Thankful Thursday: Showering Team Members with Appreciation

April 18, 2024

April showers bring notes of appreciation from our team members. Check out the positive impact our teams have on each other.

Justine Wood-Graves from Woodland Hills, Woodland Hills, California, wants to recognize Ed Zamora, Human Resources: "Whenever I need anything, Ed is always so kind, helpful, and knowledgeable! His jovial attitude and caring nature are always such a breath of fresh air. Thanks, Ed!"

Anna Adair from Lake Station Pet Clinic, Lake Station, Indiana, wants to recognize the CSR staff: "Just want to recognize our csrs that work so hard, and put up with a lot. Your hard work and efforts, do not go unnoticed and the rest of the staff appreciate all that you do!"

Ashley Ackles from Creve Coeur Animal Hospital, Creve Coeur, Missouri, wants to recognize the entire support staff: "I want to thank the entire support staff for stepping up over the last few months! We have been understaff, but watching this entire team band together to keep shifts covered and the clinic running has been amazing! They are one of the strongest teams I have work with. Thank you all for working hard and long hours to support the clients and patients during this time!"

Heather Mays from Linganore Veterinary Clinic, New Market, Maryland, wants to recognize Tiffany Rae Blaylock, Lead Technician: "I'm the new HM and we started with PetDesk at the same time. Tiffany has been hugely instrumental in being the lead person with PetDesk and saving me added stress!"

Dr. Jessie Nelson, COS from Sugarloaf Animal Hospital, Lawerenceville, Georgia, wants to recognize the entire team and Marissa Day, Hospital Manager: "Thank you for putting up with this building remodel and all the changes we have been going through.  This has been hard and the whole team and you have been amazing!!"

Tessie Sloan from Midlothian Veterinary Clinic, Midlothian, Texas, wants to recognize Nemesio Otero, Veterinary Assistant: "38 years of loyal service to Midlothian Veterinary Clinic! Nemesio is the first person to the clinic and often times the last to leave. He has worked here almost from the time the doors opened. Nemesio is not just a coworker, he is family to not only the staff but also to the clients and patients that he has helped over the years."

Nicole Argue from Nickel City Animal Hospital, Buffalo, New York, wants to recognize all of the staff at Nickel City Animal Hospital: "Always great team work but especially these past 3 weeks with all the emergencies and crazy cases we are having. No other team I would rather work with."

Tamara Sloan and the Cat Care Crew from Cat Care of Rochester Hills, Rochester Hills, Michigan, wants to recognize Tina Fye, Regional Manager: "Tina has been our RM since our purchase in December of 2019. She saw us through a really rough transition, COVID, and numerous other issues. Tina was an amazing resource, guide, management mentor, and all-around awesome lady. We cannot thank her enough for all of her support over the years. We're looking forward to developing a relationship with our new RM, but will always have a place for Tina in our Cat Care Crew! Thank you, Tina! Good luck in your new duties!!!"

Audry Helburn from Zippivet Arboretum, Austin, Texas, wants to recognize Danielle Gutierrez, Hospital Manager: "She has had so much on her plate lately and has handled it like a champ - moving into a new house, helping other clinics get things organized, and training new managers, all while interviewing for new staff at her home hospital AND keeping things running like clockwork. She is doing amazing!"

Suzi McDonnell from Vista Pet Hospital, Portland, Oregon, wants to recognize Bailey Walsh, Veterinary Assistant: "For being an amazing team player, the clinic Swiss army knife, a fierce advocate for both peers and patients, and the veggie hot dog eating champion. You are so very appreciated!"

Colleen Zylstra from Dunnville Veterinary Clinic, Dunnville, Ontario, CA, wants to recognize Katie Bosak, Reception: "Katie is always eager to bring ideas for the team. She suggested a pancake breakfast for the team which was a great get together. I appreciate her energy and great ideas.  She is always a positive spirit in the clinic and willing to take on any challenge given to her.  I want to thank her for being her. She makes the clinic a better place."

David Gagnon from Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic, Kaukauna, Wisconsin, wants to recognize Donna Pauling, DVM: "Dr. Pauling always shows up to work with a smile. She is a joy to be around, and is such a caring person. She takes good care of her patients, as well as their owners. Not only that, but she has a great sense of humor and is kind toward the entire staff at our clinic."

