Thankful Thursday: Appreciating 2023
December 21, 2023
We are headed into this holiday weekend with a big dose of cheer. Check out these messages of appreciation for our team members by our team members.
Sean Sornsin from OPS wants to recognize Meredith Beltinck, OPS: "Meredith has been a wonderful addition to the OPS team. She's stepped into a Project Manager role to help keep projects and initiatives on a good path and helping with training sessions. I appreciate her willingness to jump right into anything and move things along quickly. Meredith has been great at creating some content that helps with training and brings great ideas to the table for projects. She's really been a joy to have on the team!”
Lynsey Mohr from Rehoboth Beach Animal Hospital, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, wants to recognize Liz Brooks, Regional Manager: "I would like to shout out and thank Liz for all her help and hours of support. I've thrown a lot of new ideas and questions at her and she's made sure to hear every single one of them and has really supported me within all my personal and practice goals. I really appreciate you LB!”
Ashley Misner DVM COS from Stark Animal Hospital, Canton, Ohio, wants to recognize the entire team: "I just wanted to say thank you to my entire team for being amazing this year! I thoroughly enjoy working with all of you. It takes a stellar team to achieve exceptional client and patient care. I truly think we have exceeded all expectations. Everyone continues to grow and learn together which only continues to make our team stronger. THANK YOU ALL!”
Kelly McNeely from Heartland Niagara Animal Hospital, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, wants to recognize Alison Cabral, Vet Assistant: "Alison is so caring and passionate about her job as a vet assist. She brightens everyone's day with her positive attitude and warm personality. Thanks for all you do, Alison!”
Amy Klotz from Douds Veterinary Hospital, Oberlin, Ohio, wants to recognize Gerri Zimmermann, Lead Receptionist: "Gerri takes on so much responsibility in our hospital and is the go to person when there are any questions related to invoicing, clients etc.”
Carley Papst from Bradford Hills Veterinary Hospital, Wexford, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Shana Auge, CCS: "Shana joined us a few months ago as a receptionist and has gone above and beyond to thrive at Bradford Hills! She is so kind-hearted, hard-working and patient. She has caught on so fast and has been an amazing addition to our team. She constantly is helping all areas of our hospital and has rocked it every single day! We LOVE Shana!”
Dava Hunt from Cozy Cat Veterinary Hospital, Raleigh, North Carolina, wants to recognize the Vetcor support team: "Thanks for all the great info and help with the end-of-the-year process. It makes it so much easier to do each year. You all put a lot into this each year and we all appreciate it.”
Danielle Lopes from Tiogue Veterinary Clinic, Coventry, Rhode Island, wants to recognize Karlee Mello, Veterinary Technician: "Karlee is our newest team addition! She is not only doing a wonderful job learning her new role, but she is always there to lend a helping hand no matter what the task! We are very grateful to have her as an addition to our team and we are looking forward to watching her grow in the future! Keep on shining!”
Ashley Ackles from Creve Coeur Animal Hospital, Creve Coeur, Missouri, wants to recognize Lauren Gonzales, Assistant Hospital Manager: "Lauren goes above and beyond every day for this practice. She has been with the practice for almost 20 years and hasn't had a day where she didn't give 110%. She is always looking out for the team and does whatever she can to make them feel supported. As a new manager here, I immediately recognized her dedication and love for the clients and staff. She is the go-to person for almost anything. Lauren is the G.O.A.T. at Creve Coeur Animal Hospital!”
Deanne Smith from Bridle Trail Veterinary Clinic, Unionville, Ontario, Canada, wants to recognize Eugenie Lian, RVT: "Thank you for making my job easier. Thank you for taking the initiative to help out where you see we need it and for your positive attitude.”
Krystle Bernier from Heartland Niagara Animal Hospital, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, wants to recognize Phillip Rocca, Veterinary Assistant: "Phil has gone above and beyond! He has taken time to go through all Health and Safety guidelines to ensure they are in line with the Ontario Health and Safety Act. This was quite the undertaking, but it didn't go unnoticed. Thank you Phil for being the go-to on this project! We appreciate you!”
Hunter Reed from Animal Medical Center of Ontario, Mansfield, Ohio, wants to recognize Alli Crippen, CCS: "She keeps a positive attitude and is willing to help the practice in any way she can. She is always willing to help out her team. She also looks for ways to improve the practice. Alli is a wonderful person and we are all grateful she is part of the AMC family!”
