Thankful Thursday: Celebrating Resilience

February 20, 2025

In the spirit of gratitude and unity, let's pause to recognize the exceptional teamwork and resilience that define Team Vetcor. Below, you'll find heartfelt notes of appreciation that highlight the remarkable efforts and positive impact our team members have on one another. 

Shannon Naujoks from Leavells Animal Hospital, Spotsylvania, Virginia, wants to recognize Amanda Hurley, DVM: "Our whole team was out with the flu and Dr. Hurley stepped up and stayed late so we could keep the hospital open and be there for the pets in our community." 

Emily Adams from Port Cities Animal Hospital, Manitowoc, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Angela Madden-Heinzen, COS/DVM: "Dr Madden-Heinzen is the glue that keeps our clinic together. She is a strong leader and mentor to me, and is a fantastic leader to her team. She keeps us all going and motivated and is always looking for ways to better the clinic. I am so appreciative of her, and I am lucky to have her by my side." 

Mackenzie Hayes from Epping Road Veterinary Hospital, Exeter, New Hampshire, wants to recognize Cat Machajewski, Veterinary Technician: "Cat always goes above and beyond for our patients, clients and other team members. She brings a great attitude and bright smile to each day. She is caring, intelligent and her secret weapon is making everyone laugh. We are so grateful for you!" 

Chelsey Sexton from Pet Care Clinic of the High Country, Boone, North Carolina, wants to recognize Hannah Scott, Lead Assistant: "For this Thankful Thursday, we want to recognize Hannah, our incredible lead assistant! She started as a kennel assistant in 2021 and, through hard work and dedication, has grown into a vital part of our team. She recently graduated from technician school and will be sitting for her VTNE in just a few weeks. Her passion for learning is truly inspiring—something we witnessed firsthand at VMX, where her enthusiasm was contagious! We are beyond grateful for all she does, and we couldn’t ask for a more dedicated and compassionate teammate. Thank you, Hannah, for everything!" 

Brooke Huddleson from Santa Fe Animal Clinic, Encinitas, California, wants to recognize Ally Wilks, Veterinary Assistant: "Ally's skillset has grown so much in such a short amount of time! She always comes in with a positive attitude and everyone loves working with her. I am so proud of her growth in this field and it's a joy to watch her learn:)" 

Brooke also wants to recognize Melissa Michaud, Customer Service Representative: "Melissa does a fantastic job of always trying to help our clients in any way she can. She has done a wonderful job forging close relationships with them and is always going the extra mile:) We are so lucky to have her!" 

Amber Hansen from Procurement wants to recognize Vanesa Rivera, Procurement Manager: "I wanted to express my gratitude for Vanesa's exceptional hard work, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering "can do" attitude. Her dedication and positivity are truly inspiring, and they make a significant difference to our Procurement, HMLife, and TechLife teams. Her ability to tackle challenges head-on and commitment to excellence do not go unnoticed. We are incredibly fortunate to have her!" 

Brianna Viglietta from Land O’ Lakes Animal Hospital, Land O’ Lakes, Florida, wants to recognize Mckenzie Knudsen, Veterinary Assistant: "helping with sedated mass removals!" 

Destiny Rodriguez from Medina Veterinary Clinic, Medina, Ohio, wants to recognize Jake Hudson, CSR: "Jake has been tremendous help. Always willing to lend a helping hand and pick up shifts. He is also training to become one of our tech assistants and has been doing very well." 

Deborah Parry from Harris Boulevard Veterinary Clinic, Charlotte, North Carolina, wants to recognize the whole team: "I want to say thank you to the Harris Boulevard team for making me feel so welcome. I started as hospital manager a few weeks ago and received a wonderful welcome gift. The team has been so helpful while I find my feet. Thank you everyone." 

Mandy Tinker from Aspen Springs Animal Hospital, Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada, wants to recognize Nikki Manserra, RVT: "Nikki is a bright light in our practice. She always shows up with a smile on her face and with quick and witty answers for everything! She makes us smile all the time. I really appreciate her jumping in to help out with an ultrasound on a busy day when she knew I had a lunch date planned with a friend and ensured I made my date! We are so happy to have you as part of the Aspen Springs AH team Nikki!" 

