Professor and Chief of the Section of Reproduction and Behavior in the Department of Clinical Studies at New Bolton Center in the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2012, Dr. Vanderwall accepted his current position at Utah State University where he is involved in teaching, research and clinical activities in equine reproduction; and administrative activities as interim dean.

Mark B. Taylor, MA, DVM, Diplomate ACVR, received his Bachelor in Science in systematics and ecology from the University of Kansas in 1990. He stayed on to complete a 4 year Master of Arts in Botany (physiological plant ecology) in 1994. Changing directions, Mark applied to and graduated from Kansas State University with a doctorate in veterinary medicine in 1998. Anecdotally, he was the only botanist to have ever been admitted to veterinary medical doctorate program, which turned out to be very helpful on farms calls dealing with unusual toxicities. He worked many years as a general practitioner, became head of the emergency department for the largest specialty hospital in South East Florida, and then did mobile ultrasound along the Atlantic coast before moving to Virginia. Mark completed a residency in clinical nutrition from Virginia Polytechnic University in 2006 and became a consultant to Fresh Pet and Rayne Clinical Nutrition. While practicing as a clinical nutritionist and mobile sonographer in Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland, and interim director for Sound Technologies, he was offered a residency in diagnostic imaging through Vital Rads and Texas A and M in 2016. Mark completed his residency in 2019 and became board certified in the same year. Mark has written several publications in both botany and animal sciences. He has experience in all diagnostic modalities with a special interest in neuroimaging, echocardiography and abdominal ultrasounds.

Erin Trageser, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVR, is a Board-certified Veterinary Radiation Oncologist at MedVet Salt Lake City. Dr. Trageser was raised in Arizona and attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Veterinary Science. She then earned a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. Following completion of vet school, Dr. Trageser completed a rotating medicine and surgery internship at the VCA ARECA hospital in Mesa, AZ. She then moved away from Arizona to attend a residency in Radiation Oncology at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO at the prestigious Flint Animal Cancer Center. She also completed a Master of Science degree in Radiological Health Science while at Colorado State University. Dr. Trageser has a special interest in stereotactic radiation therapy and immunotherapy for cancer patients. She enjoys helping families make informed and empowered decisions in their pet’s healthcare treatment.

Nick Tymochko, PharmD A 2014 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, he has been a pharmacist for 8 years and has spent the last 5 years working in the veterinary specialty space of compounding. He currently holds 3 active state pharmacy licenses has completed over 20 CE credits designed specifically for veterinary pharmacy. His focus is concentrated around drug formulary management, designing treatment therapies in respect to antimicrobial stewardship, disease state management, and innovative dosage forms. He has consulted with thousands of veterinary practices in all 50 states, utilizing his knowledge of pharmacy standards, along with each board of pharmacy individualized state rules and regulations.

Jessie Salter, MS, DVM is a small animal veterinarian at Wasatch Animal Clinic in Heber, Utah. She obtained her doctorate of veterinary medicine from Washington State University with the first class of the WIMU program. She obtained her Master of Science from Utah State University in Agriculture Extension Education and is currently working towards a Master of Public Health with a veterinary emphasis. Her

goal is to gain certification in Veterinary Preventive Medicine, with the hope to educate veterinary students and foster the next generation of veterinarians.

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

Kurt A. Grimm, DVM, MS, PhD, is a former assistant professor of anesthesiology and pain management at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. He owns Veterinary Specialist Services which provides anesthesia specialist support to private practices in the Denver Metro area. Dr. Grimm earned his DVM from Iowa State University in 1995 and later his MS and PhD from the University of Illinois. He is double boarded in Veterinary Anesthesia-Analgesia and Clinical Pharmacology. Dr. Grimm is co-editor of several texts including Pain Management Made Simple, was lead editor on Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, the 5 th edition of Lumb and Jones. He is also a contributing editor on the forthcoming Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia, the 6th Edition of Lumb and Jones due out in 2024.

Deborah Hadlock, VMD, Dipl.ABVP (Emeritus), CVA, CVSMT, CVTP, CVBMA. Dr. Hadlock is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, afterwards completing an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York. From 1986-2012 she was a cardiology consultant for Cardiopet , which became Idexx Telemedicine. . She joined Animal Health Options in 2009- an Integrative Medicine Practice in Park City, Utah. In 2018 she founded Hadlock Integrative Veterinary Consulting. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, and holds certificates in acupuncture, spinal manipulative therapy, Tui-na and as a Veterinary Balanced Method Acupuncturist. She has participated as an Iditarod Veterinary Team member (2011 to 2018)! She has contributed to many publications including all 7 editions of the 5 Minute Veterinary Consult and has enjoyed speaking worldwide.