Jennifer Silkworth from Inwood Animal Center, Inwood, West Virginia, wants to recognize Kelly Lederhouse, Lead Technician: "I am thankful for Kelly's continuous hard work and dedication to our Team. Kelly always maintains a positive attitude and willingness to help out wherever is needed.”
Colleen Zylstra from Dunnville Veterinary Clinic, Dunnville, Ontario, Canada, wants to recognize the whole team: "I am recognizing my entire team for Thankful Thursday. They have handled the recent changes with helpful, positive, and energetic attitudes. I have appreciated all their willingness to learn new things and their encouragement, during our recent joining of the Vetcor team. I am thankful for having such a great team!”
Haylee Murks from Animal Care Center of Hays County, San Marcos, Texas, wants to recognize Sydney Medina, DVM: "Dr.Medina is such an amazing doctor and person! She is my go-to person for anything and someone I can ALWAYS count on! She deserves recognition for ALL the hard work she does!”
Haylee Murks also wants to recognize Valerie Briell, DVM: "Dr.Briell is the kindest doctor and person that I know! She is a rock star who can persevere through anything! She deserves recognition for ALL the hard work she does!”
Stephanie Murphy from the Center for Animal Health, Edwardsburg, Michigan, wants to recognize Heather Weston, Inventory Manager: "Heather is an awesome team player and is always willing to take on a project or take care of an issue when I'm short on time. Shout out for helping with lots of end-of-the-year projects!”
Melanie from Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, wants to recognize Dr. Bonder: "For doing an amazing job on Willie's dentistry! Dr Bonder removed 14 teeth in one dental surgery, and Willie is like a new cat. His whole family is very happy with our care.”
Tiffany Harris from La Costa Animal Hospital, Carlsbad, California, wants to recognize Dr. Rebecca Fife: "Dr. Fife has taken on the position of COS for our hospital and has done an outstanding job with the transition and making positive changes so that we uphold our best practices. She is always kind, willing to help, and has a positive attitude each and every day! I am thankful that we work so well together! Thank you for being you Dr. Fife!”
Jodi McDowell from Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic, Stahlstown, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize everyone at LVC: "Thank you everyone for a wonderful year! I am so happy to call each one of you not just my friend but family. Thank you for your patience and understanding with me these last few months. I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and wonderful holiday season!”
Alannah Labesky from OPS wants to recognize the following people:
Kellie Wilkinson, Hospital Manager: "Kellie recently passed her VTNE, while maintaining the role as HM, being there for her awesome team, and working on the floor. I’m so proud of you! Congratulations!”
Krystle Bernier, Regional Manager: "Krystle and I have been working closely together over the last few months; she is a critical thinker, portrays positive intent, and is an overall genuinely kind and supportive RM. Her hospitals, and Vetcor, are lucky to have her!”
Ali Laing, Hospital Manager at Hillcrest Animal Hospital, Richmond Heights, Ohio: "Ali has recently been through some big changes at her hospital. She has dealt with the changes as gracefully as possible, asked for help as needed, and has stepped out of her comfort zone. Hillcrest is lucky to have such a fantastic and supportive HM. Thank you, Ali, for all you do!
Barb Hull, Hospital Manager at Allways Compassionate Veterinary Care, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: "I recently became Barb's RM support and I have been impressed with what a great leader she is. She is extremely organized and detail-oriented. I'm looking forward to supporting Barb and her awesome team at Always Compassionate in Pittsburgh!”
Katie from Angeli, Creve Coeur, Missouri, wants to recognize Kelvin Urday, DVM and Medical Director/Co-COS: "Dr. Urday has been fearlessly navigating us through a period of staff being out due to illness and injury. He has been picking up shifts to make sure we don't fall behind, re-arranging our schedule, and working hard every day to keep staff attitudes positive!”
Lisa Tharp from Pittsburgh Spay and Vaccination, Verona, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Jennifer Holt, LVT: "Jen is an amazing technician and has a wonderful work ethic, along with always being cheerful and positive! She makes the work environment so much better and also makes my job easier by always trying to work out a way to fill in, when asked. Clients (along with their pets) love her -- which isn't a bad trait, either! :-)”
Lisa Tharp also wants to recognize Karen Trzeciak, Receptionist: "Karen is our lead receptionist and has always been so great with the clients! She does whatever she can to help the clients, and to help me, too! No matter how much work I assign to her, she always pleasantly agrees to do it, and does it right away! She is my right-hand girl and helps to make my job much easier!”