Rebecca Pardue from Red Bank Animal Hospital, Chattanooga, Tennessee, wants to recognize Rachel Korhonen, Lead Vet Assistant: "Rachel started as a vet assistant about a year and a half ago, she has elevated herself to Inventory manager, Admin Assistant and now is our Lead Vet Assistant. She is always upbeat, happy, striving to be better at all the great things she already does. It makes my heart smile to see the level of detail she puts in her everyday performance. I am honored as a Hospital Manager to have the privilege to walk this journey with her. She often does not take the time to realize how valuable she is to the everyday operations of this business. I am so blessed to have her." 

Margie Giles from All Animals Veterinary Hospital, Sanford, NC, wants to recognize Sydney Simmons, DVM: "A big Thankful Thursday shout out to Dr Sydney Simmons.  She is just a rock star!  Her hard work and dedication plays such a big part in our clinic and does not go unnoticed.  We are so very grateful to have her on our team!  Thank you, Dr. Simmons, for everything that you do!" 

Danielle Mercado from the OPS team wants to recognize Nicole Aponte, DVM and Natalie Perry, COS and HM: "Dr. Aponte has always gone above and beyond for her team at Stone Mountain, and with Natalie joining the leadership team, I’m thrilled to see what they—and their entire team—will accomplish in 2025. Their collaboration and dedication are truly inspiring, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them!" 

Amy Miller from the OPS team wants to recognize Taylor Crispin, Project Management Office Director: "Taylor has gone above and beyond in helping us bring our vision for reviews in SkyWorld to life. Not only has Taylor made things happen that we didn’t even know were possible, but he’s done so with an incredible sense of urgency and an unwavering commitment to detail.  We are truly grateful for Taylor’s dedication, expertise, and hard work. His contributions have been invaluable, and we are so lucky to have him as part of the team!" 

Rachael Swallow from Animal Medical Center of McKinney, McKinney, Texas, wants to recognize Christine New, DVM: "We’re really grateful to have such an amazing veterinarian on our team! She's always ready to get her hands dirty and help out wherever necessary. Her self-sufficiency and strong work ethic inspire us all, and she motivates us to keep providing the best care for our furry friends. We truly appreciate having her as part of our family!" 

Kimberly Longenbach from Lehigh Valley Animal Hospital, Allentown, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Christina Maples, Regional Manager: "I would like to thank Chris, my regional manager, for all of her guidance and support.  Her expectations are high for all of her hospital managers, but she provides all the assistance and resources necessary to achieve our goals.  Together, we have worked on our communication, as she has helped me build more confidence. For these reasons, I can work on becoming the best version of myself to lead my team." 

Liz Hall from the OPS team wants to recognize Jamie Bishop, Technician at Barry Road Animal Hospital: "For going above and beyond to be helpful during a difficult situation.  All while having a positive attitude!  Her hospital and Vetcor are lucky to have her!" 

Liz also wants to recognize Oliver Brunhoeber, Hospital Manager at Barry Road Animal Hospital: "Oliver has embraced his role as a HM and is doing a phenomenal job.  He is thoughtful in his decisions and continues to strive to improve his hospital. Barry Road Animal Hospital is lucky to have him!" 

Lucy Smith from the OPS team wants to recognize Becky Grimm and Dr Valerie Vogel, HM and COS: "For 30 years, St. Charles SCVC has had an ER clinic rent space at their facility. This meant that they could offer and perform high level/difficult surgeries to their patients and be able to keep the patients overnight. They were also able to hospitalize patients, and clients knew that their pet would receive 24-hour care. Last week, the ER clinic decided they were going to close their business. Becky and Dr. Vogel went to tremendous lengths to open St. Charles SCVC as a 24-hour hospital. A lot of work has gone into this and they have worked around the clock to make it happen. The easy thing would have been to close at 6pm and transfer patients elsewhere. Instead, they are doing what is right for their patients and the community. I am impressed with their dedication and professionalism through all of this!" 