David D. Frame, DVM, DACPV received his DVM degree from Oregon State University and subsequently completed an avian medicine residency with the University of California, Davis. He is board certified in the American College of Poultry Veterinarians. Dr. Frame has received national awards for his poultry extension work and has served on the General Conference Committee of the National Poultry Improvement Plan, an official advisory committee to the US Secretary of Agriculture. He currently serves as the Utah State University Extension Poultry Specialist with an additional assignment as poultry diagnostician for the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Before beginning his professional career in poultry, Dr. Frame extensively bred and showed exhibition chickens.

Jaycie Riesberg, DVM, Diplomate, ACVO, is a Board-certified Veterinary Ophthalmologist at MedVet Salt Lake City, where she has been a part of the team since 2022. Dr. Riesberg attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Biomedical Sciences. She then earned, with honors, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, WA. Following earning her veterinary degree, Dr. Riesberg completed a rotating medicine and surgery internship at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Raleigh, NC. Additionally, she completed an ophthalmology residency at the Animal Eye Clinic of Spokane in Spokane, WA and the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Riesberg has a special interest in cornea, cataract, and adnexal surgery. Her favorite part of veterinary medicine is interacting with clients and patients, restoring vision, and alleviating pain and discomfort in animals. When away from the hospital, Dr. Riesberg enjoys horseback riding, hiking, and spending time with her husband, son, and two dogs.

Amanda Willett LCSW, MPH is a licensed clinical social worker, outreach and prevention coordinator of USU’s Counseling and Psychological Services, and the Director of Wellness for the School of Veterinary Medicine. In her roles at Utah State University, she collaboratively creates programming to support and prevent mental health and wellbeing both among college students and specifically with veterinary medicine students to address both their immediate and long-term mental health concerns in the field. She attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for her Master’s in Social Work and Public Health, and Baylor University for her Bachelor of Science studies in psychology and nutrition. She has worked previously in domestic violence prevention education, community-based mental health, and residential eating disorder care.

Karl Hoopes, DVM I grew up in the small farming community of Star Valley, Wyoming. Horses and cows were an everyday part of our lives. We milked cows and used horses to farm with, hauling hay and feeding in the winter. Horses also became our recreation, racing and 4-H. During my 8th grade career fair, I decided to be a veterinarian. In 2000 I graduated from the University of Wyoming with a BS in Animal Science and in 2003 I graduated from Colorado State University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, realizing my goal from the 8th grade. In 2003 I came to Cache Valley to work at Valley Veterinary Services and a year later bought into that practice. My professional career started with 12 years as a general veterinary practitioner. In 2015 I came to work at Utah State University. While here my focus has been in equine extension and undergraduate teaching. My extension programing focuses on equine health and equine-human bond with military personnel. My research projects have included intra uterine devices (IUDs) in horses as well as utilizing horses for treatment of military personnel suffering with PTSD and addiction disorder.

Warren Hess, DVM is an associate director in the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) Division of Animal and Public Health and as AVMA’s Disaster Coordinator. He provides technical and scientific expertise to the Committee on Environmental Issues (CEI) , the Aquatic Veterinary Medicine Committee (AqVMC), the Council on Veterinary Service (CoVS), and the Committee on Disaster and Emergency Issues (CDEI). Dr. Hess graduated from Colorado State University in 1989. He worked in small animal practice with an emphasis on birds and other exotic animals until 2004 when he began working for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF) where he served as a field veterinarian, assistant state veterinarian and 18 months as acting state veterinarian. He began working at the AVMA in 2016. Dr. Hess became involved early in his career with organized veterinary medicine and was elected president of the Utah Veterinary Medical Association (UVMA) in 2000. Dr. Hess has led several state and national organizations including serving as president of the National Alliance of Animal and Agricultural Emergency Programs (NASAAEP). Dr. Hess was voted Veterinarian of the Year in 2014 by the UVMA. He was the recipient of the NASAAEP Service Award in 2017 and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) Paws Up Award in 2018. He is married to his high school sweetheart (Lori), and together they have 5 children and 14 grandchildren.

Dr. Hess has enjoyed the companionship of horses, dogs, various birds, and marine fish. He enjoys fishing, rowing/kayaking, and motorcycles and has completed a motorcycle trip from his home state of Utah to Alaska and back with his 87 year-old father in tow.

Rusty Stott, DVM- No bio available.

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Benjamin Tverdy DVM, MSc., BSc. is a professional services veterinarian with Feedlot Health Management Services by TELUS Agriculture and Consumer Goods in the US.

