Thankful Thursday: Spreading Cheer

December 15, 2022

Our teams show their appreciation year-round, but this being the holiday season it is extra special to see all of these notes going out to the dedicated hospital teams and support staff. You all certainly know how to spread the holiday cheer!

Liz MacDonald from Norwell Veterinary Hospital, Norwell, MA, wants to recognize Janie Lindsay, CCS: "Thank you for all your hard work and long hours. From answering phones calls and helping clients to entering inventory and all the other mini projects. Congratulations on becoming laser certified! You're an amazing employee and make NVH a better place. We could not be what we are without you there!"

Joe Khodari from Cresskill Animal Hospital, Cresskill, NJ, wants to recognize Stephanie Woollerton, Vet Assistant: "We appreciate your hard work and dedication that you put forth on a daily basis."

Ashley Misner, DVM, COS from Stark Animal Hospital, Canton, OH, wants to recognize the entire team: "I want to thank my entire team for being amazing every single day. I’m so grateful to work with all of you and I hope this next year will continue to bring our team to new levels of awesome. Special shout-out to our newest team member Hannah Drennen, who has very quickly bonded with the team and has done a great job in her CSR role so far!"

Rebecca Pardue from Red Bank Animal, Chattanooga, TN, wants to recognize Casey Hanson, CCA: "Casey has been with us for 7 months and has surpassed our expectations. She has taken a leadership role in our CCA department. We are so proud to call her one of our own and look forward to seeing her blossom into even greater."

Amy Klotz, RVT, Hospital Manager from Douds Veterinary Hospital, Oberlin, OH, wants to recognize Sandy Douds, HM: "As I am helping with another VetCor practice as their manager is currently out on sick leave, Sandy has been a huge help to me with questions that I have had a long the way. She and I split duties at Douds so some of the duties that she normally does at Douds, I'm doing at the other hospital and it has been nice to be able to ask her questions and rely on her for extra help."

Ashley Willis from Basin Run Animal Hospital, Colora, MD, wants to recognize the entire staff: "I would like to thank the entire staff for how well they are taking the transition to paperlite!  I truly appreciate that everyone is making the best of it and we are learning and evolving together instead of griping about the change.  It's a process for sure, but they are taking it in stride!!"

Sandy Kokinda from Herrmann Veterinary Clinic, Noblesville, IN, wants to recognize Kelly Stroh, DVM, COS: "Dr. Kelly has been COS since May, 2022 and she has taken this role to heart.  She is always trying to make every day easier for everyone.  She is very approachable with problems and complaints.  She really listens and tries to fix whatever is the issue.  Dr. Kelly is always finding ways to make us smile and laugh.  Her dedication is above and beyond anything I have seen from other clinics.  She is a great leader, friend and co-worker."

Lindsay Fidder from Bellwood Animal Hospital, Rockford, IL, wants to recognize Caitlin Yeoman, CVT, and Alma Bullman, CVT: "Thank you to Caitlin and Alma for helping Bellwood celebrate the holidays!  They have amazingly put together a 12 Days of Christmas Games, Cookie Exchange, Secret Santa, and Potluck!  Planning and putting things like this together is not always easy and we couldn't have done it without you both!  Thank you for helping make the holiday season fun and bright! And a shout out to everyone who helped decorate to make this place feel warm and cozy for the holidays!"

Kim Fegan from Big Creek Pet Hospital, Middleburg Heights, OH, wants to recognize Michelle Emigh, LVT, Megan Mosberger, LVT, Sarah Jarzembak, LVT, and Jessica Helkowski, LVT: "2022 has been a very difficult year for our technicians. Between losing a wonderful (RVT) friend in a difficult situation and another good RVT leaving, it has stretched our technician pool thin.  These 4 ladies work so well as a team and have great strengths that complement each other.  They are beyond flexible with their hours and very dependable.  They bring kindness and a work ethic that is immeasurable to our clinic.  With great joy and immense gratitude, I would love to shout out my thanks to Michelle, Megan, Sarah, and Jessica!  You ladies rock!!!!"