Sarah from Armitage Animal Clinic, Newmarket, Ontario, wants to recognize Michelle Hardiment, RVT: "I like to joke with Michelle that she knows everything and while she insists that it is not true, she is someone the whole team can rely on for help, support or knowledge. She is such an asset to the team. Michelle has been a big help to me personally and is someone I know I can go to as a sounding board. Thank you, Michelle!"

Jolene O'Brien from Berrien Vet, Baroda, Michigan, wants to recognize Cindy Bly, Reception: "I want to acknowledge how kind and professional Cindy is at our clinic. She is the first person the clients interact with and she always has a smile on her face. She is never late to work and she is so happy to help her co-workers in need. She is like the clinic ‘mom’. Thank you Cindy. I am thankful you are part of our team."

Rebecca Willis from Stone Ridge Animal Care, Evansville, Indiana, wants to recognize Brooke Virgin, Lead RVT: "Brooke will be with our clinic for 4 years this October, and I couldn't do my job without her! She has really helped me as I took on more responsibility as Hospital Manager, and gives me another trusted perspective and new ideas. She radiates positive energy and is always a team player ready to help wherever possible. Her hard work and dedication to our practice, and the veterinary field, is admirable and we are so lucky to have her!"

Casey Langford from Central Animal Hospital, Savannah, Georgia, wants to recognize Louella Mitchell, Technician: "Lou works so hard and really cares about the practice. She gives her all everyday. She cares about her team and every member's growth."

Marissa Lanouette from Ponemah Veterinary Hospital , Amherst, New Hampshire, wants to recognize Amber Rochette, Technician: "They recently passed their VTNE and became a new CVT."

Brittany Poulin from Main West Animal Hospital, Welland, Ontario, wants to recognize Paige Doan, CSR: "Paige has been an amazing addition to our CSR team. She brings a positive attitude and a good work ethic. Paige is a fast and eager learner. She is excellent with our clients both in person and on the phone. We are very lucky to have her on our team! Thank you for all of your hard work Paige we really appreciate you!!!"

Sherry Thompson from County Line Animal Hospital, Ontario, New York, wants to recognize Lisa Pokorny, CCS: "Lisa has taken on the task of training our new employees, and is very dedicated to doing this correctly in addition to her own regular duties. Thank you, Lisa!"

Dr. Marcy J Messina, COS from Livingston Animal Hospital, Livingston, New Jersey, wants to recognize Alfonso Galeas, Hospital Manager: "Alfonso has gone above and beyond his normal hospital management duties.  Our hospital flooded in January and has been under construction. He has been a vital link between informing and keeping upper management apprised of progress and setting up the cleanup crew and working with the contractor. He has given up his vacation during this time to make sure the hospital was moving forward with repairs. He has gone above and beyond what I consider the normal duties of a hospital manager entail."

Amy Klotz, Regional Manager from Animal Medical Center of Medina, Medina, Ohio, wants to recognize Marge Solar, Hospital Manager: "Marge has been an amazing help with onboarding a new hospital manager! The new manager spent her first week with Marge, learning Avimark as well as the day-to-day tasks that are expected of her as a hospital manager. I'm so grateful for Marge's help in helping to grow our region's team!"

Ashley Harrison-Jackson from Glen Burnie Animal Hospital, Glen Burnie, Maryland, wants to recognize Desiree Truitt, Technician: "Great team member and team player, comes in early to get the day started every day and is always finding ways to help around the hospital or areas that need improvement; goes the extra step to ensure that the clients are comfortable and follow-through is impeccable!"

Jeff Lanz from Turkeyfoot Family Pet Center, Akron, Ohio, wants to recognize Devinne Yoder, Hospital Manager: "Devinne puts her best out there every day and is a master at handling client and team member interactions. She always puts others first. Thanks Devinne!"

Cherie Guidry from Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic, Lynnwood, Washington, wants to recognize Aubrey Mills, Hospital Manager, Technician: "Aubrey is an outstanding office manager and vet tech. I couldn't do my job without her."

Rebecca Fife from La Costa Animal Hospital, Carlsbad, California, wants to recognize Brooke Huddleson, Lead Technician: "She was instrumental in helping with price changes and management items while our HM was out of town for the month of March!"

Adriano Vasco from Fountain Valley Animal Hospital, Colorado Springs, Colorado, wants to recognize Alex Lanier, CCS: "I would like to recognize Alex for her dedication, skill, and consistency. She is an invaluable asset to our hospital."