Benjamin provides professional consulting and research services to feedlot and calf grower operations to optimize animal health and welfare; while utilizing a data driven approach to help make cost effective decisions.

Michael Pate, PhD is an Associate Professor of Agricultural Systems Technology. His research (30% role assignment) focuses on investigation of interventions to improve the health and safety of vulnerable populations working in production agriculture. Dr. Pate’s experience and training has been inagricultural education applying cognitive and educational psychology. As PI or co-Investigator on several USDA and NIOSH-funded grants (over $2 million), he has successfully administered projects (e.g.,

staffing, research protections, budget), collaborated with other researchers, and produced over 30 peer-reviewed publications. Under USDA NIFA programs Dr. Pate is working towards identifying agricultural workplace risks facing youth and potential interventions to reduce agricultural related injuries to youth. As a faculty member and PI, Dr. Pate continues to foster diversity, equity, and inclusiveness within his

research efforts to address disparities facing vulnerable communities. Much of Dr. Pate’s early and current efforts directly addressed the surveillance and intervention evaluation targeting special populations working in production agriculture especially occupational adolescent workers, Native Americans, and minority farm workers as these populations experience higher rates of injuries and illnesses. Dr. Pate served as the Nationwide Insurance Endowed Associate Professor of Agricultural Safety and Health at Penn State University before returning to Utah State University. The productivity of Dr. Pate’s research and the outcomes of project efforts exemplify dedication to the health and safety of farm workers and their families.

Shawn Zimmerman, DVM, PhD, DACVP (Clinical Pathology) is an assistant professor at Utah State University, where she teaches veterinary clinical pathology at the USU College of Veterinary Medicine, serves as the section head of clinical pathology at the Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and runs an independent research program in the Center of Integrated Biosystems. Her teaching interests include clinical pathology, infectious diseases, public health, general pathology, microbiology, immunology, and molecular biology. Her research is focused on studying the bacterial pathogenesis of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli [ETEC], mastitis-associated E. coli, and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species in order to explore novel host-pathogen interactions, identify new biomarkers, develop medical countermeasures, and establish improved animal models of infection. Outside of work, Shawn is an amateur potter with 12 years-

experience that can often be found playing with clay while she jams out to classic rock and 80s music. She lives in snowy Logan, Utah with her rambunctious family -- husband (Jeremy), daughter (Clementine), and Siamese cat (Chimi).

Jaime Nett-Johnson, DVM following a few years of college and a few years of living and working on the west coast, Dr. Nett returned to her hometown in North Dakota to complete a bachelor’s degree in biology and then graduated from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine in 2009. She returned to North Dakota after graduation to pursue small animal practice in a challenging, rural setting, and, after nearly a decade, moved to Utah with her family in 2018 when her husband took a job with the men’s basketball program at Utah State University. She has since continued her role as a small animal practitioner, first in northern Utah and then in Salt Lake City. Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her husband, son, two dogs, and rescue cat. She is enjoying the challenge of her new role outside of clinical practice as a Professional Consulting Veterinarian with Hill's Pet Nutrition.

Hope Teyler, DVM was raised in the small town of Alamosa, Colorado. She decided in the 8th grade that she wanted to be a veterinarian and never wavered from that course. Dr. Teyler earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine from CSU in 2004. She then practiced outside Palm Springs, California for 3 years before relocating to a practice in Park City, Utah. In 2011 She took a position as the Resident Veterinarian at Broadview University at the West Jordan, Utah campus. Dr. Teyler joined Copper View Animal Hospital in Riverton as a full time associate in 2015. Dr. Teyler’s special interests as a veterinarian include feline medicine, feline behavior, and dentistry. She has particular passion for improving the overall veterinary experience for felines.

During her time at Broadview University Dr. Teyler began giving presentations on compassion fatigue and burnout in the veterinary industry. She has lectured to organizations such as Best Friends Animal Society, Banfield, the Utah Animal Control Officers Association, The Tracy Aviary, Nuzzles and Company, and Salt Lake County Animal Services. When Dr. Teyler is not at work she loves spending time with her 3 cats; Sally, Rhaegar, and Tormund. She enjoys playing the piano, snorkeling, fishing, and writing.