Dana Myers from Doctors Park Veterinary Clinic, Canfield, OH, wants to recognize Debbie Young, Receptionist: "When thinking about Thankful Thursday, Debbie Young immediately pops in mind because she is a one-of-a-kind team member!  She has been committed to this practice for over 30 years and always has a smile on her face.  She is valued by our clients and team members for her knowledge and compassion.  She is always there to help and is a true team player!  Her love for this clinic doesn't go unnoticed and she is greatly appreciated."

Brittany Klopp from Central Animal Hospital, Petaluma, CA, wants to recognize Courtney Fairchild, Lead customer care specialist: "Courtney is one of the most dedicated, compassionate and happy people I've ever had the pleasure to work with. She is a staple of the team and we don't know what we'd do without her. Thank you Courtney for all you do!"

Jeremy Litberg from Golf-Mil Veterinary Hospital, Niles, IL, wants to recognize Danielle DeDeoglou, Vet Assistant: "Danielle comes to work with a smile on her face and ready to work. She is always helpful to the staff around her and always wants to learn something new!"

Sean Sornsin from OPS Support Team wants to recognize Cesar Molina, RM: "Cesar has done a remarkable job of supporting his partner hospitals this year in California, Nevada, and Montana.  He is dependable and trustworthy in all his efforts and is never shy about doing what he thinks is right for both pets and people.  He always handles himself with class and makes great decisions.  It is an honor to get to partner with him every day."

Candice Akinson from Royston Animal Hospital, Royston, GA, wants to recognize the entire staff: "As our year comes to a close -- Our staff and doctors have given their all this entire year.  We appreciate each and everyone, it takes a team to deliver great veterinary service and these folks go above and beyond every day.  Thank you!"

Julie Hogue from Sherlock Bones and Windermere Animal Hospital, Fishers, IN, wants to recognize Dr. Roger Nix: "Thank you for opening up your home to host a wonderful Christmas dinner party for both hospitals."

Julie also wants to recognize Kelli Connors, Payroll Associate: "Thank you for all your help with my Dayforce account. I appreciate you!"

Amy Rudigier from Animal Medical Clinic of St. Charles, St. Charles, IL, wants to recognize the entire staff!!: "We have had lots of ups and downs this past year at the clinic.  This team has rolled with it all and made the best out of every situation. They make my job fun and I can't imagine practicing without them!!"

Ashley Moski from Russell Veterinary Hospital, Russell, PA, wants to recognize Molly Hajec, VMD: "Dr. Molly is very kind and compassionate. She is recognized for always going the extra step and taking time to meet her patients and clients on a professional and personal level. Dr. Molly's empathy and compassion for the veterinary profession is inspiring. Thank you, Dr. Molly for your hard work, your kindness and your commitment to service."

Kelley Shifflett from Earlysville Animal Hospital, Earlysville, VA, wants to recognize Dawn Conklin, IT Specialist: "Dawn is fabulous!!  She has always come to our rescue, offering great advice, understanding and a solution.  She is extremely pleasant even when she is bombarded with other issues.  Thank you so much Dawn for always being so helpful during a usually stressful situation for us."

Kelly Buckley from Recruiting wants to recognize Liz Hogan, HM: "I want to give a shout-out to Liz from BAH for stepping into the HM role and hitting the ground running!  She has done a phenomenal job so far, and I can't wait to see what she accomplishes next.  Thanks so much for your hard work and dedication, Liz. You're killing it!"

Kelly also wants to recognize Jen Weitzel, RM, Chad Harris, DVM, VP Veterinary Leadership, Elizabeth Hodge, DVM, New Grad Program Manager, and Amelia Mihalik, CCS: "I would like to give a shout-out to the Innovative Solutions Team for not only being exceptional at what you do but for always putting a smile on my face.  You guys make my day!  I can't wait to see what the new year brings for the IS team!"

Cindy Wyma from Two Notch Road Animal Clinic, Columbia, SC, wants to recognize Chasity Snow, CCS, Savannah Woodham, technician, and Brian Kuhn, PCA: "I would like to recognize these wonderful employees for all they do for our clients. They each go out of their way to make sure our clients have a great experience. I often get compliments from our clients regarding them. I'm so lucky to have such valued employees who care so much about not only our patients but our clients as well!"