Tessie Sloan from Midlothian Veterinary Clinic, Midlothian, Texas, wants to recognize the entire staff: "Last month one of our K9 officers had to be euthanized.  The staff went above and beyond to make sure that they showed their support for all the officers involved.  Our parking lot was overflowing with officers for the city, county and surrounding areas. The entire staff and doctors moved our personal vehicles to allow even more room for the officers and family to park, they lined up with the officers to show their support as the K9 officer ended his shift, offered water to the fellow officers.  They showed such grace and respect during this moment and were even honored with a letter from the department and a challenge coin.  I honestly could not be more proud of how they responded that day." 

Cynthia Smallwood from Auburn Animal Hospital, Auburn, Georgia, wants to recognize Spence King, Regional Manager: "I want to recognize Spence King our regional manager.  Whenever our practice needs something all we have to do is call him.  Spence is always ready and willing to help solve a problem or just answer a question.  He is always quick to respond back and it is so nice to be able to rely on someone that cares that much.  So on behalf of our hospital and myself we just want to say thank you for everything you do." 

Chad Harris from the Veterinary Leadership Team wants to recognize Alexandra Prater and Kendall Point, Marketing Associates: "A huge thank you to Alexandra and Kendall for their incredible dedication and hard work over the years. The Vetcor event at Sea World during VMX was a huge success (as were events in the past) thanks to your meticulous planning and enthusiasm. If you haven't met them yet, make sure to say hello and experience their contagious positive energy. We appreciate you both more than words can express!" 

Kadri Uukkivi from Dunnville Veterinary Clinic, Dunnville, Ontario, wants to recognize Megan Lever, RVT: "Megan has been at our clinic for 18 years, and has always been a great & dedicated team player.  She takes pride in her career as a technician and is so easy to work with.  She has the ability to clearly communicate with our clients about their patients, and is an incredibly trusted & valuable member of our team!" 

Melanie Worman from Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, wants to recognize Giselle Zmuda, Lead CSR and Veterinary Assistant: "Thank you to Giselle for helping to train Kim our new receptionist! Giselle is a fantastic 'training buddy' and her assistance is invaluable." 

Angela Duke from Oakdale Veterinary Group, Oakdale, California, wants to recognize Shea May, Hospital Manager: "We were just recently bought out by Vetcor in November. Shea has stepped into the role as our new hospital manager. We are extremely thankful for her desire to make our hospital a place we all enjoy coming to work.  She is compassionate and caring not just with our patients but also our team. We are extremely thankful for her." 

Margie Giles from Sanford Animal Hospital, Sanford, North Carolina, wants to recognize Lindi Renwick, Vet Assistant: "A huge THANK YOU to Lindi Renwick, one of our incredible vet assistants. She is such a hard worker and her dedication to the clinic, the pets and their owners is unmatched. There aren't enough words to show our gratitude for Lindi and everything she does for us.  Every clinic should have a "Lindi" on their staff!" 

Jolene O'Brien from Berrien Veterinary Services, Baroda, Michigan, wants to recognize Lori Reed, CSR: "I am grateful the Lori helps out so much with our schedule, online booking and all the emails that come in.  It is a thankless job and just want to let her know we appreciate her. " 

David Gagnon from Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic, Kaukauna, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Savannah Bushland, Veterinary Assistant: "Savannah is a very hard worker, always finding jobs to do in order to help others around her. Outside of her great work ethic, she comes to work with a terrific sense of humor. She's a joy to work with!" 

Amy Klotz from Ops Team wants to recognize Maggie Kuhn, Hospital Manager: "Last January, the Chief of Staff for the hospital resigned leaving the practice down a doctor. Despite being down a doctor, Maggie did an absolutely amazing job controlling costs and managed to make her hospital more profitable year over year. Maggie found creative ways to continue to reward her team while staying on a budget. So proud of you Maggie and the job you have done! " 

Amy also wants to recognize Drs. Belcik and Steeg: "Ridgeville Animal Hospital went through a transition last year after their Chief of Staff resigned. They were down a doctor all year and Dr. Belcik and Dr. Steeg were absolutely amazing, picking up extra shifts to help with coverage while still maintaining a work/life balance. They are both very passionate about what they do and do it with smiles on their faces! " 

Brittany Klopp from Central Animal Hospital, Petaluma, California, wants to recognize Brandy Puckett, Veterinary Assistant: "For nearly 4 years, Brandy has been an incredible part of the CAH team, growing in her skills and always going the extra mile. Her hard work, kindness, and calming presence make such a difference every day. We’re so grateful to have her as part of our work family—thank you for all you do, Brandy!" 