Brittany Poulin from Main West Animal Hospital, Welland, Ontario, Canada, wants to recognize Gabby Deans, Veterinary Assistant: "I received an email from a client who was very happy and impressed with the level of compassion and care she received from Gabby. Gabby went above and beyond with helping this client. Her cat's thyroid medication is on backorder, Gabby reached out to her with her options. When the client decided on using transdermal gel Gabby then sent her videos on how to apply and use the medication.”
Marah from Springboro Vet, Springboro, Ohio, wants to recognize Marla, Receptionist: "Marla has been with us for 4 months, but we all feel it's been a lifetime! Since hiring her, Marla has learned everything very quickly, she always makes sure to go above and beyond to help me, the staff, doctors, and clientele in the best way she can, always has a contagious joyful spirit about her, and helps make sure our culture stays family oriented. She has been a great addition to our SVH family and we are so honored to work alongside such a special person. Thanks, Marla, for all you do!! You are more than appreciated and loved (:”
Dawn Trimble from Silver Spring Animal Wellness Center, Glendale, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Dr. Ann-Margret Morgan: "Dr. Morgan is a truly dedicated doctor. She is so compassionate to our clients, our patients, our crew, and her HM. She helped us out when another DVM was out sick. She is providing care through Lend-a-Hand at another Vetcor practice. She cares about everything...from providing extra time for a client, and researching options for a patient, to making sure we are financially on track. I am so honored to work with her each and every day!”
Christina Lazo from Balfour Animal Hospital, Fenwick, Ontario, Canada, wants to recognize Victoria Adams, Veterinary Assistant: "She gives 110% on everything she does, and is always very positive!”
Brittany Klopp from Central Animal Hospital, Petaluma, California, wants to recognize Matt Carter, Chief of Staff: "Matt has been an amazing mentor, boss, and friend for the last 15 years. I am so lucky to have been able to work alongside him and have the opportunity to learn from him. He is one of the most caring, giving, passionate, and dedicated people I know. He has been an inspiration for me to do better for the world and give back to our community. CAH is extremely lucky to have such an extraordinary person to work with. Thank you, Matt, you are truly one of a kind!”
Rhoda Jane from Penny Paws Mobiles, DFW & SA, Texas, wants to recognize Greg Tovar, CCS: "Thank you for all your hard work over the years.”
David Gagnon from Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic, Kaukauna, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Nicole Brighum, CVT: "Nicole is our longest-tenured technician, working with us for over 12 years. Her knowledge and skills have grown tremendously throughout her career and she's been a joy to work with. She brings a sense of humor and light-heartedness to work with her on a daily basis.”
Ashley Wade from Chisholm Ridge Pet Hospital, Saginaw, Texas, wants to recognize Chylsi Dean, Technician: "Big 10 year Employment Anniversary with our clinic.”
Sophie Handfield from Spadina Animal Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, wants to recognize Daniel Arroyave, Technician: "Daniel is amazing! He's always doing everything he can to help our patients out. He's been a fantastic technician with us for the past 3 years since arriving as a veterinarian from Colombia. We are very excited to help him on his journey of immigrating to Canada and finally becoming a practicing veterinarian here! Thank you Daniel for your loyalty and hard work!”
Liz Hall from OPS wants to recognize Sean Sornsin, Senior VP of Operations: "Sean is such a great leader and has always fearlessly supported our OPS team. He is intuitive, insightful, and always wants the best for our practices. I'm lucky to have worked with him and learned so much from him over the past 9 years.”
Liz also wants to recognize Dr. Erika Stafford, Heritage Animal Hospital, Olathe, Kansas: "Dr. Stafford has had a challenging couple of months and has stepped up to the plate! Her practice lost a COS and HM all within the same month and she has been an incredible help in making sure the practice still runs smoothly. She's so dedicated to the staff and her clients and I'm so thankful for her! Great job these past few months, Dr. Stafford!”
Rachel Davis from Jennings Veterinarians, North Vernon, Indiana, wants to recognize Caroline Short, Hospital Manager: "For keeping me sane and on top of my tasks all year! Thank you for all the work you do above and beyond your job description and covering for some of my tasks during this crazy year.”
LeAnne Charles from Mars Hill Animal Hospital, Bogart, Georgia, wants to recognize Amber Hansen, Vice President of Procurement and Spence King, Regional Manager: "Thank you for helping me with my ultrasound issues and for being patient as we try to figure out the best options for our hospital. You have both been kind and helpful during the process.”
Allyson Mihalko from High Plains Veterinary Hospital, Colorado Springs, Colorado, wants to recognize Ed Zamora, HR: "Ed is consistently positive and willing to assist and made a personal, stressful experience easier for me. His dedication, kindness, and expertise have undoubtedly made a significant impact on me! The kindness and respect he extended during our interaction left a lasting impression.”