Sean Sornsin from the OPS team wants to recognize the following team members:

Vicky Brown, Vice President Practice Support: "VB has been everywhere, helping everyone, making great things happen all year! She goes above and beyond in her support of practices and her RMs in the field.  She is critical to our success and never fails to meet the needs of those she supports.  Thanks, VB!"

Mark Fitzpatrick, HRIS Manager: "Thanks for all you have done with HRIS and new practices this year, Mark.  Mark has been great in helping us navigate new practices and all the changes we are constantly asking to be made in Dayforce! Thanks, Mark."

Amy Miller, Senior Director of Operations: "Amy Miller:  straight killing it every day! Thanks for all you've done in 2023 to keep OPS moving forward!"

Wanda Denslow, HM from Ocoee Animal Hospital, Blue Ridge, GA, wants to recognize our entire Ocoee Staff - Receptionists, Technicians, Doctors, & Kennel Staff: "This entire team has worked hard all year and continue to do an amazing job with our patients and clients. It's been a rough couple of years which at times has taken its toll on our staff. However, they always rise to the occasion; continuing to provide the highest quality care while supporting each other through the rough patches! We couldn't ask for a better crew to work with here at Ocoee!"

Susan Burkhart from Animal Medical Center of Ontario, Mansfield, OH, wants to recognize Dr. Steve Kranz, Dr. John Douds, Dr. Eric Shaver, Dr. Rachael Bils, Jennifer Weitzel RM, Heidi Thomas RVT, John Weitzel, Alyssa Weitzel, Hunter Reed HM: "These wonderful people donated their ENTIRE Sunday, November 6, to spay and neuter feral, stray,  and low-income cats for my 501(c)3 nonprofit, 4 Leaf Rover. We spayed/neutered 138 cats in ONE day, despite TWO power outages!!!!  Eight cities participated in the event, and the entire community was beyond grateful! It was so successful that we are planning a second event on February 5, 2023."

Sarah (Sally) Schaefer from Countryside Animal Hospital, Staatsburg, NY, wants to recognize Cheryl McFee, DVM: "Cheryl has been an amazing co-worker and friend to all. She goes above and beyond to provide the best care for her patients. She is focused, thoughtful, and kind. She is always available to help staff and clients even on her days off. I treasure her opinion, as well as her willingness to be involved in all aspects of making Countryside a gem in the community, and a great place to work."

Donna Pelfrey from Airway Animal Clinic, Dayton, OH, wants to recognize Danielle Garber, LVT: "Danni is a wonderful Technician!  She goes over and beyond to help all of the babies and her coworkers   She is so full of good, contagious energy.   I wanted to take this time to thank her for always helping me and to let her know how valuable she is.   I am so proud of how far she has come in her career.  Thank You, Danni!"

Margie Giles from Sanford Animal Hospital, Sanford, NC, wants to recognize Dr. Angela Kargus: "Dr. Kargus just joined our team in October and she has been an amazing addition to our already amazing team!  She is a wonderful vet and also just a great human being! Dr. Kargus has fit right into our crazy work family and we are so glad she picked us!"

Danielle Lopes from Tiogue Veterinary Clinic, Coventry, RI, wants to recognize her entire staff, our doctors, Dr.Mailloux, Dr.Turcotte, our reception team, Donna, Debbie, and Bonnie, and our technician team, Kandi, Mikhail, Renee, Christine, and Nick: "I want to give a shoutout and thank my team for being so amazing throughout this past year! 2022 was a year of a lot of changes and adapting, and my team has been rockstars through it all! Being a new manager is tough, and I appreciate them so much for being patient and understanding with me as I navigate my new role! Keep shining my rockstars!"

Pamela Daly from Willard Veterinary Clinic, Quincy, MA, wants to recognize her whole team: "Thank you for all your hard work during these challenging times."