Brittany Poulin from Main West Animal Hospital, Welland, Ontario, wants to recognize Kelly Maguire, RVT: "A big thank you to Kelly, one of our newest RVT! Your strong skills, eagerness to learn, and willingness to help wherever needed have already made such a positive impact. We truly appreciate your hard work and team spirit. So glad to have you as part of our team!" 

Natalie Swank from Springfield Animal Hospital, Springfield, Ohio, wants to recognize the entire team: "I would like to thank my entire team! November, I went on maternity leave for my first child. This was the longest I have EVER been off work and I was so worried about leaving my team.  However, they exceeded all expectations! They worked together and kept the clinic running smoothly. They took on the end of year like absolute champs! I am so proud of them and thankful to have such a hardworking and cohesive team. They made leaving and coming back such a smooth process for this first time Mom! :) " 

Krystle Bernier from the OPS team wants to recognize Amy Stewart, Revenue Accounting Manager: "I would like to recognize Amy Stewart in accounting for her outstanding work and dedication.  Amy has been instrumental in ironing out the kinks with the financials for the online store in Canada, putting in a ton of time to ensure everything is recorded properly on our reports. Her persistence and patience has made a significant difference, and the entire Canadian team truly appreciates the effort she’s put into this project.  We are incredibly grateful for Amy’s hard work and commitment. Thank you for your dedication and support—it hasn’t gone unnoticed." 

Kailee Coll from Creature Comforts Animal Hospital, Las Vegas, Nevada, wants to recognize the treatment department, LVTs and VAs: "The Management team would like to give a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Treatment team! Our amazing Licensed Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants – we see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn’t do this without you! Your dedication to patient care, client education, and top-tier service does not go unnoticed. Every day, you work tirelessly to ensure our patients receive the highest level of care, always prioritizing medicine, compassion, and teamwork above all else. Your ability to work seamlessly together, support one another, and advocate for both pets and their people is truly inspiring.  Thank you for your commitment, hard work, and passion—your efforts make a difference in the lives of our patients, clients, and the entire hospital. We are so lucky to have such a strong, skilled, and compassionate treatment team!" 

Karen April from Norton Animal Hospital, Norton, Massachusetts, wants to recognize Donna Battista, Head Technician: "I would like to thank Donna Battista for her dedication to the patients, clients and her fellow co-workers at Norton Animal Hospital. Her dedication for the past 25 years is a testament of her hard work and leadership at the practice. She is always going above and beyond to do what it takes to get the patients and clients what they need! Congratulations on a 25-year milestone - we appreciate all you do!" 

Sherry Thompson from County Line Animal Hospital, Ontario, New York, wants to recognize Tim Vleuten, DVM: "Dr. Vleuten is willing to work remotely during his scheduled leave of absence when our doctor is out sick this week. We would be shutting down our hospital this week if it weren't for his support. Dr. Tim epitomizes how an amazing team player who puts the team first is so very valuable in our awesome practice!" 

Jessica Daniels from Vet Healing Center, El Dorado Hills, California, wants to recognize Crystal Fowler, Hospital Manager: "Crystal is a rockstar Hospital Manager! She is an expert in her field and has implemented great processes in her clinic. She is a great resource for our other Nor Cal HMs as well! Thank you, Crystal!!" 

Russell Bean from Branchville Animal Hospital, Odenville, Alabama, wants to recognize The Vetcor IT Department Wizards: "When it's 20 minutes until time to open the business and you find out that your practice management software is down or none of the printers are working, these people saddle up their white horses and ride in to save the day. We really appreciate what they do."