Kara Thornton, PhD was born and raised in Nampa, Idaho. Although she always had a

passion for livestock, she did not work with large animals until she began her B.S. degree in Animal Science at Washington State University. After completing her B.S. in Animal Science in 2009, she moved 7 miles across the border to University of Idaho where she began pursuing a Ph.D. in Animal Physiology. She completed five different research projects during her doctoral research ranging from very basic applied cell culture projects to applied beef cattle feeding trials, each of which focused on how skeletal muscle growth occurs in livestock. After earning her Ph.D. in 2013, she moved to University of Minnesota where she worked as a post-doctoral research associate for two years. During this time her research focused on understanding the mechanism through which anabolic implants improve growth of skeletal muscle in beef cattle.

She began working in the Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Science department at Utah State University in 2015. Dr. Thornton in currently as Associate professor and currently runs a research program that focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for growth of skeletal muscle in livestock species. In addition, she also teaches courses for undergraduate, graduate and veterinary students. Throughout her career, Dr. Thornton has published 34 different manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals, given 35 oral presentations and 41 poster presentations, and received over $5 million dollars in research funding, with almost $2 million of that funding being received as principal investigator.

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Kyle Heaton, DVM, DACVS-LA Undergrad USU, Vet school WSU, Internship Pioneer equine hospital, Residency LA Surgery WSU, Part Owner at South Valley Equine

Heather H. Moreau, BVM&S, MRCVS grew up ‘back east’ spending her childhood years in Pennsylvania before relocating to Massachusetts with her family. Developing a love for skiing and racing at an early age, she studied at the University of Maine, Fort Kent where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology while competing on their Nordic and Alpine Ski Teams. While at UMFK, Dr. Moreau was elected as the University’s Student Representative to the Board of Trustees for 2 years, gaining valuable skills in team leadership and communication. Dr. Moreau graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2008 on a full presidential scholarship. In 2008 Dr. Moreau and her future husband Julian relocated to Salt Lake City due to their love of skiing and family connections. Shortly thereafter she got her start in veterinary medicine through mutual ski team friends. Dr. Moreau worked full time as a veterinary technician at a small animal practice in the SLC valley before attending veterinary school in the United Kingdom. Dr. Moreau was accepted into the University of Edinburgh’s Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies accelerated 4-year program in 2012. The school was founded in 1823 by Professor William Dick and is one of the oldest Veterinary Schools in the world, offering a well-rounded multi-species education. After a challenging four years studying and honing her clinical skills in and out of the classroom, Dr. Moreau was awarded the ‘Best Student in Dermatology’ award by the University at graduation in 2016. Since graduation, Dr. Moreau has been working full time in small animal practice here in the Salt Lake Valley. Her areas of interest are dermatology, diagnostic imaging, and internal medicine. She enjoys speaking and educating both Veterinary professionals through local continuing education conferences as well as clients on a daily basis. She’s thoroughly looking forward to running her own veterinary practice where she can create a close-knit team of professionals that are here to provide the best care for your beloved pet family members.

SATURDAY, JUNE 3

Amanda Vockler, DVM is a proud graduate of the first class (2016) of the joint program at Utah State University and Washington State University. As a Utah native, she has been proud to be a part of paving the way for a veterinary program in her home state. More recently, she was invited to be a part of the Dean's Advisory Board for the School of Veterinary Medicine at Utah State projected to start in 2025. Since graduation, she has worked in private practice in both corporately owned and privately owned practices. She started her mobile/ house call practice in March of 2022 for companion animals. It is a full-service mobile practice allowing for high-quality medicine in a low-stress environment. When not working, Dr. Vockler enjoys spending time with her husband, her two kids (ages 6 years and 2 years old), and her two dogs.

Jennifer Lyons CVT, LVT, MS, VTS(ECC) is an Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Technician Specialist and Clinical Supervisor at MedVet Salt Lake City. She acquired her bachelors and masters degrees from UC Davis in animal biology with a focus in genetics and reproduction. After some time in research, including working in labs that pioneered the research for FIP treatment and feline genome mapping, she decided to transition into working in veterinary medicine. She was one of the first CVTs in Utah, and achieved her VTS in 2021. She is a published author and experienced speaker. Outside of veterinary medicine she spends her free time adventuring with her husband, and being a doting mom to her four cats.