Kerry Malak from Wauwatosa Veterinary Clinic, Wauwatosa, WI, wants to recognize Ryan Fox, CVT; Mikayla Albert, Client Care Supervisor; Ronea Byrd, Veterinary Assistant; Tiana Williams, Veterinary Assistant; Kevin Magana, Veterinary Assistant: "They all volunteered to help us with our annual Santa Photos event for our clients. Ryan was Santa, Mikayla took the photos, and Ronea, Tiana and Kevin all helped greet our clients and help wrangle our patients for pictures. We ended up having about 50 dogs, several cats & a Bearded Dragon come out to see Santa and our clients so appreciate us doing this every year!"

Melanie Meyer from the OPS team wants to recognize the entire WI Region: "I have the pleasure of supporting 27 practices in Wisconsin. Among these practices, there are many new faces and many faces I have known for a long time. I am so proud of the hard work, compassionate care, and service that comes from these locations. I have seen many team members reach goals, strengthen skills, obtain certifications and improve and save lives. I want everyone on my Wisconsin team and beyond to know that the work we do in VetMed MATTERS and that you are appreciated for all you do! Thank you for being here!"

Melanie Mills from Weymouth Landing Cat Clinic, Weymouth, MA, wants to recognize Keri Laporte, COS: "Dr. Laporte is a ROCK. Through losing doctors, changing appointment flow and timing, and the wild times we live in, she has made the clinic "go" with a smile and kind words for everyone. And, she's an amazing doctor to top it all off."

Melanie also wants to recognize the TechLife Team: "The TechLife team makes my week better every week. I truly appreciate the passion this group has for making life better for everyone at VetCor and in veterinary medicine in general."

Dava Hunt from Cozy Cat Veterinary Hospital, Raleigh, NC, wants to recognize Morgan Smith: "Cozy Cat and I want to welcome Morgan to our hospital and VetCor. We are looking forward to working with her and getting to know her. She will be a great asset to us and to VetCor."

Jodi McDowell from Loyalhanna Veterinary Clinic, Stahlstown, PA, wants to recognize the entire team at LVC: "I am so thankful for all the hard work, dedication, and flexibility from the entire team.  This year has presented a lot of challenges and everyone pulls together and covers for each other when needed.  We truly have the best crew and I am so thankful to call all of you not just my friends but my family!   Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!"

Allison Eddleman from South Anderson Veterinary Clinic, Anderson, IN, wants to recognize Esther Mishler, Inventory Manager: "Esther has such a desire to learn, grow, and push herself! She excitedly takes on all the CE I throw her way, and she takes what she learns and applies it directly to her job and our practice. She makes us better, and she inspires others to be better too!"

Dr. Holly Woltz from Veterinary Services of Aiken, Aiken, SC, wants to recognize her entire staff: Lisa Ward (CSR), Jess Hallman (CSR), Vicki Bernard, (CSR) Debbie Parry (HM), Lynn Nelson (Tech ), Maddy McCann(LVT), Emily Barton (Tech), Alex Iakovidis (Tech), Katelyn Day (Tech), Ashton Hudson (Tech), Brezae Hertock (Caregiver), Brianna  Parks-Jet (Caregiver), Timothy Schmidt (Caregiver), Cassidy Brinson (Caregiver), Elizabeth Fischer (Caregiver): "After 35 years as a Veterinarian and 11 years as Chief-of-Staff under the VetCor umbrella, I am exiting the stage. It's time - I'm tired, physically and emotionally. We all know how tough and WONDERFUL veterinary medicine is. I'd like to give a huge shout-out to my entire staff. We are a well-oiled machine. We work hard, play hard, care even harder for our clients and patients. We have shared tears and laughs over the years. You are the BEST, and I will miss you terribly. Continue the good work - let your hearts shine."

Jess Safani-Franko from Agoura Animal Clinic, Agoura Hills, CA, wants to recognize the entire IT team!: "The IT Team is AMAZING! Peter, Cesar, and Dawn have been working so hard to help us get ready to go paperless - I couldn't have done it without them. They're awesome and I'm so thankful for them!!!"

Mary Orefice, DVM from Torrington animal hospital, Torrington, CT, wants to recognize Meagan Scott, Technician: "Thank you for always finding and retrieving my stethoscope and always keeping a positive attitude no matter how crazy our schedule is!"