Hunter Reed from Animal Medical Center, Ontario, Ohio, wants to recognize Alli Crippen, CCS: "She helped us cover shifts when we had no one else, which allowed us to keep the kennel open! She has also been helping to train others and is always willing to pick up hours when the clinic needs it. She is incredibly reliable and we are so grateful to have her as a part of our team!"

Krystle Bernier from the OPS team wants to recognize Colleen Zylstra and Kelly McNeely, Hosptial Managers: "I want to give a huge shout out and thank you to both Colleen (Dunnville Veterinary Clinic) and Kelly (Heartland Niagara Animal Hospital). They took time out of their week, and time away from their busy clinics to help another clinic who recently lost an HM. The support and guidan, stepped up when you didn't have to - and for that I am thankful! Way to go ladies! This is a true example of teamwork!"

Angie Boatwright from Carthage Animal Hospital, Carthage, North Carolina, wants to recognize Spencer Cole, Veterinary Assistant: "Spencer is a joy to work with. Since rejoining our team he has voluntarily taken on tasks such as overseeing cleaning responsibilities, organizing, etc. He has phenomenal skills and the clients really like him. Spencer has a "can do" attitude that is contagious!"

Kaitlyn Phillips from Branchville Animal Hospital, Odenville, Alabama, wants to recognize the whole staff: "We are recognizing the staff of Branchville Animal Hospital and their playful, competitive spirit during March Madness! We have set up a bracket wall with everyone's guesses (almost 30 employees are participating). It has brought out a fun competitive side, even during busy and trying times. 10/10 recommend - especially when a reward is involved for most wins :)"

Megan McGregor from Animal Medical Clinic of St. Charles, St. Charles, Illinios, wants to recognize Mandi Smith, Receptionist: "Mandi is the most reliable, wonderful receptionist out there! She has a great way with clients, and always goes out of her way to help them out with whatever they need.  She is so fun to work with, and always has a positive attitude. We are so thankful to have her on our team!"

Kim Fegan from Big Creek Pet Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio, wants to recognize Veterinary Assistants Amber Exner and Jovi Santiago, and PCAs Lindsay Mihu and Maegan Campbell: "During the past 6 months our Patient Advocates have gone through A LOT with short staffing, difficult situations, extended hours. Throughout this challenging period Amber, Jovi, Lindsay and Maegan were always here and present to take on their shift. I can't tell you how much we appreciate them. Thank you all for your dedication to our patients/clients and to BCPH."

Melanie Worman from Downtown Toronto Cat Clinic, Toronto, Ontario, wants to recognize Aurora Joot, Veterinary Assistant, and Giselle Zmuda, CCS: "Thank you to Aurora for bringing back some great cat friendly ideas from the OAVT conference and sharing them with the team!  The lick mats to distract patients are a big hit especially! Thank you to Giselle for welcoming the new receptionist Jennifer, making her feel a part of the team and being her training buddy! Giselle's assistance in training Jennifer has been a huge help for myself and all of the team."

Lisa Tharp from Pittsburgh Spay & Vaccination Clinic, Verona, Pennsylvania, wants to recognize Megan DiPerna, Hospital Manager, St. Francis Animal Hospital: "Megan has gone out of her way to help us transition over to Scratch Pay a couple of months ago, and just recently, to PetDesk/Vetstoria. She cheerfully came to our hospital each of these times,to tutor our receptionists. She answered any and all questions, and is still quickly replying to our emails ... with even more questions for her!  :-)  She deserves a huge shout-out for always be so willing to help us out, and ease our minds!  We don't know what we would have done without all of her guidance!"

Brittany Klopp from Central Animal Hospital, Petaluma, California, wants to recognize Addy Larsen, Veterinary Assistant: "Addy is such a compassionate, hardworking and caring person! She always strives to grow and learn and we are so lucky to have her on our team. Thank you Addy for all you do!"

Morgan Smith from Central Support/Regional Manager, North Carolina, North Carolina, wants to recognize Meg McNair, Talent Acquisition: "Meg is fabulous! She goes over and beyond the call of duty when it comes to recruiting. I am truly blessed to work alongside of her with recruiting and attracting DVM talent to NC!"

Mark Allen from the OPS team also wants to recognize Meg McNair, Talent Acquisition: "I want to thank Meg for being so great to work with. I've worked with Meg for over 2 years and look forward to working many more. Meg thank you so much for the work you do in my region and being a great partner for all of my RMs."