Kimberly Henneman DVM, DACVSMR (Eq, K9), FAAVA, CVA, CVC is a Utah native and 1986 graduate from the Purdue School of Veterinary Medicine after completing her pre-vet requirements at Utah State University. She holds certifications in veterinary acupuncture (IVAS 1990), veterinary chiropractic (AVCA 1992) and Chinese Herbal Medicine (IVAS 2000). She became the 12th Fellow of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture in 2008, and, in 2014, became the first (and currently only) veterinarian to achieve Board-certified Diplomate status in the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation in both Canine & Equine species. Dr. Henneman’s practice is 50% performance equine and 50% companion animal and ranges from the Rocky Mountains to Alaska to Hawaii and New England. Her practice exclusively involves the use of integrative therapies & thermal imaging in sports medicine, rehabilitation and chronic disease. She works on equine athletes of all disciplines and levels, as well as agility, obedience, sheep-herding, SAR, police/patrol/detection, sled and avalanche dogs; she is also an 11-year trail veteran of the Iditarod sled dog race as well as a many-year fill-in check-in & trail veterinarian for the Pedigree Stage Stop Race in Wyoming. Game to try helping any animal with health issues Dr. Kim has also consulted on several zoo animals including giraffes, rhinos and elephants. Dr. Henneman is a popular international and national speaker and has contributed to several textbooks: two VCNA editions including a chapter on Integrative Therapies for Equine Poor Performance in a recent 2022 issue, Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation (Zink & Van Dyke, eds), and an upcoming European book Essentials Facts of Equine Physical Therapy, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine (Marques, ed). Dr. Kim is also a scientific reviewer for four major veterinary scientific publications. She lives in Park City, Utah with her engineer/pilot husband, Pat, and a wad of horses, dogs and cats. She enjoys photography, travel and riding her OTQH mare.

Lindsey Spatig CVT has been a radiology and diagnostic imaging technician at MedVet for almost four years. She has her CVT and is currently working towards her VTS in diagnostic imaging. She has a special interest in cross sectional imaging and loves working as a collaborative team to help diagnose and treat patients. Outside of work she enjoys traveling and spending time with her Brussels Griffon Bean.

Susan Curtis, CVT, CPhT began her veterinary technician journey in 1985 in a mixed practice clinic located in Titusville, FL. She is passionate about animal care and education. She has been involved with wildlife rehabilitation since the 80s and works closely with her husband to run Sandy’s Haven an animal sanctuary that also provides wildlife rehabilitation. Susan is the Department Head for the Animal Sciences program which she developed in 2006 at Bridgerland Technical College. She is a General Class falconer and any spare moment is spent flying her birds.

Sam Gindville, DVM completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science at Auburn University, and went on to graduate from St. George’s University School of Veterinary Medicine with his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and completed his clinical training at Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, he went on to practice in and manage a small animal clinic in the Nashville area. Since 2015 Dr. Gindville has been working in industry, and is currently the Manager of the Companion Animal Veterinary Professional Services Team with Dechra Veterinary Products.

Micall Godderidge, DVM is from Heber City, Utah. She attended Utah State University for undergraduate, majoring in Bioveterinary Sciences with minors in Chemistry and Biology. She then went on to Washington State University where she completed all 4 years of Veterinary School. While at Washington State she focused on large animal medicine and planned to complete an internship and practice Equine Medicine. Micall graduated in 2015 and started out in a mixed animal practice in Utah county. Mixed animal became more difficult to manage while having a growing family and she slowly stayed in the clinic doing small animal work. Her mentor and boss started planting the seed of practice ownership 2 years after graduation. It took some time to find the right clinic, but eventually she was able to realize her goal of becoming a practice owner. In 2021, Micall and her husband Travis bought a 4 doctor, exclusively small animal clinic in Lehi, Utah. They are currently in the process of building an additional clinic in Eagle Mountain, Utah. They have 4 kids and 2 neurotic Drahthaars.

Jacqui Ruby-Major, RVT is an emergency technician with over 15 years of experience, community outreach and technical training.

Melissa Tucker, DVM, MS, DACVIM (small animal internal medicine) is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. She earned her DVM from NC State University in 2007, where she also completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery. After practicing emergency medicine for two years, she went on to complete her residency in small animal internal medicine at Washington State University. Dr. Tucker has been working with VetMed Consultants in Holladay, UT since 2015 where she focuses on minimally invasive diagnostic and treatment techniques for her patients.

Ashley Hechler, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology) is a board-certified veterinary neurologist and neurosurgeon at Bark City Veterinary Specialists in Park City, Utah. She started at Bark City this year, after spending the past 3 years as an assistant professor at The Ohio State University. She received her veterinary degree from the University of Florida in 2015 and went on to complete her combined residency in neurology and neurosurgery and Master’s of Science at The Ohio State University in 2019. Dr. Hechler enjoys all aspects of neurology, but her passions include Chiari-like malformation and syringomyelia, neuroimaging, management of neuropathic pain, and the utilization of rehabilitation therapy for common neurological disorders. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Stephen, and their two dogs, Finnegan and Patrick. As a Florida native, she loves any activity outside, and particularly enjoys being on the water.