Nicholas Brown from Snohomish Station Animal Hospital, Snohomish, Washington, wants to recognize the entire team: "Working as a team to help us achieve AAHA accreditation last month!”
Kailee Coll from Creature Comforts Animal Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada, wants to recognize Jeff Falkner, IT: "In times of crisis, heroes emerge, and today, our hospital likes to shine a spotlight on one such hero from our IT department - Jeff! Recently our firewall went down and we lost access to our network. This was not an easy time for our team or clients. But thanks to Jeff's incredible skills and unwavering dedication, we not only survived but emerged stronger from the experience. He kept us all in the loop with clear and timely updates, leaving no room for uncertainty or anxiety. We felt supported throughout the entire process, and that made all the difference. Here's to Jeff and to all the unsung heroes in our company who go above and beyond to keep us running smoothly.”
Kailee also wants to recognize Tiffany Scott, CCS: "Our Leadership team would like to recognize Tiffany Scott. Recently, our network faced a daunting challenge, but Tiffany's unwavering dedication and tireless efforts were instrumental in guiding our team through the crisis. She worked hand in hand with our IT department, going above and beyond by even personally shopping for equipment to get us restored faster. What truly sets Tiffany apart is her incredible positive attitude. Even in the face of adversity, she led with unwavering optimism, which served as a source of inspiration for our entire team. Tiffany plays a vital role on our leadership team. Her commitment to helping others is celebrated by our team. Tiffany carries herself with grace and an ever-present spirit of optimism, making her a true asset to our hospital. Thank you, Tiffany, for your outstanding dedication and positivity; you embody the spirit of our team, and we're proud to have you among us.”
Finally, Kailee wants to recognize the Kennel and Greeter Teams: "Our leadership team would like to recognize our Kennel Technicians and our Greeter Team. These entry-level positions might be the first step in their career journey, but they hold an indispensable role that goes far beyond their titles. They are the Directors of First Impressions, the dedicated caregivers to our boarders, and the calming voices that reassure anxious pet parents when they call to check on their furry loved ones. What sets our Greeters and Kennel Team apart is their willingness to go above and beyond. They don't just stick to their job descriptions; they jump in wherever help is needed. They are the embodiment of teamwork and camaraderie, often crossing over to assist each other in their duties, showcasing their dedication to our hospital's success. To our Greeter and Kennel Team, we salute you as you are the heart and soul of our hospital. We are grateful to have you as a part of our team.”
Jennifer Shinton from Creature Comforts Animal Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada, wants to recognize Tara Bittman, CCS: "Tara has been very positive during our recent network roadblocks. She has taken on new tasks and responsibilities to assist our remote team while they can't access the network. Tara is eager to earn and it always seems there's a smile in her voice.”
Mallory Joyner from Ambassador, Fayetteville, North Carolina, wants to recognize Holly Becker, Receptionist: "I want to recognize Holly one of our receptionists for offering to help out the assistants when they have been short-staffed and helping me by working with vendors when I was busy.”
Mallory also wants to recognize Dr. Stephanie Cawthorn: "I would like to show appreciation for Dr. Cawthorn as she shows incredible compassion and work ethic. She goes above and beyond when it comes to providing the best care for our patients. She works hard, long hours always putting the pets first.”
Alexa Demas from Ringwood Animal Hospital, Ringwood, New Jersey, wants to recognize Lorry Anzaldo, Hospital Manager: "Thank you for being a great mentor for all these years and for passing the torch to me. I appreciate you more than you know! I hope you thoroughly enjoy your retirement, you deserve it.”
Eric Detrick from Pleasant Hills Pet Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Barb Hull, Hospital Manager at Always Compassionate: "Our Surgery Light was not working. I reached out to Barb at our sister hospital to see if she had any ideas. She went above and beyond, came to my hospital, and was able to fix our light! My team and I are so THANKFUL and appreciative.”
Melanie Worman from Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, wants to recognize Jeanette Peckford and Aurora Joot, Veterinary Assistants: "We had two team members call out sick this Thursday. Jeanette and Aurora did a fantastic job, working very hard when we were seriously short-staffed. Jeanette even rearranged her child-care to stay 2 hours longer than her schedule. Aurora spends some time by herself in reception, which gets very busy at our clinic. Go team!”
Jennifer Maniscola from Indian Walk Veterinary Center, Newtown, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Dr. Deborah Comings: "Congratulations on becoming a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist! We are so proud of you.”
